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.
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.
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. 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.
2027 FACULTY
Dr. Matthew Schloneger, East Texas A&M University
2027 GUEST FACULTY
To be announced
PAST FACULTY
Blythe Gaissert, International Opera Singer | Dr. Ana Flavia Zuim, New York University, Hamilton | Greta Feeney, Bilkent University | Susanna Rigacci, International Opera Singer | Dr. Alison Trainer, Boston University | Mario Cassi, International Opera Singer | Billie Jo Miller, Carnegie Mellon University | Valerie Dueck, Collaborative Pianist & Coach | Lorenzo Magi, Collaborative Pianist & Coach | Gianni Santucci, Stage Director, International Artist | Virginia Guidi, International Artist | Jon Kellam, Stage Director, Founder of SUPERDRAMA™ | Caroline Montes, Co-Founder Die Hexen | Isabella Egizi, Co-Founder Die Hexen | Dr. Tracelyn Gesteland, University of South Dakota | Djordje Nesic, Manhattan School of Music | Paula Gelpi, Chicago Opera Theatre | Claire Singher, Opernhaus Zürich | Dr. Jen Stephenson, Baylor University, Music On Site | Dr. Martha Guth, Ithaca College, Sparks & Wiry Cries, SongFest | Eva Mei, International Opera Singer | Rafael Gordillo, Opernhaus Zürich | Dr. Joshua May | Whittaker Locke | Dr. J. Bradley Baker | Lauren Koszyk
Testimonials
The faculty is stellar and the experience to be in Italy is a huge gift...I think Opera Seme helped me a lot with performance anxiety and feeling nervous in spaces when I have to perform.
Luke Orlan Balaguer
Tenor, Summer 2026
Program Cost & Details
Program Dates
June 26 - July 25, 2027 (to be confirmed)
Travel
Arrival in Arezzo: Saturday, June 26
Depart Arezzo: Sunday, July 27
Travel Assistance* to and from Rome: Arrive in Rome Friday, June 25; depart Rome Monday, July 26 or later (see Costs section for more info)
*Travel assistance with Opera Seme is highly encouraged, even if you are a seasoned European traveler.
More info about nearby airports and travel to/from Arezzo
Lodging & Meals
Le Gagliarde. Located in the historical city center about 15 minutes walk from the Arezzo train station, and 8 minutes walk to Piazza Grande. All apartments have air conditioning and a kitchen.
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. Air conditioned rooms and shared kitchen.
4 Week night meals included in program cost.
Costs
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Opera program: 2027 tuition to be announced
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Includes all musical activities, production costs, Italian classes, lodging in Arezzo, dinner 4 nights per week, and 2 weekend excursions
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Collaborative Pianist program: 2027 tuition to be announced
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Optional round-trip group travel from Rome to Arezzo: $200 one way, $400 round-trip
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Includes overnight hotel stays in Rome June 25 and July 25
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Optional additional weekend excursion to see an opera: $225 (includes round-trip travel, opera ticket, hotel, and dinner)
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Airfare not included
2027 Mainstage Performances
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Come back soon for the 2027 mainstage shows!
Audition Requirements
Participants in Italy/EU
Please see the European Auditions page for more info.
Participants in USA
Opera Seme auditions are completely virtual. There is no application fee.
Singer Requested Materials:
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Performance Resume
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Performance Headshot
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2 References
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Complete Repertoire List
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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
Collaborative Pianist-Coach Requested Materials:
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Performance Resume
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Performance Headshot
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2 References
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1-2 Video performance(s) of a solo piano work
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1-2 Video performances of work with a singer
Application Requirements
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Priority application deadline: January 15, 2027
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Final acceptance and deposit deadline: February 15, 2027
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Payment deadlines:
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$2,000 deposit due February 15, 2027, with the return of signed contract (50% refundable until March 30)
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$2,000 installment due March 30, 2027 (non-refundable after March 30)
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Remaining balance due June 1, 2027
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