Countertenor &
Voice Faculty/Opera Workshop Director - Wagner College, NYC
Alan Dornak (General Director and voice instructor) In addition to a successful international performing career, Alan has been a sought-after vocal pedagogue, both Stateside and in Europe, for over twenty years. He has consistently pursued both careers simultaneously and with equal passion, bringing his knowledge of the stage into the studio. Alan is currently on the faculties of Wagner College and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy NYC (AMDA), and has been on the teaching rosters of several top summer training programs including Musica Coeli (Graz, Austria), Festa Lirica Italiana (Ischia, Italy), and the renowned American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) (Graz, Austria). In the US, he has been a frequent guest lecturer at New York’s Columbia University and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.
His students have graced the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro Comunale di Bologna and Modena, Semperoper Dresden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, as well as Broadway, National and International Tours.
In Germany and throughout Europe and South America, Alan has sung leading opera roles as a tenor and countertenor, and in 2006 joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2010, he co-founded the critically-acclaimed ensemble Opera Feroce with whom he performs as both countertenor and baritone. Opera Feroce’s mission is to develop entertaining and accessible conceptualized performances of obscure works and lesser-known composers primarily of the Baroque era.
In founding his own summer program, the Orfeo Vocal Arts Academy, Alan chose the magnificent city of Dresden, Germany as the program’s home. Alan was a resident of the Saxon capitol for most of his time in Germany, pursuing multiple degrees at the Conservatory and launching his European performing career. He continues to enjoy a tight-knit relationship with many of his longstanding German colleagues, many of whom are now valued OVAA collaborators. Alan is proud to call Dresden his second home and is passionate about sharing its rich cultural heritage with every new group of students. In return, OVAA has been embraced by the people of Dresden, and each summer sees a growing amount of enthusiasm and support.
To view Alan's performing history, CLICK HERE!
““[Alan] combines an intimate knowledge of the physiology of the voice, with a passion for discovering each singer’s unique qualities and strengths.”
““[Alan] is by far one of the greatest vocal coaches I have ever worked with.”
““the lessons learned from Mr.Dornak were akin to finding the Fountain of Youth…for vocal chords!”
““Alan Dornak’s training encourages flexibility in the singer’s voice allowing for the absolute versalitility of style.”
““I now have a technique that works specifically for me, based on his vast knowledge of both the anatomy and the range of style and emotion in the voice.”