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 extraordinary celebration of opera at the AOI February Opera Gala Matinee, the first event in the Accademia dell’Opera Italiana’s 2025 calendar, presented in partnership with Conway Hall.
This captivating performance features 10 exceptional young artists from the AOI’s prestigious programme, showcasing the results of their intensive masterclass with Massimo Modoni, our founder, and the internationally celebrated Alexandre Naoumenko, Russian vocal coach for the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera.
Alexandre Naoumenko brings a wealth of experience to the masterclass, with a distinguished career as a soloist at the Bolshoi Theatre and as a sought-after coach for operatic and ballet professionals worldwide. Renowned for his deep understanding of Russian operatic repertoire and his ability to inspire authentic and expressive performances, Naoumenko adds a unique dimension to this event.
During the gala, each young artist will perform:
One operatic aria from the Italian Romantic tradition, embodying the drama and elegance of composers like Verdi, Bellini, or Donizetti.
One Russian Romantic operatic scene, highlighting the emotional depth and lyricism of works by composers such as Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov.
This matinee promises a unique journey through two of opera’s most beloved traditions, brought to life by the rising stars of tomorrow. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this inspiring collaboration in the iconic setting of Conway Hall.
Tickets are limited—secure your place now to be part of this unforgettable start to the 2025 AOI season!
About the Masterclass
This masterclass is designed for 8 young professional singers and 4 répétiteurs. Each participant will have the unique opportunity to work with Maestro Naoumenko (Sasha) and Massimo Modoni for an hour on both an Italian operatic aria or scene and a Russian one of their choice, focusing on vocal technique, language, and the stylistics of Italian bel canto, verismo, and Russian opera traditions.
Key Details:
Dates: Friday, February 14th, and Saturday, February 15th
Location: The Library at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion St. WC1R 4RL
Opera Gala: Sunday, February 16th, main auditorium Conway Hall, 11.30am
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.