Opera Seme

An opera immersion experience in Tuscany, Italy

Opera Seme | June 24 – July 23, 2023

Apply Here

About Opera Seme

A collaboration between Friends University (KS), Chapman University (CA) and Spazio Seme, an International Artistic Center located in Arezzo, Tuscany, Opera Seme’s mission is to give singers and pianists an immersive Italian experience through language study, cultural exploration, lessons, coachings, masterclasses, special topics workshops, and performances. All singers accepted into the program are guaranteed to perform an entire role.

About Arezzo

The ideal place to soak up Tuscany’s ambiance while bypassing the region’s crowded cities, Arezzo is the hometown of Guido d’Arezzo, the father of modern Western musical notation, and is just over an hour outside of Florence, the birthplace of opera. Located in picturesque southeastern Tuscany, the city of just under 100,000 boasts a wide range of sites to see including fortresses, monuments, churches, museums, and ancient Roman archeological ruins.

Faculty

Dr. Matthew Schloneger, Friends University
Dr. Jen Stephenson, Baylor University
Paula Gelpi, Coach Accompanist
Whittaker Locke, Coach Accompanist
Gianni Bruschi

Guest Faculty

Mario Cassi, Arena di Verona
Dr. Joshua May, Columbus State University
Claire Singher, Opernhaus Zürich

Program Features

  • 4 full weeks on site, including 29 days lodging at the Hotel Casa Volpi in Arezzo
  • Breakfast daily and dinner weekdays (20 days)
  • Two organized, guided weekend excursions to:
    • The Italian seaside on the Tyrrhenian coast (Argentario, Grosseto)
    • Florence

Curriculum: Voice Program

  • All singers accepted into the program are guaranteed to perform an entire mainstage opera role in a fully staged production.
  • Track I:
    • Two voice lessons each week with an exceptional voice teacher
    • One vocal coaching each week with a native Italian opera coach
  • Track II:
    • Two vocal coachings each week on audition repertoire and role preparation
    • One vocal coaching each week with a native Italian opera coach
  • 4 weeks of Italian language classes at the Alpha British Center in Arezzo
    • 90-minutes, 5 days a week
    • Optional 4 credit hours of Italian I or Italian II through Friends University
  • Twelve masterclasses on vocal technique, audition techniques, and career preparation
  • Weekly special topics workshops on acting technique, Commedia dell’arte, voice science, Bel Canto repertoire and style

Curriculum: Piano Program

  • Two weekly repertoire and Italian language coachings with coaching faculty
  • One weekly voice lesson with voice faculty
  • Give four weekly observed coachings to program singers with feedback from coaching faculty
  • Play two masterclasses with feedback from coaching faculty
  • Play opera rehearsals and performances as assigned, with many opportunities to coach
  • 4 weeks of Italian language classes at the Alpha British Center in Arezzo
    • 90-minutes, 5 days a week
    • Optional 4 credit hours of Italian I or Italian II through Friends University
  • Twelve masterclasses on vocal technique, audition techniques, and career preparation
  • Weekly special topics workshops on score preparation, Commedia dell’arte, voice science, Bel Canto repertoire and style

Schedule

Saturday, June 24, Arrive in Milan, Overnight Stay
Sunday, June 25, Travel to Arezzo, orientation, check in to lodging
Monday, June 26 – Saturday, July 22, Program Activities & Performances
Sunday, July 23, Check out, travel to Milan for flights home

Application Requirements

  • Apply HERE
  • Video Audition and Application Deadline: January 15, 2023
  • Final acceptance and $1500 deposit deadline (50% refundable until March 30): February 18, 2023
  • Late applications may be accepted until May 30, 2023.
  • Payment deadlines: $1500 due March 30 (non-refundable); Remaining balance due June 1, 2023

Cost

  • Opera program (Includes all musical activities, production costs, Italian classes, lodging in Arezzo, breakfast daily, supper weekdays, and 2 weekend excursions):  $4500
  • Italian 1 or 2 (4 credit hours) through Friends University (optional): $700
  • Voice Performance & Opera Workshop (1 credit hour each) through Friends U (optional): $250/credit
  • Airfare not included.  Optional round trip group travel from Rome to Arezzo including overnight hotel stays in Rome June 24 and July 23 – $200

Total estimated cost including airfare:  $6500-$7500

Questions

Please direct any questions to Dr. Matthew Schloneger at matthew_schloneger@friends.edu or call 316-295-5565.