Is the opera performed with orchestra or piano?
Our productions are with piano. Although we would love to work with an orchestra, they are incredibly expensive to hire, so by using a piano accompaniment for our operas we keep the course fees more affordable. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access excellent training, without it breaking the bank. The focus of this course is on language and interpretation, and the participants also work with Maestro Andrea Cappelleri in rehearsal and performance to learn the skills required in following a conductor.
Where do you perform?
This varies from year to year, depending on what is going on in the town and what venues are available. Sometimes performances take place outside in the piazza, and all performances are very well attended by the locals. We regularly take the opportunity to perform outside Scheggino, and have given performances in nearby towns such as Lugnano and San Gemini.
What about costumes?
We ask participants to bring something for their character to wear and perform in. The operas are in modern dress, so this could be as simple as a maids apron and black dress that you already own, if you’re playing a maid, or maybe a suit if you’re playing a Count. Be imaginative with it, and do incorporate colour so that you stand out. For more ideas, take a look at our past production photos on Facebook or Instagram, and if you want to check anything you’re welcome to send photos through to the team for their verdict.
Also, when you’re thinking about packing - you won’t need ball gowns or tails, but it is worth packing something you might sing an informal summer concert in as we often get asked to sing at other events, such as at the Festa del Perdono in 2019, or the dedication of a new retreat in 2018.
Can my family and friends attend the performances?
Of course! If your fans are staying nearby do encourage them to come. The operas are all performed in Italian, without surtitles, so if they aren’t fluent it might be worth letting them know what’s going on!
When is the closing date for applications?
We don’t specify a closing date for applications until much closer to the date. This is because we cast on a first-come-first-served basis. If we receive an application from a suitable singer with the skills and voice necessary for a role, we will make them an offer. Once the opera is fully cast, we will close the applications. This closing date will be published on our website and Facebook page when that decision has been made.
I’m not sure if I’m ready to perform a full role, or a role in this particular opera, can I still attend?
Yes, we would love to have you as part of the chorus. You will get to perform in each show, and will still get all the coaching and lessons that the other participants receive. Do get in touch, whatever your situation, as we’d be happy to discuss other options for including you in the course if you are interested.
I don’t have an aria recorded yet, can I send an application?
You are welcome to send an expression of interest as soon as you want, and just let us know that a recording is following. Recordings don’t have to be top quality professional recordings, but they should be clear and show your voice off well.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit for Scheggino Opera Summer School. We are looking for singers at all levels to make up a diverse cast.
Who will I get to coach with on the course?
The primary coaches are Colin Baldy and Andrea Cappelleri. Each year we have different special guests to provide coaching, for example in 2019 we were joined by soprano Elizabeth Roberts. These special guests will be confirmed, via our website and Facebook page, as soon as we know them.
How much does it cost to live in Scheggino for two weeks? What other costs will the course involve?
The course fee includes your accommodation and tuition. You are responsible for your own travel expenses to and within the country. Meals in local restaurants are excellent, and very reasonably priced, a large pizza and a drink comes in at about €8. There will also be cooking facilities available, and participants often cook ‘family dinners’ together. Any transport to events on the day off will be provided, as will transport to and from performance venues. The only other thing to consider is your gelato budget, a grande is €3!
There is also a local open-air swimming pool, for which we usually manage to get a discount. Days out often include a trip to the lake at Piediluco, which has a beautiful private beach where you might expect to pay around €10 for a couple of sun loungers and a shade umbrella - highly recommended and well worth it!
How do I get to Scheggino?
The nearest airports are Perugia, Ancona, and Rome, then there are connecting trains and buses. We try to encourage participants to meet up if they are travelling similar routes, and people will be put in touch in advance of the course to arrange this. More specific travel advice will be sent out when an offer is made.
I have another question, who can I contact?
Please email any questions to [email protected] we are more than happy to help!
Our productions are with piano. Although we would love to work with an orchestra, they are incredibly expensive to hire, so by using a piano accompaniment for our operas we keep the course fees more affordable. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access excellent training, without it breaking the bank. The focus of this course is on language and interpretation, and the participants also work with Maestro Andrea Cappelleri in rehearsal and performance to learn the skills required in following a conductor.
Where do you perform?
This varies from year to year, depending on what is going on in the town and what venues are available. Sometimes performances take place outside in the piazza, and all performances are very well attended by the locals. We regularly take the opportunity to perform outside Scheggino, and have given performances in nearby towns such as Lugnano and San Gemini.
What about costumes?
We ask participants to bring something for their character to wear and perform in. The operas are in modern dress, so this could be as simple as a maids apron and black dress that you already own, if you’re playing a maid, or maybe a suit if you’re playing a Count. Be imaginative with it, and do incorporate colour so that you stand out. For more ideas, take a look at our past production photos on Facebook or Instagram, and if you want to check anything you’re welcome to send photos through to the team for their verdict.
Also, when you’re thinking about packing - you won’t need ball gowns or tails, but it is worth packing something you might sing an informal summer concert in as we often get asked to sing at other events, such as at the Festa del Perdono in 2019, or the dedication of a new retreat in 2018.
Can my family and friends attend the performances?
Of course! If your fans are staying nearby do encourage them to come. The operas are all performed in Italian, without surtitles, so if they aren’t fluent it might be worth letting them know what’s going on!
When is the closing date for applications?
We don’t specify a closing date for applications until much closer to the date. This is because we cast on a first-come-first-served basis. If we receive an application from a suitable singer with the skills and voice necessary for a role, we will make them an offer. Once the opera is fully cast, we will close the applications. This closing date will be published on our website and Facebook page when that decision has been made.
I’m not sure if I’m ready to perform a full role, or a role in this particular opera, can I still attend?
Yes, we would love to have you as part of the chorus. You will get to perform in each show, and will still get all the coaching and lessons that the other participants receive. Do get in touch, whatever your situation, as we’d be happy to discuss other options for including you in the course if you are interested.
I don’t have an aria recorded yet, can I send an application?
You are welcome to send an expression of interest as soon as you want, and just let us know that a recording is following. Recordings don’t have to be top quality professional recordings, but they should be clear and show your voice off well.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit for Scheggino Opera Summer School. We are looking for singers at all levels to make up a diverse cast.
Who will I get to coach with on the course?
The primary coaches are Colin Baldy and Andrea Cappelleri. Each year we have different special guests to provide coaching, for example in 2019 we were joined by soprano Elizabeth Roberts. These special guests will be confirmed, via our website and Facebook page, as soon as we know them.
How much does it cost to live in Scheggino for two weeks? What other costs will the course involve?
The course fee includes your accommodation and tuition. You are responsible for your own travel expenses to and within the country. Meals in local restaurants are excellent, and very reasonably priced, a large pizza and a drink comes in at about €8. There will also be cooking facilities available, and participants often cook ‘family dinners’ together. Any transport to events on the day off will be provided, as will transport to and from performance venues. The only other thing to consider is your gelato budget, a grande is €3!
There is also a local open-air swimming pool, for which we usually manage to get a discount. Days out often include a trip to the lake at Piediluco, which has a beautiful private beach where you might expect to pay around €10 for a couple of sun loungers and a shade umbrella - highly recommended and well worth it!
How do I get to Scheggino?
The nearest airports are Perugia, Ancona, and Rome, then there are connecting trains and buses. We try to encourage participants to meet up if they are travelling similar routes, and people will be put in touch in advance of the course to arrange this. More specific travel advice will be sent out when an offer is made.
I have another question, who can I contact?
Please email any questions to [email protected] we are more than happy to help!