Based in the medieval town of Altopascio in the Province of Lucca (Italy), the inaugural summer of the Francigena Opera Academy will be two weeks of intense study of the Italian language, bel canto repertoire, private coachings, voice lessons, acting workshops, courses in Feldenkrais method, and concert performances of arias and scenes with piano accompaniment in the Teatro dei Rassicurati (Montec
arlo di Lucca), Teatro Accademico (Bagni di Lucca). There will be guided tours of Lucca (Puccini’s birthplace), the surrounding Tuscan countryside including Pisa and the coastal towns of Viareggio, and Livorno, as well as an excursion to Florence for an art and architecture tour. The Opera Academy will be in session during the vibrant Francigena International Arts Festival (FIAF), and final performances will take place as part of the Festival’s offerings.
• WHO ARE WE ? *
Christopher Franklin. (Director, Conductor and Head Coach). (Tenor, voice instructor). Adriana Zabala. (Mezzo-soprano, voice and acting instructor). Gabriele Micheli. (Pianist, vocal coach). Lucy Lenzi. (Italian language teacher). Fernanda Grossi. (Feldenkrais method).
* please visit Facebook or website for full bios
• WHAT MAKES THE FRANCIGENA OPERA ACADEMY UNIQUE ? FOA is specifically for American singers. FOA is under the auspices the Francigena International Arts Festival. FOA offers opportunities to sing for Italian casting directors. The Francigena Opera Academy is tailored for American singers to immerse themselves in Italian language and culture, study with Italian coaches, and debut in provincial Tuscan theaters with the benefit of intensive preparation and a supportive team of mentors. When auditioning for young artist programs, opera companies and managers, the FOA singers will feel the competitive edge that their Italian experience brings. As an integral part of the Francigena International Arts Festival under the patronage of the European Union and Regione Toscana, The Opera Academy enjoys a unique distinction, and is not associated with an American university program. Another completely unique advantage of the FOA is that singers will have the opportunity to audition for a select group of artistic and casting directors, resulting in invaluable professional feedback.
• WHERE IS THE ACADEMY AND WHERE DO WE STAY ? Daily courses of the FOA take place in the town of Altopascio di Lucca, and all singers are lodged at the Hotel Cavalieri del Tau (www.cavalierideltau.it). Classes and lessons will be held in conveniently located facilities within walking distance near the hotel in the historic center of Altopascio.
• WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE FOA ? Singers with professional potential, a start in the Italian language, a strong desire to further linguistic skills, and a passion for active, intense learning should apply! Between 10 and 12 young artists will be invited to come to the Academy.
• HOW DO I APPLY ? Application Deadline: Saturday, March 8th, 2014.
- Send a YouTube link of two Italian arias (audio/video) and attach a resume and head shot, with an re line stating: FOA application: Singer’s Name.
- Two recommendation letters, in PDF format, sent from a teacher, opera-related faculty member or opera professional, with an re line stating: FOA recommendation: Singer’s Name.
- All materials and recommendations must be submitted to the email address: [email protected] (by Saturday, March 8th), and invitations will be sent by email by March 18th, 2014.
• For further information,
please don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail or by phone...
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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OperaAcademy
• Website: www.francigenafestival.it/foa
Contacts:
Accademia della Musica “Francesco Geminiani”
Piazza Ricasoli 29 - Altopascio (Lucca) - Italy
• Phone: (+39) 0583269173
• E-mail: [email protected]
Visit and Like Francigena International Arts Festival !
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancigenaFestival
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