Accademia dell’Opera Italiana

Brian Hughes & Massimo Modoni

Connect, Perform, Thrive

“Young artists from all over the world are able to hone their craft with opera professionals who are at the peak of their careers”

About the Accademia

Accademia dell’Opera Italiana, founded by pianist Brian Hughes and baritone Massimo Modoni, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of opera talent. Based in London, the Accademia offers young musicians a platform to launch their careers, with a focus on creating a supportive environment where performance excellence and artistic growth can flourish.

Learning Opportunities

Our comprehensive educational programmes include the Belcanto Bootcamps, offering five intensive London-based masterclasses for the 2024-25 academic year. These masterclasses are led by today’s leading opera professionals, featuring world-class artists such as soprano Nila Masala, bass Mirco Palazzi, mezzo-soprano Raffaella Milanesi, Royal Opera House vocal coach Alexandre Naoumenko, Italian director Marco Bellussi, and renowned choir master Emanuela di Pietro. Each of our exceptional young artists receives full sponsorship to participate in these London-based masterclasses, providing them with invaluable opportunities for artistic growth.

Additionally, our London studio provides personalised one-on-one sessions, while the Italian Summer Opera Campus in Puglia offers a two-week immersive experience, culminating in a fully staged production of Cavalleria Rusticana.

Perform and Network

Beyond training, the Accademia’s concert series provides invaluable opportunities for young artists to perform, connect, and network with both peers and established professionals. Under the leadership of our founders, Brian Hughes and Massimo Modoni, the Accademia has hosted over 15 home concerts during the 2023-24 season, held in intimate settings across Italy and the UK. These events offer participants the chance to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and build the connections essential for a successful career in opera.

Our young artists will also be featured in a series of four solo recitals in partnership with Blüthner Pianos, where they will present their finest work. Each recital will feature two of our eight singers alongside one of our repetiteurs. Additionally, each of the Belcanto Bootcamp masterclasses will culminate in 5 public operatic galas at Lauderdale House, showcasing the achievements of our young artists alongside performances by our esteemed faculty members.

Looking ahead, we are excited to present a fully staged production of Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana in Puglia, Italy, in the summer of 2025, as part of our AOI Summer Campus. This production will feature our top young artists alongside internationally renowned professionals. The summer will also include a special Operatic Gala at the Teatro Comunale Nardò, offering another platform for our rising talents to perform in a prestigious venue.

Below - Our Founders Brian Hughes and Massimo Modoni

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Our Faculty

Creating a nurturing and highly effective mentorship environment is at the heart of Accademia dell'Opera Italiana’s mission. This newly established academy connects young artists with an exceptional faculty of opera experts, including renowned soprano Nila Masala, Royal Opera House vocal coach Sasha Naoumenko, director Marco Bellussi, and chorus master Emanuela di Pietro. With such a wonderful team, the Accademia ensures that emerging talents receive top-tier training and mentorship, fostering the next generation of opera stars.

Massimo Modoni

Chairman

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Bria Hughes

Artistic Director

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Nila Masala

Voice Professor

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Alexandre Naoumenko

Vocal Coach

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Mirco Palazzi

Voice Professor

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Raffaella Milanesi

Voice Professor

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Renato Balsadonna

Conductor

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Emanuela di Pietro

Chorus Master

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Marco Bellussi

Director, Stagecraft and Movement

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Our Courses

Italian Summer campus

"Cavalleria Rusticana" AOI Summer Campus in Nardò, Italia
We are thrilled to present the Accademia dell'Opera Italiana's exclusive opera masterclass set in the enchanting region of Puglia, Italy.
Running from August 1st to 15th, 2025, this program offers 12 young talents from around the world a unique opportunity to refine their skills under the guidance of world-class maestros.
The 2025 edition will focus on a fully staged production of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana.
Open to 10 singers and 2 repetiteurs, this immersive experience, supported by Regione Puglia and the City of Nardò, combines intensive musical training with cultural enrichment. The course is led by internationally acclaimed soprano Nila Masala, director Marco Bellussi, Chorus Master Emauela di Pietro, vocal coach Massimo Modoni and repetiteur Brian Hughes.

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Belcanto bootcamp - London Masterclasses

Experience the Art of Belcanto with Our London-Based Masterclasses
The Accademia dell'Opera Italiana presents the Belcanto Bootcamp, a series of intensive masterclasses in London, limited to 9 singers and 3 repetiteurs. Participants will work with renowned professionals like Italian soprano Nila Masala and Royal Opera House vocal coach Alexandre Naoumenko. The program includes seminars such as "The Art of Recording" by Stefania Passamonte, CEO of LPMAM.
Masterclasses are offered on a full scholarship basis for Vocal Masters and Opera School students, with spots available for professional singers and adult learners at a fee. Focus on Italian operatic arias, honing vocal technique, language, and bel canto style.
Each session culminates in a public performance at Lauderdale House, showcasing participants' refined artistry.

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AOI Chorus

Unleash Your Vocal Potential with the AOI Chorus: Embark on a Transformative Journey Through the World of Opera
The Accademia dell'Opera Italiana invites you to discover the true power of your voice by joining the AOI Chorus.
Whether you’re an aspiring opera singer, a dedicated amateur, or a seasoned repetiteur, our chorus offers a unique opportunity to refine your vocal skills, expand your repertoire, and perform in prestigious venues.
Engage in weekly sessions in North London, and showcase your talent in our AOI Festival, featuring intimate home concerts and performances at the historic Lauderdale House.
For those seeking even more, join us in Italy for a fully staged production of Cavalleria Rusticana.
The AOI Chorus is your gateway to artistic growth and a deeper connection to the timeless tradition of opera.

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121 session with us

The Accademia dell'Opera Italiana offers exclusive one-on-one lessons designed to help aspiring opera singers refine their skills with personalized guidance from some of the best in the field.
Under the direction of renowned baritone Massimo Modoni and his partner, pianist and composer Brian Hughes, these sessions provide customized instruction to enhance each student's vocal technique and stage presence.
The Accademia also provides access to world-class opera and art song specialists, including internationally acclaimed soprano Nila Masala, tenor Sasha Naoumenko (a vocal coach at the Royal Opera House).
With this exceptional faculty, students gain a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, preparing them for successful careers in opera.
We also welcome adult learners and opera aficionados who wish to enrich their journey in the art of singing.

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