We believe in collaborating artists
That’s why we invite you to come experience nine days of intensive collaborative music training with two experts of art song in the city of Kitchener, Ontario!
Embark on a musical journey by teaming up with a talented singer or pianist in a collaborative duo. Delve into the world of Art Song under the guidance of two seasoned performers and educators in exclusive public masterclasses.
This year, we will be focusing on exploring Lieder and Mélodie that has also been orchestrated. Bring the selections of Lieder and Mélodie you would love to explore and polish with your partner pianist, and perform them in private and public concerts.
Discover the vibrant twin cities of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario as you refine your performance abilities. Savor the wealth of restaurants offering a diverse variety of ethnic cuisines. Learn, practice, and perform your art in the atmosphere of its beautiful, historic churches.
Learn and grow together with fellow singers and pianists, developing new friendships, partnerships, and mentorships. Share in the joy and beauty of music while expanding your musical and professional network.
Meet the Faculty
Daniel Lichti
Bass-Baritone, Professor Emeritus of Voice
Celebrating 50 years of professional life since his operatic debut at the 1974 Stratford Festival, Daniel Lichti is recognized as one of Canada’s finest bass-baritones, performing internationally and with many of North America’s leading Orchestras and Choral organizations. Among his extensive discography are five critically acclaimed Lieder recordings of collections by Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, and Hugo Wolf.
Laetitia Bougnol
Pianist, Professor of Accompaniment
Elle est professeur d’accompagnement au piano au Conservatoire de Lyon (CRR) et chargée de cours au CNSMD de Lyon. Après avoir été la pianiste accompagnatrice et assistante pendant dix ans de la classe de Philippe Bernold, elle a été accompagnatrice au CNSMD de Paris. Actuellement, elle accompagne la classe de violon de Jean Lénert à la Schola Cantorum de Paris. Laetitia Bougnol se produit régulièrement au sein de l’Orchestre de l’Opéra de Lyon, de l’Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France et de l’Orchestre philharmonique de Luxembourg.
Want to learn more about our faculty?
Testimonials
Not sure if the Art of Lied & Mélodie Festival and Mastercourse is for you? Check out what other singers and pianists have said about the program!
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“What truly set this program apart was the atmosphere of inspiration and collaboration. Dan and Laetitia’s enthusiasm was contagious, creating a space where everyone felt encouraged to take risks, explore new ideas, and learn from one another. It wasn’t just about singing–it was about connecting with the music on a deeper level and sharing that connection with others. I cannot recommend The Art of Lied & Mélodie enough. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after the final note.“
Lillian Gutierrez
Soprano
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“To be able to spend such time (a whole week) digging into beautiful repertoire like this is a blessing and a luxury. Dan and Letitia each bring a breadth of experience and artistry which I found both inspiring and profoundly encouraging. Art of Lied felt to me like a much-needed retreat from the constant stimulation of life around us. I left the week feeling fulfilled, focused, exhausted, and refreshed. I would highly recommend the program to any friends looking for a safe, fun, and welcoming space to hone their craft.“
Kento Stratford
Piano
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“This program gave me a profound appreciation for how nuanced, detailed, and collaborative a true musical partnership must be. Working with Daniel and Laetitia, my partner Natalia and I deepened our communication, artistry, and mutual sensitivity in ways that will continue to shape our future work together. Sharing multiple performances with the community became a meaningful space to test, refine, and celebrate the growth we achieved.“
Delaney Dam
Mezzo Soprano
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“To be able to spend such time (a whole week) digging into beautiful repertoire like this is a blessing and a luxury. Dan and Letitia each bring a breadth of experience and artistry which I found both inspiring and profoundly encouraging. Art of Lied felt to me like a much-needed retreat from the constant stimulation of life around us. I left the week feeling fulfilled, focused, exhausted, and refreshed. I would highly recommend the program to any friends looking for a safe, fun, and welcoming space to hone their craft.“
Kento Stratford
Piano
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“I felt musically and emotionally fulfilled by my partnership with Natalia Sawyer and what we were able to accomplish in our short time together under Dan Lichti and Laetitia’s expert coaching. I have many takeaways from my involvement in their Art of Lied program; I learned that I can trust my instincts with even greater fidelity. I can allow myself the freedom to fully immerse in the poetry and the stories I create; to let my imagination do the work and to play with the colours and expressivity of my instrument unapologetically. And, perhaps above all else, not to attempt to align myself with others; to make and defend my own choices — to be my own artist.“
Autumn Debassige
Mezzo Soprano
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“The inaugural Art of Lied program was a highlight of my personal and professional year. The opportunity to immerse in such an important work as ‘Winterreise’, and really connect with its interpretation and communication with an unparalleled soprano partner was a treat and an honour, as was the invaluable coaching from a seasoned duo that exemplified the true spirit and chemistry coveted and to be cherished in collaborative pianism. Daniel Lichti’s attention to expressive descriptive text with his velvet baritone revealed the soul of the work, while Laetitia’s Bougnol’s nuanced technical mastery at the piano guided us through the heart wrenching journey in a way that allowed each and every listener to relate and reflect. I learnt so much, about myself, about my partner, about lieder!“
Clare Marion
Pianist, Educator, Collaborator
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“The Art of Lied program deepened my love for Lieder. Both Daniel and Laetitia proved to be patient and encouraging instructors, and I was grateful for the opportunity to expand my repertoire and hear the incredible choices my peers made in their performances. Overall, the Art of Lied program has enriched my passion for music, and I am truly thankful to have been a part of such a transformative experience.“
Meghan Mair
Soprano
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“The Art of Lied and Mélodie is a unique program that emphasizes the true partnership and connection between the collaborative artists both in rehearsal and performance settings. Daniel Lichti and Laetitia Bougnol’s expertise, enthusiasm and passion provided an enriching experience focusing on French and German language as well as vocal and piano technique and artistry. I would highly recommend this fine master course to any advanced students and musicians at the onset of their professional careers.“
Alexandra Teske
Soprano
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“As a singer, I’ve never participated in a masterclass where the focus was on both the collaborative pianist and the singer equally. Having the opportunity to participate in workshops of this nature allowed me to gain new perspectives and understanding of the music we were working on. I had a fulfilling, enriching, and inspiring week in the Art of Lied program and I highly recommend this experience to singers and collaborative pianists.”
Grace Ronan
Mezzo Soprano
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“The Art of Lied masterclass was a wonderful and valuable experience for refreshing my skills and gaining new insights into creating expressive, supportive piano accompaniments for singers. Dan and Laetitia offered excellent instruction, both on collaborative performance in general and specifically on Lied. I came away from the festival feeling well-prepared to dive into collaborative work in my new city. The daily schedule kept things engaging with regular masterclasses and performance opportunities, and I appreciated the professional video recordings of the final concerts.“
Becky Reesor
Classical & Contemporary Pianist
YouTube Channel
Want to watch previous Art of Lied concerts? Visit our YouTube channel!
Develop your artistry, whether a Pianist or a Singer
We look forward to helping you refine your skills, and to sharing our love of music with you!
