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Join the 5th Opera Composition Course in Fall 2025

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The Operatic Overture

Fall 2025 · IBOC Online

[Application]

Presented by the International Brazilian Opera Institute
Instructor: João MacDowell, Artistic Director & Resident Composer, IBOC

Course Focus

  • Crafting the modern operatic overture: purpose, shape, and dramatic impact
  • Moving from small ideas to large forms: thematic development and long-range structure
  • Building digital production guides: demoing parts, creating tempo maps, and conductor tracks
  • Polyharmonic and cross-cultural writing techniques
  • Collaborative workflows with singers, librettists, and directors
  • The composer as cultural catalyst: planning workshops, demos, and premieres
  • Practical strategies for remote recording, virtual orchestra, and score organization

Skills You’ll Develop

  • Melodic writing and text setting for voice
  • Advanced harmonic and rhythmic design
  • Architecture of expansive multi-scene works
  • Notation standards and software workflows for large scores
  • Creating tempo maps and electronic demos for professional recordings
  • Critical self-review and revision strategies

Schedule & Tuition

  • Dates: September 9 – December 9, 2025
  • Format: 12 live online sessions, Tuesdays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST
  • Tuition: U$ 1100
  • Early Bird – Apply by July 31: U$ 900

How to Apply

For questions, email contact@brazilianopera.com.
Join us this fall to refine your compositional voice and bring your next operatic project to life.

Composer Testimonial – Ronald “Trey” Walton

“The International Brazilian Opera Company
Composers’ Immersion in Brazil has been amazing.”

Check interview at: https://brazilianopera.com/trey_walton/

Composer Testimonial – Jacob Elkin


The Snake opera premiered in concert format at the IBOC Opera Nova Festival, New York – 2024

“IBOC does incredible work supporting the local and world community. They were instrumental in developing and producing my new opera last year. Joao’s composition coaching is top-notch, nurturing artists with compassion, wit, and attention to detail. IBOC’s concert production is of the highest quality with sensitive musicians, skilled vocalists and an eager and receptive audience. Their commitment to supporting artists and furthering the operatic repertoire is deeply needed and appreciated.” (Google Review)

2024 Promotion material for “The Snake”

Watch videos by Composers who participated the IBOC program: