Veneto Opera Summer School
Bassano del Grappa, 2023
Aria and Song week, 6–13 August – for singers of all levels and pianists
Staged Scenes programme, 14–27 August: Così fan tutte, La traviata and Cavalleria rusticana – for advanced and professional singers, pianists and instrumentalists
All participants will perform in Arte Lirica Festival
“The week transformed not only my use of Italian, but my awareness of language in singing more generally.”
Johanna, soprano
Aria and Song week, 6–13 August
- 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, 14–27 August
Così fan tutte, Mozart – Act 1 Finale: Fiordiligi, Dorabella, Despina, Ferrando, Guglielmo, Alfonso
La traviata, Verdi – Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2: Violetta, Annina, Alfredo, Giorgio Germont
Cavalleria rusticana, Mascagni – Scena e Sortita di Alfio and Scena e Preghiera including the Easter Hymn: Alfio, Mamma Lucia, Santuzza
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
- Places available for: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, horn, violin, viola and cello players
“A great opportunity for any instrumentalist to gain experience playing in operas, with fantastic coaches and musicians”
Rebecca, flautist
All participants
- 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 every day (excl. 20 and 26 August)
Performances
All participants will perform in a range of exciting events as part of Arte Lirica Festival 2023. These include a gala concert of arias, songs and ensembles, a theatre show at Teatro Eleonora Duse and pop-up events in Asolo’s historic square.
Casting
The first round of casting will take place in week commencing 3 April 2023. Each role will be double-cast and all singers will be expected to join the Cavalleria rusticana chorus.
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
We’re delighted to be running the second edition of Arte Lirica Festival in Asolo and surrounding towns in 2023. Supported by the Comune di Asolo, the Festival inspires and engage local residents and tourists, showcasing the excellence of Italian opera repertoire and the talent of our international summer school artists.
In 2019, the Festival gained significant press attention and was 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
Fees
Our fees INCLUDE ensuite accommodation and half-board*
Aria and Song week
Singers: £995
Pianists: £795
Staged Scenes programme
Singers: £1,495
Pianists: £1,195
Instrumentalists: £1,195
Fees are based on sharing a twin room, other room types are available for a reduction or supplement, see below.
Course fees include: All masterclasses, coaching, workshops, rehearsals, performances, transport to concert venues, ensuite accommodation with air conditioning, wifi, breakfast and lunch every day*, welcome aperitivo, use of practice rooms at specified times, administration and course materials.
*Staged Scenes programme: lunch not provided on 20 and 26 August but one dinner will be provided.
Optional:
- Single room: £10 supplement per person per night, subject to availability
- Triple room: £5 reduction per person per night, subject to availability
- Quadruple room: £10 reduction per person per night, subject to availability
- Airport transfers by private minibus or coach: £50 return or £30 one way if arriving/departing from Venice Marco Polo or Treviso within specified times
- Afternoon trip to prosecco vineyards with tastings, and visit to Asolo: £45, Aria and Song week only
- Grappa talk and tasting at Poli Grappa Museum in Bassano del Grappa: £5
Deposit and instalment payments
Following your acceptance onto the programme, we will require a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. This is £150 for Aria and Song week participants and £250 for Staged Scenes programme participants. The remainder of the fees must then be paid no later than 31 May 2023, or within one calendar month if booking after this date. If you prefer to spread the cost of the course, we can accept payment in two equal instalments due by 30 April 2023 and 31 May 2023
Scholarships – Staged Scenes programme
We are currently seeking funding for our 2023 Badoer Dalla Rizza scholarship fund to support early-career artists. This is aimed at those who are currently studying in full-time higher education, or who have graduated within the last five years. In 2019, the fund provided a number of scholarships up to the value of 50% of fees. Early-career applicants who would require support with the fees should indicate this when applying. We would also recommend consulting with your conservatoire/college if you are a student and exploring information on the Help Musicians website to see if there may be any additional funding available to you for fees and/or travel costs.
Apply
We welcome applications from singers, pianists and instrumentalists aged 18 or over.
Singers
Please either complete the online application form or apply via email with the following:
- A brief CV
- A short video or audio clip of you performing any Italian repertoire
- Your voice type and which role(s) you are applying for
Pianists and instrumentalists
To apply as a pianist or instrumentalist, you will need to have, or be studying for, a conservatoire or university music degree with a strong performance element, or have equivalent experience. Places are available for the following instrument types: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, horn, violin, viola and cello. Places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis to suitably experienced applicants.
Please either complete the online application form or apply via email with the following:
- A brief CV
- A short video or audio clip of you performing any classical repertoire
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. We look forward to receiving your application!
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