Victory Theatre International Arts Academy
The Academy brings musicians from around the world for a residency in Holyoke, MA. Selected musicians explore unique musical themes and concentrations, conduct workshops in the community, give public performances and act as ambassadors to the community for MIFA and the Victory Theatre.
The Victory Theatre International Arts Academy is a key part of MIFA’s education outreach program and is mentored by international artists and overseen by a locally based artist of outstanding merit.’’ El Puerto Rico, The Rich Port is the Victory Players first project.
El Puerto Rico focused on the works of five contemporary composers inspired by the rich musical culture of Puerto Rico’s classical and popular music and included commissions of new works.
Selection for musicians and composers began in 2017 and the successful residency took place over two weeks in June of 2018. Six musicians conducted by Tianhui Ng formed a strong artistic bond rehearsing the works of the five chosen composers. Three of the composers actually took part in the residency. In addition the Players conducted workshops at Holyoke and Chicopee High Schools and at a South Hadley elementary school. The residency culminated in a sold out gala public performance at El Mercado, the performance space run by Nueva Esperanza in Holyoke’s Puerto Rican Cultural District.
The second phase of El Puerto Rico will unfold in 2019 featuring the debuts of the completed commissioned compositions, additional workshops and increased public performances.
Support for the Victory Theatre International Arts Academy comes from MIFA through the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Friends of MIFA Victory Theatre, the Cultural Councils of Holyoke, Chicopee and South Hadley and Mount Holyoke College
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