PAR 1. Giuseppe Verdi: Vocal and Acting interpretation in Verdi’s operas

Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025

ERASMUS students (SMS and STT) may choose a mobility within one semester (or both)

  • Winter Semester: 1 October 2024 – 2nd week of February 2025
  • Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2024- 30 of June 2025

Description

This module guides the student through a path of vocal and scenic interpretation of one or more scenes from Verdi’s operas. They are planned as follows:

  • Analysis, study and full understanding of Verdi’s libretto(s) and character(s) chosen.
  • Vocal technique and style coaching in Verdi’s repertoire.
  • Advanced Italian pronunciation and diction classes.
  • Individual coaching and group work: vocal and score lessons, and group work on Scenic Art (Training of the actor’s body, physical and gestural laboratory).
  • Preparation for final exam and concert(s). Classes will be held in Italian and English.

ERASMUS SMS students have to choose other courses (e.g. Poetry for music and dramaturgy, Opera History etc.) among those annually proposed by the Conservatory, to reach the total number of required credits and complete the Learning Agreement.

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

Special attention will be given to the study of proper Italian diction and pronunciation with native Italian teachers, in building the chosen Verdi’s character (both scenic and vocal) with full linguistic and stylistic background. Choice of repertoire according to student’s needs. Possible exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory working on the same repertoire. A unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the rich operatic music culture of the territory, attending places of unique musical interest, within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio and Toscanini’s Studio) or in the immediate nearby of it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, specialized in 19th-century opera and music in general, with particular emphasis on the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica etc.).

Kind of voice and role

All kind of roles, suited to Verdi repertoire

Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module:

  • Donatella Saccardi, Lucetta Bizzi, Claudia Marchi and Teaching staff (Vocal coach) from the Singing and Music Theatre Department of the Conservatory 
  • Roberta Faroldi (diction and actor’s work)
  • Claudia Rondelli, Roberta Ropa, Laura Soracco, Luca Sabatino (Score and Repertoire).

    Possible extras in addition to this module:

    Upon request a little tour of the main “music treasures” of Verdi’s land: the birthplace of Verdi and Villa Sant’Agata, the Toscanini Museum, the world renowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join Italian Course level A2+B1 in the first semester or English Course level B1 or B2 in second semester. October is the month of the Parma Verdi Festival. Facilities are offered to enrolled students who want to experience a show at the Teatro Regio and/or other planned locations.

    Open for:

    Max 2

    Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

    60 hours of teaching (individual lessons + group lessons) per semester

    Number of ECTS within master accreditation: depending to the effective number of hours done

    Entrance examination:

    Online examination through the Application, that needs to include:

    • CV
    • Repertoire
    • Videos: AT LEAST ONE VERDI!
    • Motivational letter (optional)

    Description of final examination:

    Performance    of    an    operatic    full    Verdi    scene in front    of    a    jury.    The examination may coincide with a public concert.

    Teaching language/Required level of language

    Italian (min A2 to be improved) and English (B2).

    Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price

    Erasmus students (STT) only. No extra fees.

    Deadline for applications:

    • 1st deadline: 30 April 2024
    • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2024 

    Date for expected answers:

    • 1st deadline: 30 June 2024
    • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2024

    OSL 1. Serpina in La Serva Padrona – Italian opera module

    Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025

    20 February – 20 May 2025

    Description of the Module

    • 5 weeks of stage rehearsals
    • Performances at KHiO, Mainstage 

    Names of the professors:

    • Jacopo Spirei
    • Luca de Marchi
    • Ebbe Knudsen
    • Olesya Tutova
    • Solveig Kringleborn

    Possible extras in addition to this module:

    Vocal lessons, coaching, acting class, movement class

    Open for:

    • 1 singers

    Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

    • Preparation 180 hours
    • Production 200 hours

    Number of ECTs:

    12 ECTs

    Description of the final examination:

    Performances 15 – 16 May at KHiO, Mainstage

    Entrance examination:

    • CV
    • Repertoire
    • Two videos (it can be a link to YouTube or any other platform)

    Teaching language

    English

    Deadline for applications: 

    • 1st deadline: 08 May 2024

    Deadline for expected answers: 

    • 1st deadline: 01 June 2024

    MAA 1. Performance of a role in a fully staged opera with orchestra

    Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

    January – February – March 2025

    Period of production: (Dates to be updated
    • First Musical Rehearsal: 22 January 2025
    • Generals: 01 and 02 March 2025
    • Performances (and exams): 04 and 05 March 2025

    Description of the EOA module:

    Perform a leading role in an opera. A complete opera production, starting with comprehensive musical rehearsals led by maestro Federico Santi followed by an intensive staging period, and resulting in performances of the complete work with orchestra.

    This module will focus on the cohesion between musical style and stagecraft, allowing for character development from two different perspectives. The final performance should result in a fully realised character, both vocally and acting-wise.

    Open for:

    Min. 2 – Max. 4 singers from the EOA can participate, next to our own singing and acting students.

    Title to be performed: 

    TBC

    Kind of voice and role:

    • all

    The module includes:

    • working with a (professional) conductor
    • a professional stage director
    • First 6 weeks include 15 hours of training by main subject teachers and opera coach.
    • Next 6 weeks working on the production

    Names of the professors of this module:

    • Musical Director: Federico Santi
    • Conductor: Enrico Delamboye
    • Stage director: Barbara Haveman
    • Vocal coaches: Yvonne Schiffelers, Susanne Schimmack, Axel Everaert, Raimund Nolte

    Possible extras besides the module:

    • individual vocal coaching on style, interpretation and applied technique by our vocal staff.
    • workshop dealing with artistic entrepreneurship, self-promotion via social media and branding will be offered. This will give young artists the tools and skills to develop their artistic careers and bring classical music to the core of society.

     

    Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

    • 20-30 hours of production rehearsals per week

    Application:

    Via application form in EOA website. Keep in mind you will need to include:

    • CV
    • Repertoire list
    • 2 Videos. NOTE: Repertoire for the application upon your choice.

    Final Examination:

    Permanent Artistic Evaluation + Public performance

    Teaching language and Required level of language:

    Working language will be English; the ability to work and rehearse with ease in English is required.

    B2 level according to CEFR.

    Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included / excluded in this price

    Available through Erasmus. Living costs to be covered by applicant.

    Deadline for applications:

    • 1st deadline: 08 May 2024
    • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2024

    Deadline for expected answers: 

    • 1st deadline: 01 June 2024
    • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2024

    HAM 1. Singing and acting, German/Italian Repertoire

    Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

    • April – May – June 2025 (summer semester)

    Open for:

    1-3 vocal students

    Content:

    • German Repertoire (Lortzing – Mozart – Wagner) and Italian Repertoire (Monteverdi – Mozart – Bellini)
    • Role studies, ensemble studies; work on recitatives, accurate understanding of texts and sheet music, discussion of style and musical Gestus (gestures/attitude).
    • Theatrical and musical performance
    • Phonetics, dialogue training

    At the end of the summer semester, a big opera production is staged with a professional orchestra and conductor, with a total of 9 performances at the academy’s theatre (450 seats)

    The theatrical and musical performance subject is taught jointly by the theatrical performance lecturer and the lecturer for role studies. Exchange of views on key issues in music and staging. Interpretation of roles (character development), physical training.

    Important dates related to the production:

    • April 1st, 2025: Rehearsals start
    • May 12th, 2025: Premiere
    • June 03rd, 2025: Last performance

    Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module:

    • Willem Wentzel (Head of Music)
    • Siegfried Schwab (German Repertoire)
    • Fausto Nardi (Italian Repertoire)

    Possible extras:

    • Possible participation in modern music theatre productions
    • A course in MusikTheaterRegie (MTR, music theatre direction)
    • Exchange and collaboration with MTR students

    Number of ECTS:

    9-14 teaching hours per week

    20 ECTS (Approx.)

    Description of the final examination:

    Theatrical-musical performance of two music theatre scenes (aria and ensemble)

    Participation in opera production

    Communication language:

    German and English