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.

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.

VOCAL COACH

Emmanuel Christien is a French pianist and collaborative artist widely recognized for his work in vocal accompaniment and chamber music. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, earning first prizes in piano, chamber music and vocal accompaniment, and has participated in masterclasses with Jean-Claude Pennetier, Aldo Ciccolini, Paul Badura-Skoda and Anne Queffélec.

As a collaborative pianist he performs regularly on major European stages and festivals, and on national radio, working closely with singers and instrumentalists in a wide range of repertoire. His artistic focus on song and partnership has made him a sought-after partner in recital and ensemble contexts.

Christien’s discography reflects his dedication to both song and collaborative repertoire. His recordings include Schumann’s complete Fantasiestücke (Artie’s Records), a collection of César Cui songs with soprano Céline Laly, and the Bach concertos for two, three and four pianos alongside David Fray, Jacques Rouvier and Audrey Vigoureux (Warner).

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.

MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP

Amy Van Arsdale, Ph.D. is a licensed counseling psychologist in private practice, offering individual and couples psychotherapy with a special emphasis on career issues, life transitions, and relationship concerns. She also provides focused career counseling and coaching to help clients identify work that aligns with their interests, strengths, and goals — from college and graduate students navigating early decisions to adults exploring mid-career transitions.

Dr. Van Arsdale earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida and has conducted clinical work across a diversity of settings. Before returning to Colorado, she maintained a private practice in Washington, DC, and brings a broad perspective shaped by her experience working with individuals in sectors including tech, legal, government, and higher education.

She is trained in evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and integrates her clinical expertise with practical support for vocational growth and life satisfaction. In addition to her clinical work, she teaches and provides professional training for therapists and psychiatry residents.

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!