Founded by Riccardo Muti in 1997 under the artistic direction of Leyla Gencer (who passed away in 2008), the Teatro alla Scala Academy of Lyric Opera reflects the heritage of the ‘Scala Cadets’ school, which was created under the auspices of Arturo Toscanini in the fifties to ensure the transmission of traditional Italian opera.
Through a teaching staff of internationally renown artists, such as Luis Alva, Renato Bruson, Mirella Freni and Luciana Serra, the Academy prepares young singers possessing a solid vocal and musical training for professional careers through a two-year course that refines technique and interpretation.
Included among the instructors are Vincenzo Scalera, James Vaughan and Umberto Finazzi, who are flanked by Antonio Albanese and Marco Gandini, the drama teachers.
The masterclasses taught over the years by Teresa Berganza, Christa Ludwig, Leo Nucci, Shirley Verrett and Renata Scotto have further enriched the educational experience.
Daily study is interwoven with student participation in Scala productions, where students work alongside performers, conductors and directors of international fame.
Particular importance is also given to concerts in Italy and abroad and participation in opera productions such as the "Academy Project", a production created entirely by students and which is included in the regular Scala season.
Many works have been performed at the Scala and at other major Italian opera houses: among the latest productions were operas from the Mozart collection, including Ascanio in Alba (2006), Così fan tutte (2007), The Marriage of Figaro (2008), as well as Donizetti’s Le convenienze e inconvenienze teatrali (2009).
Many alumni tour the major Italian and foreign theaters: these singers include sopranos Serena Farnocchia, Carmen Giannattasio, Anja Kampe, Irina Lungu, Nino Machaidze and Teresa Romano, mezzo-sopranos Ketevan Kemoklidze, Anita Rachvelishvili and Nino Surguladze, contralto Sonia Prina, tenors Thiago Arancam, Leonardo Cortellazzi and Giuseppe Filianoti, baritones Simon Bailey, Fabio Capitanucci, Massimo Cavalletti, Christian Senn and Vincenzo Taormina, and bass singers Carlo Malinverno, Giovanni Battista Parodi and Dejan Vatchcov.
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Opera interpretation, Luis Alva, Renato Bruson, Mirella Freni.
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Vocal technique and interpretation, Luciana Serra.
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Vocal chamber music, James Vaughan.
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Opera repertoire, Umberto Finazzi, Vincenzo Scalera.
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Drama, Antonio Albanese, Marco Gandini.
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Stage craft, Tiziana Colombo.
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Italian language and grammar, Katia Bortoletto.
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German diction, Reinhard Nill.
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Opera coaches: Nelson Calzi, Paolo Spadaro Munitto, Jeong Un Kim, Paolo Raffo.
Duration: two years.
Frequency: daily, Monday through Friday, and participation in artistic productions and concerts.
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Max age 30.
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Diploma in singing at a music conservatory or a recognized state secondary school of music. If studies were carried out at a private music school or from a private tutor, the Director or instructor will take the responsibility to issue a declaration of the candidate's maturity and suitability to participate in the course.
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Documented experience of having performed in operas or recitals of significant artistic importance, as determined by the final decision of the Selection Board.
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Preference will be granted to candidates who have placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in singing competitions of national and/or international importance.
Max participants: 12.
Call and application form
Not available. The 2011/2013 biennium is currently underway.
Online Payments
You can pay online the application fees by visiting our Online Payments. The Academy of Lyric Opera is free.
Further information
For questions and insights about this course, go to the contact page or fill out the request form on the side of this page.
You can also call us at + 39 02 8545.111.
This course is made possible by the support of:
