Program Details

OUR MISSION

Opera Seme strives to give singers and pianists an immersive Italian experience through language study, cultural exploration, lessons, coachings, masterclasses, special topics workshops, and performances.

Opera Seme is hosted by Spazio Seme International Artistic Center

located in Arezzo, Italy.

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

Opera Seme is an intensive immersion experience intended to push the boundaries and provide a safe space to explore outside of one's comfort zone. By working with international artists and learning a variety of techniques, artists can expect to strengthen the mind-body connection, better understand their instruments, and get the chance to perform an entire role in Italian.

All artists are expected to arrive in Arezzo with their music learned. It is highly recommended that singers arrive completely off book.

ABOUT AREZZO

The deep artistic history of Arezzo, its optimal location between Florence and Rome, and the small size of the intimate city make it a perfect spot for those that want an authentic study abroad experience in Italy. It’s the ideal place to soak up Tuscany’s ambiance while bypassing the region’s crowded cities.

Arezzo is the hometown of Guido d’Arezzo–the father of modern Western musical notation–and is about an hour away from Florence, the birthplace of opera. Located in picturesque southeastern Tuscany, the city boasts a wide range of sites to see including fortresses, monuments, churches, museums, theaters, and ancient Roman and Etruscan archeological ruins.

Arezzo is constructed on a hillside, with a pedestrian-friendly historic city center. Be prepared to do A LOT of walking! Bring good walking shoes, and practice walking on an incline if you're not used to that kind of activity.

OUR FACULTY

Dr. Matthew Schloneger, East Texas A&M University, Opera Kansas

Dr. Alison Trainer, Boston University

Dr. Tracelyn Gesteland, University of South Dakota
Gianni Bruschi, Spazio Seme

Mario Cassi, International Opera Singer
Paula Gelpi, Chicago Opera Theatre
Lorenzo Magi, Coach/Collaborative Pianist

PAST FACULTY

Testimonials

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Opera Seme was an amazing experience for me. The people were extremely nice, the town was safe, and the performance opportunities were amazing! I would recommend Opera Seme to someone who is looking for an exciting adventure of travel and opera while wanting to gain new friends, skills, and role experience.

Ellie McBride

Soprano, Summer 2024

Program Cost & Details

Dates

June 29-July 27, 2025

Lodging

Le Gagliarde. Located in the historical city center about 15 minutes walk from the Arezzo train station, and 8 minutes walk to Piazza Grande.

Terra d'Arezzo. Located in the historical city center about 10 minutes walk from the Arezzo train station, and 3 minutes walk to Piazza Grande.

Cost

Opera program: $5,500.00
- Includes all musical activities, production costs, Italian classes, lodging in Arezzo, dinner 4 nights per week, and 2 weekend excursions
Optional round trip group travel from Milan* to Arezzo: $200 one way
- Includes overnight hotel stays in Milan* June 28 and July 27
- *Please note that the arrival city for travel assistance has changed to Milan.
Optional additional weekend excursion to Verona to see an opera at the Arena di Verona: $225 (includes round-trip train travel, opera ticket, hotel, and dinner)
Airfare not included

2025 Mainstage Performances

Alcina by G.F. Handel
- Roles available*: Alcina (soprano), Oberto (soprano), Bradamante (mezzo-soprano) Oronte (tenor), Melisso (bass)
Mese Mariano by Umberto Giordano
- Roles available*: Carmela (soprano), Madre Superiora (mezzo-soprano), Suor Pazienza (mezzo-soprano), Suor Cristina (mezzo-soprano), Suor Celeste (soprano), Suor Maria (soprano), Don Fabbiano (baritone), Valentina (soprano)
L'impresario in angustie by Domenico Cimarosa
- Roles available*: Fiordispina (soprano), Doralba (soprano/mezzo), Don Crisobolo (bass), Don Perizonio (baritone), Gelindo (tenor), Strabino (baritone)
Opera Scenes
Broadway Jazz concert with OIDA

*Roles available as of March 5, 2025

Audition Requirements

Opera Seme auditions are completely virtual. There is no application fee.

Singer Requested Materials:

Performance Resume
Performance Headshot
2 References
Complete Repertoire List
2-3 representative video recordings. Not all recordings must be arias; art songs are accepted. If available, please include one musical theatre or jazz selection

Pianist-Coach Requested Materials:

Performance Resume
Performance Headshot
2 References
1-2 Video performance(s) of a solo piano work
1-2 Video performances of work with a singer

Application Requirements

Opera Seme 2025 is accepting applications until May 1, 2025, or until all roles are filled. Late applications may be accepted until May 30, 2025
Priority application deadline: January 15, 2025 (Deadline has passed)
Final acceptance and deposit deadline: February 16, 2025
Payment deadlines:
- $2,000 deposit due February 16, 2025 (50% refundable until March 30)
- $2,000 installment due March 30, 2025 (non-refundable after March 30)
- Remaining balance due June 1, 2025

Apply Now!