PAR 2. Opera buffa in the 18th Century (singers)

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 2025- 30 of June 2025

Description of the EOA Module

This module guides the student through a path of vocal and scenic interpretation of one or more scenes from eighteenth-century Opera Buffa’s repertoire: Pergolesi, Cimarosa, Paisiello or Rossini (preferably his “Farces in one act”)

  • Analysis, study and full understanding of the libretto(s) and character(s) chosen. 
  • Vocal technique and style coaching in Opera Buffa repertoire. 
  • Advanced Italian pronunciation and diction classes. 
  • Specific lessons on Recitativo. 
  • 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 students have to choose other courses (e.g. Opera History, Poetic and Dramatic Literature, etc.) among those annually proposed by the Conservatory, to reach the total number of required credits.

Special attention will be given to the study of proper Italian diction and pronunciation with native Italian teachers, in building the chosen Opera Buffa character (both scenic and vocal) with full linguistic and stylistic background. Special focus on Recitativo.

Kind of voice and role

All kind of voices suited for Opera Buffa repertoire.

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

A full immersion into Italian opera together with the opportunity to develop the best practice in Italian language applied to opera. Choice of repertoire (title and characters) according to student’s needs. Exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory (from all over the world) 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, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica etc).

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 worldrenowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join English Course level B1 or B2 in second semester. 

Open for:

Max 5

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

  • Romano Franceschetto, Lucetta Bizzi and Teaching staff (Vocal coach) from the Singing and Music Theatre Department of the Conservatory
  • Roberta Faroldi (diction and actor’s work)
  • Riccardo Mascia (Recitativo coach, Score and Repertoire)
  • Claudia Rondelli, Roberta Ropa, Laura Soracco, Luca Sabatino (Score and Repertoire)

Description of final examination:

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

Number of teaching / teaching hours

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

Number of ECTS within master accreditation

Min 24 ECTS/semester (but possibly increasing according to the Learning Agreement).

Entrance examination

Online examination through the Application, that needs to include:

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Videos
  • Motivational letter (optional)

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 (SMS) 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 2. Opera repetiteur

Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

15 September – 15 December, 2025

Content:

Get possibilities of coaching from our professors and conductors, and play for stage rehearsals, performances and concerts.

Names of the professors:

  • Jacopo Spirei
  • Luca de Marchi
  • Olesya Tutova
  • Markus Kvits
  • Anne Sofie von Otter
  • Bengt Forsberg
  • Solveig Kringelborn
  • Toril Carlsen

Possible extras in addition to this module:

  • Italian language course

Open for:

2 pianists

Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

Preparation 180 hours

Production 200 hours

Number of ECTS:

12

Description of the final examination:

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Two videos of accompanying W.A. Mozart: Il contes aria and G. Puccini: Mimis aria

Description of the final Examination.

  • Performances and concerts in November/December.
  • Play for a masterclass with Anne Sofie von Otter and Bengt Forsberg

Deadline for applications: 

  • 1st deadline: 08 May 2024

Deadline for expected answers: 

  • 1st deadline: 01 June 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

LOD 2. Francesco Cavalli – “L’egisto” – Performance of a role in fully staged opera production

Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026:

Autumn Semester 2025: October – November 2025

NOTE: This module is a continuation of LOD 1, and it is planned to happen in the first semester of the academic year 2025-2026. Check with your International Officer whether you will be eligible for Erasmus Grants in the academic year 2025-2026.

Description of the module:

Perform a role in a fully staged opera production “L’Egisto” by Francesco Cavalli. Professional training and preparations finalised with complete public performance with orchestra. Considering a short time of training we prefer students with high awarness of a baroque style and very good knowledge of musical material.

This includes:

  • Vocal coaching (theory of the affects, rhetoric, parlar cantando, performance practices of 17th century, early Italian ornamentation)
  • Acting
  • Language coaching
  • Musical rehearsals with the conductor/harpsichordist and orchestra
  • Stage rehearsals with the stage director.

Kind of voice and role:

  • Tenor – Egisto
  • Tenor – Hipparco
  • Soprano – Climene
  • Soprano – Clori
  • Soprano –  L’Aurora/Amore/Ora prima
  • Soprano – Bellezza/Semele/Ora seconda
  • Soprano – Voluptia/Fedra/Ora terza
  • Soprano – Venere/Hero/Ora quarta
  • Mezzosoprano – Dema
  • Mezzosoprano – La Notte/Didone
  • Bass – Lidio
  • Bass – Apollo

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

  • The module gives the possibility of acquiring specialized training in the area of early baroque music.

Possible extras beside the module:

  • Baroque Program – supplementary seminars devoted to Theory of the Affects and Ornamentation
  • All concerts and events produced by University of Music in Lodz (free admission for EOA students)
  • Participation in selected concerts and activities of Vocal Department (upon your choice) 

Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

From 20-40 hours of production rehearsals per week

Teaching:

  • Working with the vocal coaches
  • Working with the conductor
  • Working with the stage director

Production:

  • Ensemble rehearsals with singers and the conductor
  • Ensemble rehearsals with singers and the stage director

Ensemble rehearsals with singers, orchestra, the conductor and the stage director

Number of ECTS:

25 ECTS

Minimum and maximum number of students:

1 – 12  max

Entrance examination:

Contact the coordinator:

Anna Werecka

anna.werecka-gryc@amuz.lodz.pl

The following attachments shall be submitted with the application:

  • CV
  • Repertoire list
  • Two videos (for example via YouTube)
  • Repertoire for the application:
  1. one fragment of Cavalli’s Egisto or any piece from the early 17th century (Caccini, Monteverdi etc.)
  2. one aria upon your choice.

Description of the final Examination

Public performance of a fully staged opera at the Concert Hall of the University of Music in Łódź. The premiere and the following performances will take place during the renowned AŻ Festival. 

Deadline for application and requirements:

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

Date for expected answers:

  • 1st deadline: 15 May 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 30 September 2024

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

  • Module is available within an Erasmus exchange.

Note! Please, contact your Erasmus office as early as possible in order to be qualified in time for Erasmus

scholarship. All qualified Erasmus candidates must be first nominated by the Erasmus office of the sending institution – international@amuz.lodz.pl

  • Module could be also available as postgraduate studies. The fee is then approx. 2000 EUR (travel and living costs not included).

Language: 

English, Italian

Activity: 

Training / Operatic practice / Performance

Module type: 

Opera performance

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