We’re highlighting summer programs throughout this month and next. If you would like your program to be highlighted, email alex@classicalsinger.com.
My Experience, by Melanie Anderson
For two weeks in August 2014, I attended the AAMS International Summer Music Institute at the beautiful Giardini La Mortella in Ischia, Italy. It was a lot of hard work, but a blast. I met so many wonderful people and learned so much from the wonderful musical professionals that I don’t quite know where to start in describing this experience.
Perhaps I’ll start by telling you about a typical day for us. We were up by 8:30 to breakfast where we spoke informally in English and Italian with everyone in the program – a mixture of Italian and American students and faculty. Breakfast was toast, cereal, espresso and fresh juice. After colazione, we met in the museum where we warmed up our bodies and voices. We then had masterclasses every day from 10-11:30 where we had opportunities to sing for the faculty and learn from each other. After the masterclasses we had lunch on our own, either snacks we acquired or delicious fresh food from the Garden Tea House when it was open to the public.
Most days we had individual voice lessons with the faculty where we worked on all things voice – a bit of technique, diction, language, etc. The lessons were 30 minutes each and some were given only in Italian! It was great to work with so many different people. When we were not in private lessons, we had rehearsals for our opera scenes. This involved staging, music rehearsals and near the end of the program, runs with costumes! Most days we finished rehearsals by 7pm. It was really fun, although slightly chaotic at times due to all of the individual schedules and last minute changes. Fortunately everyone remained positive and flexible, which helped contribute to the great experience.
Throughout the program we had three performances (two for the public and one for ourselves) which included art songs, arias and scenes from Rigoletto and L’elisir d’amore. We had one full day of rest half way through the program and we used it to sight see around Ischia, do laundry and rest.
Giardini La Mortella was an absolutely stunning location for this program – the pictures don’t do it justice! Most of us lived there together throughout the program which was great because we got to know each other very well! Most people had a roommate, but some had single rooms. The beds were comfortable, although at times it was hot because we didn’t have AC. To cool off and relax, we played water polo in the pool, drank wine and walked to the local market to buy snacks and souvenirs. We also had pets on the property; lots of kitties and an adorable puppy named Lilli who loved playing fetch by the pool.
Every night around 19:45 we walked down steep hills to the local seaside village where we ate dinner as a group at La Rondinella. Anna and her staff were great and fed us very well. Most nights we had delicious appetizers, pasta and LOTS of seafood. We drank sparkling and normal water with red and white wine. Dessert was often gelato and always delicious! Watching the sunset over the ocean while eating delicious food with such a fabulous group of people every night was a real treat. After dinner we walked back up the hill to La Mortella, which helped work off all of the deliciousness we consumed. I definitely felt in shape after all of the climbing!
Last but certainly not least, I must highlight the people from the program. They were lovely and everyone worked really well together. It was such a joy to make music with such fun, talented people.The faculty were very knowledgeable, encouraging and wonderful to work with. I learned a lot and am so very thankful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with everyone. I made some wonderful friends and hope I will be able to return again some day to visit!
For more information about the AAMS International Summer Music Institute, go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InternationalSummerMusicInstitute.
