Let’s make music together
The Art of Lied
& Mélodie
Music Festival and Mastercourse
Studying Art Song That Has Also Been Orchestrated
Ten days of intensive study of orchestrated Lieder and Mélodie for singers and pianists, as well as masterclasses and concerts open for the public free of charge.
Come enjoy the exquisite world of Art Song!
Explore collaborative music through Art Song
July 23 – August 1, 2026
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kitchener, Ontario
Course Overview
The Art of Lied & Mélodie
Studying Orchestrated Art Song
For Singers and Pianists – July 23 – August 1, 2026
With Daniel Lichti and Laetitia Bougnol
Masterclasses and Concerts – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
This program is intended for advanced singers and pianists interested in exploring the rich world of Art Song as equal partners in study and performance. Singers and Pianists will apply as individuals and should indicate any intended partnership with another applicant. Successful applicants who do not indicate an identified partnership with another applicant, will be assigned to a suitable partner when applications are evaluated. Participation will be limited to 6 singers and 6 pianists.
Each Singer/Pianist Duo will have access to private rehearsal space for 2 hours daily (7 days), and will perform in six three-hour Masterclasses conducted by Daniel Lichti and Laetitia Bougnol that are open to the public.
Participants will perform in several public and private concerts over the course of the program, offering the songs they have coached in the course of the 9 day workshop. Each pair will also be expected to prepare two pieces appropriate for inclusion in a Protestant Church service (July 26) in one of Kitchener’s downtown churches as thanks for the use of rehearsal/concert pianos.
Suggestions for Repertoire
This year, the Art of Lied & Mélodie Festival and Mastercourse will focus specifically on Art Song that has been orchestrated. Below is a list of works which participants can consider for selection.
Lieder:
Gustav Mahler – Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Rückert Lieder, Kindertotenlieder
Richard Strauss – Vier Letzte Lieder, Vier Lieder Op. 27
Richard Wagner – Wesendonck Lieder
Hugo Wolf – Michelangelo Lieder
Mélodie:
Claude Debussy – Ariettes Oubliées
Henri Duparc – La vie antérieure, L’invitation au voyage, and other mélodies
Hector Berlioz – Les Nuits d’été
Gabriel Fauré – La bonne chanson
Jacques Ibert – Chansons de Don Quichotte
Maurice Ravel – Don Quichotte á Dulcinée
Course Details
In this program, singers and pianists will work in pairs studying Lieder and Mélodie that have also been orchestrated, under the guidance of two masters of the art. Participants will be featured in three public concerts dated July 25th (with Daniel Lichti and Laetitia Bougnol), July 31st, and August 1st.
Location
The masterclasses and concerts will primarily take place in the sanctuary of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Downtown Kitchener, Ontario. Close to the church, there is a wealth of options for food and lodging within a short journey by foot or public transit.
Lodging Recommendations
- Green Gables Guest House (ask for musician’s rate)
- Hotel Laurier
- Nearby Airbnbs
Performance Opportunities
There are currently 6 performance opportunities planned for program attendees to participate in.
Attendees can expect to perform:
- Two sacred works in a church service for a downtown congregation on July 26th
- Art Song selections in 2 private house concerts on July 26th and July 29th
- Public Art Song concerts on July 25th, July 31st, and August 1st
Masterclass Instruction
Participants will receive instruction in the form of Masterclasses running from 2pm – 5pm for six days in the St Andrew’s sanctuary. Each 3 hour Masterclass session will be divided evenly among the pairs of participants. The Masterclasses will be open to the public.
Practice and Rehearsal Space
Each pair of participants will be assigned a space with a piano at a downtown church near St Andrew’s where they can practice and rehearse from 10am – 12pm daily.
Preparation
Participants should come with the following repertoire prepared:
- 4-6 Lieder selections from the suggested list
- 4-6 Mélodie selections selections from the suggested list
- Two sacred works (anthem and offertory) to be performed in a church service on July 26th
Applications
For information on the application process, please visit our application page.
Course Schedule
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| July 23 | 9am – Meet in St Andrew’s Chapel for orientation 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Masterclass in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel |
| July 24 | 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Masterclass in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel |
| July 25 | 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Joint masterclass and rehearsal in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel 7pm – Opening Concert with participants and faculty members Daniel Lichti and Laetitia Bougnol |
| July 26 | 9am – 12pm – Students perform sacred works in local church services 7pm – Students perform in private house concert |
| July 27 | 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Masterclass in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel |
| July 28 | 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Masterclass in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel |
| July 29 | 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Masterclass in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel 7pm – Students perform in private house concert |
| July 30 | 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Masterclass in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel |
| July 31 | 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Joint masterclass and rehearsal in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel 7pm – Students perform in Lieder Concert at St. Andrew’s |
| August 1 | 10am – 12pm – Practice time 2pm – 5pm – Joint masterclass and rehearsal in St Andrew’s sanctuary and chapel 7pm – Students perform in Mélodie Concert at St. Andrew’s |