THE ACADEMIA:

AN IMPORTANT CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION WITH ADDED VALUE!

Over the years, Academia Vocalis has established itself as one of the most important cultural educational institutions of the Tyrolean summer and has become an indispensable source of inspiration for the entire region of the Tyrolean Lowlands. Official bodies have also acknowledged this institution as one of the most significant cultural initiatives in Tyrol east of Innsbruck. However, the association does not regard this as a reason for self-satisfaction, but rather as an obligation. Nor does ambition drive the institution to expand its scope unchecked in order to attract greater attention. Its immediate task is instead to deploy its resources and strengths in a highly focused manner in order to meet the highest quality standards. Consequently, each season Academia follows a course that was already emerging in the previous year: on the one hand, building on proven strengths – namely seminars and masterclasses that have already demonstrated their high standards – and, on the other hand, setting new impulses that are not only understood within a narrow circle.

Meanwhile, new musical worlds have opened up in the immediate vicinity. More than two decades ago, the Tyrolean Festival in Erl was founded, which naturally created unforeseen opportunities for Academia Vocalis as well. Following intensive discussions, those responsible for Academia Vocalis succeeded on several occasions in establishing artistic cooperation with the Tyrolean Festival. This collaboration was particularly evident in the seminar and concert programmes from 2002 to 2018. It culminated nine years ago in the realisation of the new children’s opera “Max & Moritz – Seven Merry Pranks”, which was performed not only in Wörgl but also at the Tyrolean Festival Theatre in Erl.

ACADEMIA VOCALIS AS AN ECONOMIC FACTOR AND AS A UNIVERSITY-LEVEL CONTINUATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE SUMMER IN THE TYROLEAN LOWLANDS

Academia Vocalis sees itself as a university-level continuation of training for young artists from all over the world, many of whom return year after year – this year for the first time also to Kufstein. Depending on the range of masterclasses offered, between 90 and 150 students currently attend, coming from countries such as Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Belgium, as well as from China, Japan, Mongolia, Korea, Russia, Colombia and Canada – participants from 17 countries across four continents taking part in the masterclasses.

Academia Vocalis is also an economic factor which, during the summer months in the region of the Tyrolean Lowlands, translates into tangible economic added value and indirect profitability. The Academy operates with a budget that is spent each year within a six-week period in the respective region on masterclasses, concerts and major projects. Accommodation and living expenses alone for lecturers, tutors and masterclass participants – who arrange and finance their own accommodation and catering in the region – represent a significant economic factor, stimulating the Tyrolean Lowlands over a six-week period and providing important economic impulses.

The reach and impact of Academia Vocalis extend far beyond the Tyrolean mountains and are considerably stronger abroad than at home. Strong links with universities across Europe, Japan, Korea and overseas, built up over 37 years, ensure a steady international influx of students to the entire Tyrolean Lowlands. These students are drawn by the commitment of international stars and internationally recognised teachers (university professors, deans and elite singers), and are willing to pay for this educational opportunity. Intensive work is undertaken in the masterclasses, and upon completion students receive not only a certificate of participation from Academia Vocalis, but also a detailed record of the hours completed, categorised by type of activity. Legally, only deans (who also teach at the Academy) and full university professors are authorised to issue these documents – ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Students can submit these documents to universities throughout Europe in order to have seminars or modules credited. This is an absolute unique selling point!

Academia Vocalis understands itself as a university-level continuation of education for students during the summer months, a principle that is also firmly anchored in the association’s statutes – Academia Vocalis is not a festival, but a summer academy of higher education at university level! The issuing of these certificates clearly substantiates this claim. The concerts and opera performances represent the added value for the general public.