A Summer Program Veteran
I have attended a number of summer programs. Here are a few general comments: [Opera Lirica a Orvieto]: One of the few opportunities to perform vocal chamber music in Italy. Audiences are always appreciative. Nyela Basney’s coaching was excellent.
Urbania [7th Int’l Opera Wkshop]: The language study was excellent; music study was good, although there was always difficulty practicing (neighbors complain about the “noise”) and there were too few pianos. Again, audiences were extremely appreciative.
Operafestival di Roma (Panou): Although expensive, this is an excellent, production-oriented program. Those who want to work on their Italian can do so by going out into the city, although many Romans speak English.
Bel Canto Institute (Klaviter): My first exposure to Italian was here and well done. The coaches are outstanding and I learned more in this program about how to learn an operatic role than anywhere else, bar none!
OperaWorks: Very intense focus on physical/emotional performance and singing more freely. I learned things here that I bring to my singing everyday.
EPCASO [Ezio Pinza]: A less than satisfactory experience because voice lessons are part of the program and it just wasn’t working for me. The coaching is excellent and the location is in a town where no one speaks English.
ASOP [American Singers Opera Project]: For those who can’t leave New York City, this is a reasonable alternative. Much more time consuming than I would have anticipated. I learned new things in terms of how to approach a blocked scene, character preparation, etc. Downside: some participants are drastically less experienced. Some choices for the final performance were made to highlight studio members.
— Name Withheld
More Singers, More Comments
Amalfi: I would not recommend it to anyone who really wants a chance to cross the bridge from student to performer. A lot of influences created stresses for performers that should never have been there.
—Name Withheld
Amalfi: As far as location and repertoire, it was wonderful. I sang excerpts from Parsifal and Norma, Trouble in Tahiti and various song repertoire. The performances were well-attended and appreciated. I just have a hard time with the concept of paying for the privilege to perform.
—Mary Ann Stewart
Daniel Ferro Vocal Program: The highest calibre in form and content. It has changed my expectations of myself and my teachers.
— Rachel O. Tucker, 1999 Met Finalist
Elysium between Two Continents: I discovered a new way of approaching music, an approach which deals with the truth of the craft, rather than the tradition. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this outstanding program, and I highly recommend it to anyone who seriously pursues the art of singing. —David A. Dorsey
Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium: After this [program] I have decided that [singing] is what I want to do. —Theresa S.
Israel Vocal Arts (IVAI): Provides a tax-deductible way for patrons to sponsor you. Advanced singers do leads in fully-staged operas (piano); students do supporting roles, scenes, and song evenings; young students do training and chorus. —Name Withheld
Peter Harrower Institute: Daily coachings, rehearsals, acting, movement classes. The nurturing, professional staff included directors from NY City Opera, Atlanta Opera, Pensacola Opera.
—Name Withheld
Neil Semer Institute: He feels exactly where your problems come from and where you are hurt inside. I realized that my career really started again after the first program I took. Before, I was about to give up my profession. —Name Withheld
Steans Institute at Ravinia: To work on nothing but art song was a joy in itself, but to do so with professionals at the top of this field is extraordinary. Martin Katz, Margo Garrett, Warren Jones, Christoff Eschenbach, Thomas Allen….it doesn’t get any better. —Name Withheld
“It wrowth experience for me personally that I could not have received in Portland. It will continue to reveal itself in ways I can only imagine. Thank you for everything! “ -Joanna Ceciliani
Opera Theatre of Lucca, “I developed a huge part of my versatility as a performer. I have never felt more a part of the music than when I sang it, spoke the language, and lived with the people who adore it. “
—Molly K. Norris
“I felt I was singing full voice for the first time in my life! He really opened me up! By the end of the trip I had even convinced a native that I was Italian! “
—Britany Hopkins
“The experience also taught me how to really speak Italian, not just conjugate verbs and remember nouns. “
-Andrew Whitfield
“I learned that the maestro is always right. “
—Andrew Wilkowske
“Learning about culture and living here was the best experience of all. By the time you leave, you will be comfortable getting around in the language.“
—Name Withheld
