Opera workshop “Così FanTutte” 25^th July – 7^th August, 2011

W.A. Mozart, "Così Fan Tutte" and a tailor-made syllabus to suit the student’s individual requirements

The course is aimed at orchestra conductors and singers who wish to improve the theoretical and practical aspects of interpretation and technique, including analysing and resolving any related problems they may have.

The course will be organised in three phases: the fundamentals and basic techniques of conducting, followed by an analysis of the score (Unit A); studying the score at the piano and rehearsal of the singers (Unit B); and finally putting this experience into practice with the “Filarmonia Veneta” Orchestra, including rehearsals with the orchestra and the theatrical director and preparation for an actual opera performance (Unit C).

The singers’ course involves progressive study of the student’s repertory, related to “Così Fan Tutte” and/or other operas of the student’s choice. It too is divided into three units that dovetail with those in the conducting course; only Unit C involves taking part in rehearsals and perhaps even performances with the orchestra.

 Each participant may choose to follow the entire programme - with all three units - or he/she may enrol in only one or two of the units.

The best students may be chosen to take part in concerts and performances to be held within the context of the course, or in other opera productions that are scheduled for the summer of 2011.

UNIT “A”: 25^th – 28^th July

Monday 25^th at 9 a.m.: Meeting and definition of the overall study programme - J. Kalmar, D. Balzani

Fundamentals of orchestra conducting. Basic techniques and posture. Analysis of scores. Depending on the level of the participants and at the discretion of Professor Kalmar, it will be possible to extend the themes covered in this phase to the subjects in Unit B.

The course for singers will deal with study of the repertory and of the roles for each individual type of voice.  

UNIT “B”: 29^th July – 3^rd August

Friday 29^th July at 9 a.m.: Meeting and definition of the study programme - J. Kalmar, R. Gessi, G. Pacor, D. Balzani

Study of the score at the piano. Practical application of this study and preparation of the cast. Work with singers and musical rehearsals at the piano.

For singers, the arias and group pieces (duets, trios and finales) that will be the subject of study will be established, partly to fit in with the conductors’ course. 

UNIT “C”: 4^th – 7^th August

Thursday 4^th August: meeting and definition of the rehearsal schedule with the orchestra - J. Kalmar, R. Gessi, G. Pacor, D. Balzani, and the “Filarmonia Veneta” Orchestra

For conductors and singers: practical application of Units “A” and “B” with the orchestra. Rehearsals with the orchestra will alternate with their preparation at the piano and video-taping of the students.

Languages spoken: Italian, German, English, French, Hungarian, Rumanian, Russian

PROGRAMME FOR ORCHESTRA CONDUCTORS (J. Kalmar, R. Gessi, G. Pacor)
Analysis, technique and interpretation of the operatic repertory, musical rehearsals with singers (Maestros Kalmar, Gessi, Pacor)

Musical rehearsals and rehearsals with the orchestra, production of the featured opera.

Study for the programme to be performed at the final concert.

PROGRAMME FOR SINGERS (D. Balzani)
Study of the score, interpretation, theatrical direction and musical rehearsals with a pianist and orchestra conductors (Maestro Balzani)

Musical rehearsals and rehearsals with the orchestra, production of the featured opera.

Study for the programme to be performed at the final concert.