Where Language Becomes Music
From Vision to Stage
Founded in 1986, our Italian for Opera Singers and Vocalists program holds the distinction of being the first opera-focused Italian language program in Italy specifically designed for international opera singers.
In its early years, two faculty members from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music joined our program, and the following year, they established what would become the Oberlin in Italy program. This connection marked the beginning of new opportunities for expansion, inspiring further collaborations and the development of related initiatives.
Over time, many opera training programs have found their home here and contributed to the evolution of what is now known as the Centro Studi Italiani Opera Festival—an umbrella that brings together a wide variety of performance and educational opportunities rooted in our original vision.
Many of the most respected international opera professionals have served as faculty in our programs, creating a powerful legacy of mentorship and excellence. This commitment has led to the formation of a vibrant, global community of alumni who now perform, teach, and lead in the world’s top opera houses and institutions.
Among them are celebrated stars such as Lawrence Brownlee, Michael Fabiano, and Anthony Roth Costanzo, just to name a few—all of whom experienced the programs of the Centro Studi Italiani Opera Festival early in their careers.
In the heart of Italy’s cultural gems
Since its inception, hundreds and hundreds of young opera singers and emerging professionals from around the world have come to study, sing, and grow through our programs. Urbania, the Marche Region, and Centro Studi Italiani have served as the heart of this experience, but our impact has extended well beyond—reaching iconic venues across Italy. Over the years, we have presented hundreds of concerts, recitals, and fully staged opera productions in some of the country’s most breathtaking locations.
From historic theaters and centuries-old churches to open-air performances in elegant Italian gardens and town piazzas, our students have had the rare opportunity to perform in settings where art and architecture come together to elevate their voices. These unforgettable venues offer not only extraordinary acoustics but also a deep sense of connection to Italy’s operatic and cultural legacy.
A Legacy of Excellence: Masterclasses with world-class Maestri
Over the decades, the Centro Studi Italiani Opera Festival has hosted masterclasses led by some of the most celebrated voices and minds in the world of opera. These unforgettable learning experiences have offered young singers rare opportunities to work closely with iconic artists, enhancing both technique and interpretation in direct dialogue with operatic history.
Among the distinguished artists who have held masterclasses with our students are:
Fedora Barbieri, Richard Bonynge, Anita Cerquetti, Mariella Devia, Enza Ferrari, Mirella Freni, Barbara Frittoli, Luisa Macnez, Gianluca Margheri, Eva Mei, Mario Melani, Paola Molinari, Lisette Oropesa, Ernesto Palacio, Maria Parazzini, Bruno Praticò, Cecilia Valdenassi, Giulio Zappa and Alberto Zedda.
Their presence has enriched our program immeasurably and reinforced our commitment to preserving and transmitting the highest standards of vocal artistry.
A Unique Learning Experience
What sets our program apart is its integrated structure, where language and music blend seamlessly into one transformative experience:
– Daily Italian language classes, tailored specifically for singers, focus on grammar, vocabulary, and especially diction—empowering vocalists to understand and express the subtleties of operatic Italian with authenticity and confidence.
– Vocal coaching and interpretation sessions are led by renowned Italian maestri who guide students through the rich repertoire of Italian opera, with special attention to style, phrasing, and historical performance practice.
– Performance opportunities abound throughout the program, offering students the chance to sing in front of Italian audiences. From intimate salon recitals to fully staged productions, every performance is a moment of growth and celebration.
– Immersion in Italy’s major opera festivals, including visits and ticketed performances at the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, the Arena di Verona Opera Festival, and the Macerata Opera Festival. These experiences allow students to witness world-class productions and connect with the living pulse of Italy’s operatic tradition.
– Curated thematic trips take participants into the heart of operatic heritage—such as guided visits to the Rossini Museum in Pesaro and the Puccini Museum in Torre del Lago. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of the composers’ lives, creative contexts, and lasting influence.
– Cultural excursions to cities like Florence, Venice, Assisi, and Urbino provide students with inspiring encounters with Italy’s artistic and architectural masterpieces—turning every trip into a sensory and intellectual experience.
Our students don’t just study the language—they live the language of opera, engaging with it through their voices, their bodies, and their artistry, surrounded by the beauty and rhythm of everyday Italian life.
Expanding the Stage
Today, under the banner of the Centro Studi Italiani Opera Festival, we offer a growing selection of programs that cater to the diverse needs and goals of young artists from around the world. Each program maintains our founding mission—combining immersive language learning with high-level vocal training—while offering its own unique format and performance opportunities.
The 2026 programs under the Festival umbrella will include:
La Nuova Accademia di Lingua e Voce – A three-week intensive course blending Italian language instruction with vocal and interpretive training, ideal for emerging artists and conservatory students seeking a focused summer experience.
FIO Italia – A five-week intensive training and performance program featuring fully staged opera productions with orchestra, as well as recitals and concerts in historic Italian venues.
Lingua e Lirica Italiana per la Cina – Specifically tailored for Chinese students, this program is offered in collaboration with the Head of the Opera Department at the China Conservatory in Beijing. It emphasizes Italian language, vocal training, and stylistic refinement.
Urbania Opera Studio – Designed especially for Japanese students from a variety of conservatories and music schools across Japan, this program offers performance-based training, language immersion, and guided role preparation.
Whether you are looking for a full summer festival experience, preparing for auditions, or seeking an immersive educational residency, the Festival offers a program that can meet your artistic aspirations.
Why attend the Centro Studi Italiani Opera Festival?
Be part of a pioneering initiative that integrates Italian language and opera training in the cultural heart of Italy.
Work closely with native Italian vocal coaches, language instructors, and stage professionals.
Choose from a variety of program structures that match your goals—whether you’re preparing for a role, developing your technique, or seeking valuable stage experience.
Join a vibrant international community of artists, united by a passion for language, music, and expression.
Where language meets lyricism, and culture becomes voice—your operatic journey begins here.
Contact us for further information
Contact us to get more information: our student office is ready to answer any of your questions and provide you with all the information you need about Centro Studi Italiani.
