Veneto Opera Summer School
In Summer 2023, Veneto Opera Summer School brought together over 50 singers, pianists and instrumentalists of 18 different nationalities.
Participants across our Aria and Song week and Staged Scenes programme presented a wide range of events as part of Arte Lirica Festival 2023, for audiences totalling 1,000+ people. These included gala concerts, pop-up opera events and staged scenes from Così fan tutte, La traviata and Cavalleria rusticana. We also raised 1,300+ euros for Effetà, supporting deaf children in Palestine.
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“The week transformed not only my use of Italian, but my awareness of language in singing more generally.”
Johanna, soprano
Aria and Song week, 2024 dates tbc
- Inspiring masterclasses using the highly effective Melofonetica Method, to help you master authentic pronunciation and improve musicality and expression in sung Italian
- One-to-one language and music coaching in your choice of repertoire
- Vocalising sessions using Italian text
- Ensemble coaching
- Pianists will get tailored coaching in how to use the Melofonetica Method to better prepare Italian repertoire and collaborate more effectively with singers
- Final performance as part of Arte Lirica Festival
- High quality accommodation with air-conditioning, wifi, breakfast and lunch every day
- Welcome aperitivo
- A tour to the beautiful Prosecco vineyards with tastings and a visit to the charming hilltop town of Asolo (optional)
- Grappa talk and tasting at Poli Grapperia (optional)
“The week transformed not only my use of Italian, but my awareness of language in singing more generally.”
Johanna, soprano
Staged Scenes programme, 2024 dates tbc
Singers
- Inspiring masterclasses using the highly effective Melofonetica Method to improve your diction, musicality and expression in Italian repertoire
- One-to-one language and music coaching for your role plus an aria or song of your choice
- Vocalising sessions using Italian text
- Ensemble coaching and sessions with our orchestra – all singers will learn the Cavalleria rusticana chorus parts and join the chorus when not performing a main role
“A fantastic experience, the coaching for any repertoire was excellent and I absolutely loved being able to perform in those stunning venues.”
Veronika, soprano
Pianists
- Accompany singers in a wide range of Italian repertoire during coaching sessions, rehearsals and performances
- Benefit from one-to-one coaching in how to use the Melofonetica Method to better prepare Italian repertoire and collaborate more effectively with singers
- Work closely alongside singers to explore how language informs phrasing and articulation
- Improve skills in orchestral playing and working with a conductor
“The Melofonetica Method showed me the beauty and sophistication of the Italian language… an amazing and fruitful experience!”
Cadis, pianist
Instrumentalists
- Learn how the Melofonetica Method helps orchestras and conductors to better prepare Italian repertoire
- Work closely alongside singers to explore how language informs phrasing and articulation
- Experience how clear and correct diction enhances dialogue between stage and orchestra
- Rehearse with and without singers, with time to explore new approaches with our conductor
“A great opportunity for any instrumentalist to gain experience playing in operas, with fantastic coaches and musicians”
Rebecca, flautist
All participants – Staged Scenes programme
- Special workshops:
- CV writing for singers
- Working effectively with pianists and conductors
- Melophonetics in other languages
- Welcome aperitivo
- Celebratory dinner
- High quality accommodation with air-conditioning, wifi, breakfast and lunch
Faculty
Matteo Dalle Fratte
LEAD COACH
Peter Ford
CONDUCTOR AND COACH
Julie Aherne
PIANIST AND COACH
Bernard Tan
PIANIST AND COACH – STAGED SCENES PROGRAMME
Alessandra Fasolo
LANGUAGE COACH – STAGED SCENES PROGRAMME
Jamila Jones
COURSE DIRECTOR
Arte Lirica Festival
Supported by the Comune di Asolo, Arte Lirica Festival inspires and engage local residents and tourists, showcasing the excellence of Italian opera repertoire and the talent of our international summer school artists.
The Festival has gained significant press attention and has been featured in numerous local and regional newspapers and TV channels including RAI news.
Performances include:
- Gala concerts of arias, songs and ensembles
- Theatre shows at Asolo’s Teatro Eleonora Duse
- Other exciting Festival events including pop-up shows in Asolo’s historic square and a lecture recital in the beautiful town hall
“I came away feeling very proud of what we’d produced in the two weeks together and very impressed with the quality of everything that was performed.”
Cate, soprano
Accommodation
The Scalabrini Institute provides comfortable, high quality accommodation and spacious teaching rooms with views towards the mountains, the town and the famous Ponte Vecchio. The venue provides:
- Air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms
- Continental breakfast and three-course Italian lunches
- Wifi
- Use of a small kitchen and washing machine
- Access to scenic riverside walks
“Venue (and the food!) was amazing and the course was superbly organised. Generally fantastic!”
Tom, baritone
Bassano del Grappa
Our venue, the peaceful Scalabrini Institute, is located beside the river in central Bassano del Grappa. Bassano is a beautiful, historic town at the foothills of the Alps in the Veneto region and takes its name from nearby Monte Grappa.
The historic centre of Bassano is just a 5-10 minute scenic riverside walk from our venue. It is pretty and compact with many bars, restaurants and boutiques. The architecture is a blend of typical Venetian arcaded streets and piazzas, and Austrian alpine wooden balconies.
The town is well known for its Ponte Vecchio, a historic wooden bridge designed by Palladio which crosses the river Brenta, locally-produced ceramics and grappa liqueur.
Bassano is within easy reach of Venice Marco Polo, Treviso and Verona airports. There are also direct trains from Venice, Vicenza and Padova. Parking is available at our venue if required.
Asolo
Asolo is the location for many of our festival performances and is 30 minutes from Bassano. Known as ‘The pearl of the province of Treviso’, and ‘The city of a hundred horizons’ for its iconic hilltop setting, Asolo is renowned for its artistic, literary and royal connections.
Queen Caterina Cornaro reigned in the 15th Century from the castle that now houses the Teatro Eleonora Duse. From that era onwards, Asolo gained an international reputation as a centre of cultural distinction.
Teatro Duse, Asolo
More information
If you have any queries about the programme or you’d like an informal chat about any aspect, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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