Italian and opera singing courses in Catania: the language of Belcanto!
Our Italian and Opera singing course “The language of Bel Canto” is the right program for you!
A program that combines an Italian course to perfect your Italian with an opera singing course to perfect your singing or to prepare you for the entrance exam at the Conservatory or as technical perfection in your opera and Opera singing.
Our Department of Italian for foreigners, in partnership with the prestigious Opera Academy, the Opera singing school directed by Maestro Giuseppe Costanzo , will take care of every “note”, both in the language of the Bel Paese and in the Bel Canto dell’Opera.
The Italian courses are available for all levels and are ideal for those who have never studied Italian before, for those who already have some knowledge, or for those who already have good knowledge of the Italian language.
Singing courses are also suitable for beginners and advanced performers. With lessons and masterclasses with renowned professionals, you will be guided with personal care on your path towards the mastery of the art of Bel Canto and authentic Italian expression.
Our Italian and Opera singing course “La lingua del Bel Canto”
In collaboration with Opera Accademia we organize a Master’s Course in Opera Singing which includes:
- Lessons in vocal technique
- preparation and interpretation in the various Opera roles
- assistance for the audition in various Opera Houses in Italy or abroad
- Organization of concerts and operas
- collaboration with the Maestri del Teatro Massimo Bellini of Catania and other Opera realities in Italy..
The lessons can be combined with the preparation for the entrance exam at the Conservatory, accompanying you with:
- Singing lessons with the masters of Opera Accademia..
- Simulations of entrance examinations to the Conservatory.
- Italian lessons aimed at the exam: training tests, correction of typical errors, focused exercises.
Structure and costs of the course of Italian and singing of the Opera “La lingua del Bel Canto”
The “La langue del Bel Canto” programme can last for one, three, six or twelve months.
The prices for the preparation for admission to the Conservatoire or for the Master’s Course are the same.
| Italian language programme | Opera singing programme | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | 15 hours/week = 60 hours/total | 4 lessons/week = 16 hours/total | € 2490 |
| 12 weeks | 15 hours/week = 180 hours/total | 3 lessons/week = 36 hours/total | € 5490 |
| 24 weeks | 15 hours/week = 360 hours/total | 3 lessons/week = 72 hours/total | € 10210 |
| 48 weeks | 15 hours/week = 7200 hours/total | 3 lessons/week = 144 hours/total | € 19210 |
Assistance is also available from the accompanying Master pianists on the day of admission to the Conservatory. The cost of this extra service is € 150.
An online advanced course is also available:
| Italian language programme | Opera singing programme | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | 2 lessons/week from h 1,5 each = 12 hours/total | 4 lessons/week = 16 hours/total | € 720 |
| 12 weeks | 2 lessons/week from h 1,5 each = 36 hours/total | 3 lessons/week = 36 hours/total | € 2040 |
| 24 weeks | 2 lessons/week from h 1,5 each = 72 hours/total | 3 lessons/week = 72 hours/total | € 3960 |
| 48 weeks | 2 lessons/week from h 1,5 each = 144 hours/total | 3 lessons/week = 144 hours/total | € 7770 |
Why take an Italian and opera singing course in Catania?
Our classrooms feed on this vibrant and authentic environment, offering students an unparalleled setting to perfect the art of opera.
Vincenzo Bellini, the swan of Catania
Catania is proud to be the birthplace of one of the greatest composers of Italian Belcanto: Vincenzo Bellini. Bellini has left us a musical legacy of inestimable value that inspires and teaches us.
Cultural events and festivals dedicated to Bellini are unmissable events that take place annually in the city of Catania. The Teatro Massimo Bellini, architectural masterpiece and fulcrum of the musical life in Catania, becomes the stage par excellence during the opera season.
The Teatro Massimo “Vincenzo Bellini”
The historic theatre, named after the famous composer, is a prestigious stage where art and acoustics come together to offer memorable performances.
The Teatro Massimo “Vincenzo Bellini” was built on a project by the Milanese architect Carlo Sada and opened in 1890.
In the hundred years of its existence it has seen many of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century pass on its stage: from Gino Marinuzzi to Vittorio Gui, from Antonio Guarnieri to Georg Solti, Lorin Maazel, Riccardo Muti, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Alain Lombard; from Toti Dal Monte to Callas to Caballé to Scotto to Freni; from Schipa to Gigli, from Corelli to Pavarotti to Pertile to Del Monaco to Di Stefano; and many of these preferring it to much more renowned theaters.
Here, our students have the opportunity to attend high-level productions, participate in masterclasses and, for the more fortunate, to walk through the scenes.
These experiences will allow you to grow professionally and emotionally, getting in touch with the greatness of the opera tradition that continues to pulsate in the heart of the city.
The Music Conservatory “Vincenzo Bellini”
The “Vincenzo Bellini” Conservatory is an institution of educational excellence, rooted in the heart of everything that the Opera means for the history and culture of Sicily.
At the Catania Conservatory, students immerse themselves in a study path that ranges from ancient baroque music to contemporary avant-garde. Deeply integrated into the cultural fabric of the city, the conservatory is not only a place of education but also a meeting point for musicians, artists and music lovers. It regularly hosts masterclasses, seminars and concerts open to the public, helping to foster a continuous dialogue between the community and future professionals in the field.
Why a course in Italian and Opera singing in Catania?
Our courses are preparatory to the registration at the Conservatory and will help you pass the entrance exam of Italian language and singing!
Our goal is not only to prepare you for the entrance to the Conservatory of Catania, but to do so with that exclusive approach that teaches you to merge notes and words in an indissoluble union.
With a broad-spectrum curriculum, ranging from music theory to stage practice, You will be supported by qualified teachers and internationally renowned experts who will guide you through a series of modules covering the interpretation of arias and mastery in acting, ensuring that every aspect of opera performance is refined.
Access to specialist masterclasses and seminars by famous opera house names will provide you with the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in live music experiences and learn from the voices of established artists.
The Catania Conservatory not only forms but celebrates music with a rich calendar of projects and special events. These moments of encounter and artistic expression range from thematic festivals honoring classical composers to contemporary events exploring new forms and musical interpretations.
Collaboration with international cultural institutions and institutions further enriches the opportunities for students and faculty, promoting a lively and constructive cultural exchange and affirming the role of the Conservatory of Catania as the nerve centre of musical life in Sicily.
A prestigious partnership with Opera Accademia
The Opera Accademia school stands out for its unrivaled professionalism and talent.
Studying singing at the Opera Accademia means immersing yourself in a world where the art of opera is taught and practiced with respect and passion. The presence of Maestro Costanzo guarantees a tailor-made study path that combines the tradition of Opera singing with the modernity of teaching.
Some personal information about the Masters, teachers of the Opera Accademia
Maestro Giuseppe Costanzo
The tenor Giuseppe Costanzo was born in Catania. He began singing studies in his city and then attended the advanced courses at the art academy of Osimo and that of “Teatro alla Scala ” of Milan using the guidance of the Masters Ettore Campogalliani, Giorgio Favaretto, Antonio Tonini, Edoardo Muller, Giulietta Simionato and Carlo Bergonzi.
Subsequently, it won the following competitions:
- 1979 Voci Verdiane di Busseto (First Prize and A.Zilliani Scholarship)
- 1979 Enrico Caruso of Milan (First Prize)
- 1980 A.Belli di Spoleto (First Prize and Debut Award)
- 1981 V.Bellini from Como (First Prize)
- 1981 M.Battistini di Rieti (First Prize and Debut Award)
- 1983 M.Callas from Rome (First Prize Tenor and Debut Award)
- 1984 L.Pavarotti from Philadelfia (First Prize Tenor)
He sang under the direction of Maestri Claudio Abbado, Roberto Abbado, Gianandrea Gavazzeni, Zubin Metha,Daniel Oren, Anton Guadagno, Edoardo Muller, Edoardo Mata.
Maestro Leonardo Catalanotto
Master Leonardo Catalanotto was born in Caracas in 1966. His Opera activity began in 1993 as Substitute Maestro at the Teatro Massimo “V. Bellini” of Catania. He has been invited several times by the “Massimo” in Palermo, the “Rossini Opera Festival” in Pesaro and the theatres of Düsseldorf, Lisbon, Seville and Geneva.
In Florence, at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, he worked as Stage Music Director for the Trilogia verdiana and subsequently also was assistant to Zubin Mehta, for Die Frau ohne Schatten, La Forza del Destino, Tosca, Tristan und Isolde, Rigoletto and Don Carlo.
Maestro Damiano Davide
Composer, pianist and conductor, Damiano Davide has a musical life rich in experiences even very different from each other. His long years of study at the Naples Conservatory led him to become a professional in musical theatre and opera.
He has performed and worked in some of the most important theatres in Italy such as the Teatro Comunale Bologna, Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania, Teatro Regio di Parma, Teatro Comunale di Bolzano, Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari.
At the same time, his interest in popular music has further enriched his background as an eclectic musician, able to range from traditional music to melodrama, Anglo-Saxon folk to minimalism and film music.
Professor Orie Tanaka
Orie Tanaka, born in Tokyo, began studying opera at the age of 16. In 1993 she won the international competition of Tokyo In 1994 she graduated with honors in singing at the musical university ‘Musashino’ in Tokyo. Moved to Denmark in 1994 to study under Andrea Orlowitz. In 1994 she played the role of Cherbino in Le Nozze di Figaro, of Dorabella in ‘Cosi fan tutte’, in 1995 she played the role of Countess of Le Nozze di Figaro, Fiordiligi in “Cosi fan tutte” and, in the same year, she debuted as Mimi in Boheme. In 1996 she played the main role of Ciocio-san in Madama Butterfly and the role of Leonora in Trovatore .
He moved to Italy in 1997 to improve with Giuseppe Costanzo, Gabriella Tucci . In 1998, he won the ‘Enrico Caruso’ competition in Milan and, in 1998, the ‘Voce verdiana’ competition in Verona. In 1998 he began studying at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan under the guidance of Giovanna Canetti.
In 1999 he sang as soloist of the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven with the orchestra of the Teatro Reggio di Parma. From 1998 to 2008 he has performed numerous concerts in Italy and abroad. From 2008 to 2019 she was invited by the Italian Institute of Culture in Tokyo for a Master class in Singing with Giuseppe Costanzo.
In 2017 she was invited by the Italian Institute of Culture in Paris for a Master class in Singing with Giuseppe Costanzo. Currently he teaches singing with enthusiasm to grow up young singers .
Personalized approach for each artist
Our program is committed to providing you with a music education tailored to your needs, recognizing that each student has a unique style and voice.
With this personalized approach, teachers are dedicated to identifying and caring for each student’s strengths as well as improving areas of weakness. In this way, not only technical progress and musical competence are guaranteed but also the artistic growth of each, Enabling our students to develop an authentic stage presence and emotional interpretation that is personal and in which the talents of each are enhanced.
Curriculum to the level of the aspiring operist
The four pillars on which our courses are based are:
- Phonology – to discover the secrets of Italian phonetics applied to singing
- Grammar – to learn how to understand and better interpret the texts of the Opera
- Vocabulary – to get in touch with the wonderful poetry that only the Italian opera can offer
- Culture – to learn about the roots in Italy’s musical past and discover the genius of authors such as Bellini, Verdi and Puccini.
Unique opportunities for our students
In addition to the traditional modules, we also offer practical workshops and stage productions where you can put your acquired skills into practice. Experimenting directly on the stage is an integral part of the education of every aspiring Opera.
This practical experience will not only sharpen your technique, but will teach you how to manage the emotional and physical energy required by live performance. The Opera Accademia singing school has contacts with numerous theatres and opera companies that foster a network of contacts that can prove invaluable for your future in the world of opera.
A talent workshop in the making
Opera Accademia di Catania is not only a music school, but a real laboratory where young talents have the opportunity to experience and sculpt their artistic identity. Each student here comes into contact with internationally renowned masters, honing their vocal and interpretative skills, and learning to understand the complexity and depth of the works they will perform.
The passion for music and opera is transformed into pure expression of the soul in this temple of bel canto, which constantly generates new generations of artists ready to enchant the stages of the world.
Innovation and Tradition
At the Opera Accademia di Catania, educational innovation is harmoniously combined with respect for tradition.
At the same time, the close proximity to the historical works performed at the Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini serves as continuous inspiration, keeping alive the links with the past and honoring the legacy of the masters of opera.
Take part in the melodrama
Catania opens the doors to an exciting journey into the beauty of the Opera and the Italian language. Every lesson and exercise is an act of love for a discipline that requires heart and mind. Choose excellence, choose the “cry of the soul” to which only the Opera can give voice.
Harnessing History to Inspire the Future
Our course is not limited to training technically competent musicians; the course aims to instill in its students a deep respect for Music History.
Through the study of the works of great masters of the past, our students acquire not only technical skills but also an understanding of the cultural and historical context that gave birth to such masterpieces.
This approach allows future musicians to find inspiration from the treasures of the past to create the music of tomorrow, enriching the musical heritage with new compositions that have deep roots in a glorious cultural heritage.
What our students say about our program?
Our graduates are not only witnesses of the academic rigor and artistic innovation that our courses offer, but they are also ambassadors of the Italian opera tradition in theatres and concert halls around the world.
Reading their success stories and reviews is essential to understand the impact of our training. Here are some of them:
I am happy to comment. I attended this school for 2 years, the best time of my life. I will never forget it, thank you!
2014/2015 (J.M)
Studying in Sicily was a beautiful experience. When I see a wall in front, just look at the sun, I got all the energy I needed! The Masters are exceptional!
2015 (Y.S)
Not only the lessons, they gave us all the opportunity to enter the world of opera and to make a career. Thanks to them, I have been able to debut several European theatres .
2016/2017 (Y.I)
I don’t think there is such a complete school. The nice thing is that the teachers believed in each of us .
2017/2018 (K.H)
Thanks to the Maestri, I won 4 competitions, I debuted 6 works in 2 years!!! I want to go back immediately. They gave me a sea of possibilities!
2020 (T.Y)
After 2 years of studying with them, I’m working at the Teatro Massimo Bellini. Thank you!
2020/2021 (H.N)
I’m in my 2nd year. I’ve already debuted in three important roles. They have offered me a rich experience and above all my voice completely changed!
2022/2023( S.K)
I have been studying with them for 5 years. After a year I entered the conservatory and I was able to debut several roles. I can’t leave them anymore!
2019-2024 (K.H)
What are you waiting for? Seize this unique opportunity! Join us for a course in Italian and Opera singing!
Don’t miss the opportunity to improve your skills as an opera singer immersed in the beauty and culture of Italy.
Enroll in Italian and opera singing courses today and take the next step in your personal and professional career.
What are you waiting for? Seize this unique opportunity! Join us for a course in Italian and Opera singing!
Don’t miss the opportunity to improve your skills as an opera singer immersed in the beauty and culture of Italy.
Enroll in Italian and opera singing courses today and take the next step in your personal and professional career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, there is no exact answer but the honest answer is that the more you are immersed in an intensive Italian course, the more fluent you will become in Italian. A longer Italian language course is always a good choice for those who want to achieve satisfactory results. However, not everyone has time available, so the truth is that even a one-week intensive course in Italy is still beneficial, although we recommend immersing yourself in the language for at least two or three weeks to really see the benefits.
In general, after two or three weeks of full exposure to the language our students automatically start thinking in Italian and sometimes even dream in Italian. If you have the privilege of more time, a six-month or even a year-long Italian course in Italy would be ideal to become fluent in Italian and no longer find yourself struggling to read a book, newspaper or magazine article, or even watch a film.
‘Rome was not built in a day’ and similarly ‘Italian cannot be learned in a week’!
Above all, in order to answer this crucial question, we have to remember that each one of us has our own time, way and style of learning when it comes to studying a foreign language. Just like with music or sport, learning a foreign language also partly depends on your natural talent.
If you have any questions or need more information, do not hesitate to contact us. We will welcome you with a quick response and a big smile!
When choosing an intensive Italian language course, make sure that the language school you enroll at has full accreditation.
When a school is accredited by national or international third-party bodies or is a member of a national or international association, it has successfully passed a series of inspections. These inspections check the quality of the school’s staff, organization, teaching methods, teachers and compliance with laws, all essential elements for ensuring quality for students. Bearing that in mind however, not all certifications mean that an independent third party has inspected the school. Some of these certifications are rather self-referential and only provide a ‘label’ for membership of the organization/association, without any actual school inspection. Your time and money are precious, so make sure that you are paying for a high-quality service. Certifications and accreditations serve to guarantee you of a transparent and professional service that meets all legal and professional requirements.
The school is closed on:
- Easter Monday
- Liberation Day (25/04)
- Labor Day (01/05)
- Republic Day(02/06)
- August bank holiday (15/08)
- All Saints’ Day (01/11)
- Immaculate Conception Day (8/12)
A discount will be made to make up for Public Holidays directly on the invoice on the following basis:
- INTENSIVE course – € 30
- COMBO course – € 70
- SUPER INTENSIVE course – € 65