Accademia dell’Opera Italiana - Citta’ di Nardo’
una colaborazione dell’assessorato alla cultura Neretino e Hughes&Modoni
We are thrilled to present a unique initiative in the heart of Nardò: the Accademia Dell'Opera Italiana, an Italian Opera Masterclass that promises to be an unforgettable experience for 12 exceptionally talented young artists from the top conservatories in London and Puglia. Taking place from August 1st to 15th, 2025, this immersive programme is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Puglia, Italy, and is dedicated to the meticulous study and performance of Pietro Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana.
Under the expert guidance of internationally renowned soprano and verismo specialist, Professor Nila Masala, participants will delve into the intense emotional landscape of this iconic opera. The masterclass will also feature the expertise of baritone Massimo Modoni, who will focus on vocal technique, and Brian Hughes, an accomplished accompanist and repetiteur, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Directed by Marco Bellussi, a seasoned director with a rich portfolio across Europe's finest theatres, the course will culminate in a series of three public concerts, with the grand finale being a staged production of Cavalleria Rusticana, performed all’Italiana, with grand piano, chorus and soloists. This performance will be a true highlight, showcasing the students' refined talents and their deepened understanding of Italian neo-realist music. Musical Direction will be by Italian Conductor Emanuela Di Pietro, who has managed some of the finest opera choruses in Italy, including La Fenice in Venice and Petruzzelli in Bari.
Participants will not only benefit from intensive musical and stage training but will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Italian culture through activities such as local cooking classes, language and gesture workshops, and guided tours of the region. The masterclass offers the rare chance to perform in multiple historic venues across Puglia with two different casts, as well as to take part in an operatic gala concert that will celebrate the best of 19th-century Italian repertoire.
The available roles include Santuzza (Mezzo or Dramatic Soprano), Lola (Mezzo), Turiddu (Tenor), Alfio (Baritone), and Mamma Lucia (Mezzo or Contralto). This course is a golden opportunity for emerging artists to hone their craft, gain invaluable stage experience, and immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Italian opera.
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Emanuela di Pietro
Chorus Master
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Nila Masala
Voice Professor
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Marco Bellussi
Director, Stagecraft and Movement
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Massimo Modoni
Italian Coach and Vocal Technique
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Bria Hughes
Artistic Director
About the Location:
Teatro Comunale di Nardo’
The Teatro Comunale di Nardò, located in the historic center of Nardò in Salento, has been a cultural hub of the community for over a century. Established after the unification of Italy, the theater was initially proposed in 1872 by architect Gregorio Nardò, but construction only began in 1893 under engineer Quintino Tarantino, and it was completed in 1895. The neoclassical theatre, known for its beautiful facade and excellent acoustics, officially opened in 1909 with a performance of Arrigo Boito's Mefistofele. Over the years, the theatre served various purposes, including a cinema, but fell into disuse by the mid-20th century. It was restored in the 1970s through the dedication of local citizens and reopened in 1982, preserving its original elegance. Today, the theatre is home to the TerramMare Teatro company and serves as a Puglian Theatrical Residence, supported by local and regional institutions and the European Community. The Accademia dell'Opera Italiana also hosts many performances here, including the Opera Soirée in the summer of 2024 and the New Year's Gala in 2025. The theatre is the perfect venue for the Accademia to train young professional singers and repetiteurs, providing them with the invaluable experience of performing in the authentic setting of a real opera house.
Masterclass on Cavalleria Rusticana - Singers
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The Accademia dell'Opera italiana offers a 2 week course with 5 and a half teaching days a week, including one to one and groups sessions:
Vocal technique preparation of the selected role, Massimo Modoni and Nila Masala - one to one sessions
Musical Coaching on Italian Verismo and Cavalleria, with Nila Masala and Brian Hughes
Italian Coaching, with Massimo Modoni
Moving and Acting coaching with Director Marco Bellussi
Masterclass on Cavalleria Rusticana - Répétiteurs
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The Accademia dell'Opera italiana offers a 2 week course with 5 and a half teaching days a week, including one to one and groups sessions:
Musical Coaching on Italian Verismo and Cavalleria, with Nila Masala and Brian Hughes
Italian Coaching, with Massimo Modoni
Repetituers will also be invited to participate in one to one vocal sessions
Moving and Acting coaching with Director Marco Bellussi
Masterclass on Cavalleria Rusticana - Chorus
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The Accademia dell'Opera Italiana offers a full week of course with Manuela di Pietro, chorus director of the Politeama Greco Opera House in Lecce, Italy. The students will receive group vocality and Italian sessions with Massimo Modoni and have the opportunity to take part to the staged production of Cavalleria with the direction of Marco Bellussi.
Each student will have the chance to perform in 2 staged shows of Mascagni's masterpiece.
