Timothy Renner, Rebecca Gulinello, and Brent Michael Smith shone in AVA’s Russian Romances Concert

Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts (universally known by locals as AVA) may not have the international name recognition of another local top-tier musical training program, the Curtis Institute—but it’s comparable in stature and accomplishment.

Like Curtis, the admission standard is exceptionally high. AVA’s program is four years, and its resident artists (currently there are 27, if I count correctly) often have professional careers before and during their time here. Meanwhile, here they work on technique, repertoire, and presentation with blue-chip teachers—Benita Valente, Florence Quivar, Bill Schuman and others…