Cavalleria Rusticana

Summer Opera School & Final Performances

Presented by the Accademia dell’Opera Italiana

📍 Chiostro dei Carmelitani, Nardò, Puglia, Italy
🎭 Final Performances: August 14 & 15, 2025

An Unparalleled Operatic Training Experience

The Accademia dell’Opera Italiana (AOI) Summer Opera School is a prestigious and fully funded program designed to cultivate the next generation of opera singers. Over two and a half weeks, participants engage in an immersive artistic journey, receiving intensive training from a faculty of world-class professionals.

This unique program combines rigorous vocal coaching, acting, and stagecraft with the rich cultural tapestry of Italy. Singers reside and study in the heart of Southern Italy, refining their artistry in an environment steeped in operatic tradition. Mornings are dedicated to musical and technical rehearsals, while afternoons focus on Italian language coaching and staging sessions.

Final Performances in Nardò

Culminating their intensive training, our Young Artists will present fully staged performances of Cavalleria Rusticana on August 14 and 15, 2025, at the historic Chiostro dei Carmelitani in Nardò, Puglia. This picturesque cloister, with its serene ambiance and historical significance, provides an enchanting backdrop for these operatic showcases. Located a short walk from Piazza Salandra, the heart of Nardò, the Chiostro offers an authentic atmosphere enriched by historic architecture and vibrant local culture.

Chorus Participation Opportunity

In a collaborative effort, two casts of ten phenomenal young artists will join forces with a chorus comprising semi-professional choristers from England, Ireland, Sardinia, and local Italian talent. Choral singers are invited to apply for this project, which includes a 10-day masterclass led by esteemed Chorus Master Emanuela Di Pietro from August 6th to 15th. The program fee is €425, excluding lodging. Participants will engage in daily rehearsals and perform in the staged productions at the Chiostro dei Carmelitani.

Soloist Opportunities and Scholarships

AOI is committed to nurturing exceptional talent by offering 5 full scholarships to outstanding young artists. These scholarships cover all tuition fees and accommodation, providing a comprehensive training experience. The remaining five artists can participate for an all-inclusive fee of €2,500, which includes tuition and shared housing accommodations. Faculty and participants will share the same living space, fostering a familial atmosphere that enhances understanding of the social and linguistic nuances essential to Italian opera.

Meet the Artistic Team

• Musical Director: Emanuela Di Pietro
  Serving as Chorus Master at Teatro La Fenice in Venice and Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari, Emanuela Di Pietro is also a principal professor at the Conservatorio di Musica San Pietro a Majella in Naples. Her international career includes collaborations with renowned conductors such as Claudio Abbado and Riccardo Muti, as well as conducting at the Verdi Festival in Beijing.

• Director: Marco Bellussi
  With over 25 years of experience, Marco Bellussi has directed productions across Italy and internationally, including engagements at Teatro La Fenice, Teatro Goldoni di Venezia, and major houses in Germany and Belgium. His innovative approach blends traditional opera with contemporary insights, captivating audiences worldwide.

• Vocal Coaches & Voice Teachers:

  • Massimo Modoni
    Baritone and founder of AOI, Massimo Modoni is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of opera singers, emphasizing authentic vocal technique and interpretation.

  • Nila Masala
    Born in Sassari, Sardinia, soprano Nila Masala has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including the Festival Puccini of Torre del Lago, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, and Seoul Arts Center. Acclaimed for her portrayal of Turandot, she has collaborated with renowned conductors and directors throughout her illustrious career.

Why Attend the Final Performances?

• Emerging Opera Stars
  Experience the passion and talent of tomorrow's leading opera singers, fresh from their immersive training in Italy.

• Authentic Italian Training
  Our artists have undergone rigorous preparation under the mentorship of esteemed professionals from Italy's foremost opera houses.

• Historic Venue
  The Chiostro dei Carmelitani offers a unique and intimate setting, enhancing the operatic experience with its historical charm.

Join Us in Nardò!

📍 Venue: Chiostro dei Carmelitani, Nardò, Puglia, Italy
📅 Final Performances:

• August 14, 2025

• August 15, 2025

🎟 Admission is free, but seating is limited—early arrival is recommended!

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the culmination of intensive operatic training, set against the backdrop of Nardò's rich cultural heritage. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, talent, and Italian tradition.

Viva l’Opera! 🎶