ACADEMY DIRECTOR

Academy founder and Director Mark Van Arsdale is an American tenor living and performing in France since 2010. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Mark graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northwestern University and Indiana University with degrees in Voice, Italian and French. He lived in Italy studying voice in Milan before starting his professional career in France. He has performed hundreds of evenings in dozens of opera houses across France, as well as in Germany, Italy, England, Austria, and Norway, primarily in Mozart, Baroque, and contemporary works. Mark brings a wealth of performance experience, creativity, and practical knowledge to young artists. He is intimately aware of the skills and steps needed to start a career in Europe, and brings this practical knowledge to the Academy to help young singers grow and flourish.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR, OPERA DES LANDES

Internationally renowned conductor and collaborative artist, maestro Brécourt is the musical director and principal conductor of the Opéra des Landes. Born in Paris, Gaspard Brécourt earned diplomas in piano, percussion, harmony, and counterpoint. He began his career as a répétiteur in various opera houses across Europe before starting conducting. After serving as assistant to Maestro Marek Janowski at the NOP for two years, he has conducted standard and modern operatic repertoire across France and Europe as well as symphonic concerts with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, the Athens Radio Orchestra, and the Tours Regional Orchestra. He is dedicated to training young artists across both internationally and in France, and continues his work as a collaborative pianist and coach for the next generation.

DIRECTOR, OPERA DES LANDES

Mr. Benameur is the Director of the Opéra des Landes, as well as an accomplished stage director and singer. Originally from Rabat, Morocco, Mr. Benameur studied in his native country and joined the National Radio Chorus of Morocco before moving to France to continue his studies at the Paris Conservatory. A lyric baritone, he has sung in numerous opera and opérette across France. He has directed and co-directed a variety of productions that have toured extensively across France. He is the artistic director of the Opéra des Landes since 2022 and continues his stage direction, notably with La Belle de Cadix in 2025.

VOCAL COACH

Ms. Blanic is a renowned pianist and vocal coach who has collaborated at France’s major opera theaters, including the Paris Opera. Her experience has enabled her to build a vast knowledge of repertoire, as she continues her work as a vocal coach for international opera singers.

Since 1992 Ms. Blanic has worked as a freelance artist and has been engaged by international theatres and institutions including Opéra de Paris, Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, Chorégies d'Orange, Radio France, Opéra de Montpellier, Opéra de Massy, Valencia Opera House, Shanghai Opera House, and Mexico Opera House Bellas Artes. Having made her debut at the CNIPAL in Marseille, under the management of Raymond Duffaut, she subsequently joined the opera theaters of Avignon, Monte-Carlo and Nice. She has also worked with renowned conductors such as Marek Janowski, Michel Plasson, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel, Kent Nagano, Alain Guingal, Pinchas Steinberg, Daniel Harding, Alain Altinoglu, Bertrand de Billy, Myung-Hun Chung, Luciano Accocella, and Mikko Franck.

MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP

Dr. Van Arsdale is a clinical psychologist working in private practice and teaching at the University of Denver. She has specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Career Counseling, and will lead the Mental Health Workshop of the Academy.

ACTING WORKSHOP

Xavier Lafarie is an actor, writer, and director. He has performed French and English classics (Molière, Shakespeare) as well as written and starred in contemporary works. He is currently living in Biarritz and works for Le Petit Bijou Theatre and is director of the Hossegor Live Arts Festival.

More coaches, instructors, and artists announced soon!