Accademia dell’Opera Italiana
February Gala:
Russian and Italian Romanticism
Final concert of the international Masterclass with Vocal Coach Alexander Naoumenko and Baritone Massimo Modoni
Start 2025 with an Unforgettable Celebration of Opera
Join us for an extraordinary matinee performance at the AOI February Opera Gala, the first event in the Accademia dell’Opera Italiana’s 2025 season, presented in partnership with Conway Hall.
This captivating concert features 10 outstanding young artists from the AOI’s prestigious programme, showcasing the results of an intensive masterclass led by Massimo Modoni, founder of AOI, alongside the internationally celebrated Alexandre Naoumenko—renowned Russian vocal coach for the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera House.
A former soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre, Naoumenko brings a profound knowledge of Russian opera and decades of experience coaching world-class singers and ballet artists. His expertise in Russian and Italian operatic traditions adds a unique artistic dimension to this gala.
A Dazzling Operatic Programme
Each young artist will present:
🎭 An Italian Romantic aria – embodying the passion and elegance of operas by Verdi, Bellini, Ponchielli, and Puccini.
A Russian operatic scene – exploring the emotional depth of Tchaikovsky’s favourite operas such as Pique Dame, Eugene Onegin, the Snowmaiden, and Iolanta
Accompanied by our expert répétiteurs, these emerging stars will transport audiences through the drama, beauty, and vocal brilliance of two of opera’s greatest traditions.
Featured Performers
✨ Young Artists
Sophie Benfield (Soprano)
Clare Quinn (Soprano)
Fionn hAlmhain (Bass)
Daria Moskaliuk (Soprano)
Edith Adetu (Soprano)
Nadiia Chaichenko (Contralto)
Hannah Hughes (Soprano)
Sophie Patterson (Mezzo-Soprano)
Matthew Curtis (Tenor)
Tom Stanyard (Tenor)
🎹 Pianists & Répétiteurs
Matt Clemmets
Paul Mnatsakanov
Ishan Bhadra
🎶 Special Ensemble Highlights
This year’s gala will also feature an ensemble collaboration with the AOI Chorus, formed by our sponsors and patrons, performing:
The Chariot Aria (Cavalleria Rusticana – Mascagni)
The Humming Chorus (Madama Butterfly – Puccini)
Event Details
📅 Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Venue: Main Auditorium, Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
This is a rare opportunity to experience the rising stars of opera in an intimate and immersive setting. Secure your place now and be part of this unforgettable celebration of extraordinary voices and timeless music.
🎟 Tickets are limited—book now!
About Alexander Naoumenko
Alexander Naoumenko, also known as Sasha, was born in Lipetsk, Russia. After graduating from the Lipetsk College of Music, he pursued advanced studies at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory under the mentorship of the prolific Georgian tenor Zurab Sotkilava. He furthered his training at the Moscow Opera Studio and attended master classes with celebrated artists such as Alfredo Kraus, Renata Scotto, Renato Capecchi, Ernst Haefliger, Nancy Evans, and Aldo Baldin.
During his time in Moscow, Naoumenko performed prominent roles, including Podholusin in The Marriage at the Bolshoi Theatre, Alfredo in La Traviata, Lensky in Eugene Onegin, and Don Giovanni in The Stone Guest at the Moscow Conservatory Bolshoi Hall. In 1991, he made his American debut at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House, playing Platon Karataev in War and Peace under the baton of Valery Gergiev.
After relocating to the UK, Naoumenko continued his distinguished career with the English National Opera, where he portrayed roles such as Dr. Caius in Falstaff under Mark Elder and Ladislav in The Two Widows. His European engagements include roles like Cavaradossi in Tosca with European Chamber Opera, Fenton in Falstaff with English Touring Opera, Don Jose in Carmen at the Chelmsford Festival, and Misail in Boris Godunov with Opera Ireland conducted by Alexander Anisimov.
Naoumenko has also graced German stages, performing the role of Mozart in Mozart and Salieri and other notable roles in productions like War and Peace and Strauss's Friedenstag at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam under Edo de Waart. He has recorded Rothschild's Violin (Fleishman/Shostakovich) with Melodiya Records and the Complete Songs of Rachmaninov with Chandos Records alongside Howard Shelley, Joan Rodgers, Maria Popescu, and Sergei Leiferkus.
Currently, Alexander Naoumenko serves as a vocal coach at the prestigious Royal Opera House in London, where he continues to impart his extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of opera singers.