What's in store for me?

During the week we will study two long scenes from La Traviata, culminating in staged performances in a stunning little Opera House in the heart of Verdi Country in Italy.

The Workshop Schedule combines coaching in acting and singing and allows time to explore this lovely corner of the world. Any non-singing partners or companions have opportunities for Other Activities.

You will be coached in music and acting by three outstanding professionals: Dennis Knight, Richard Gregson payday loans no credit check and Mary Hill . In the evenings there will be a range of less formal musical events.

All rehearsals will be held either in the Function Room or the Auditorium of the Opera House.

There will be two performances of the scenes from La Traviata, with two different casts: a matinée and an evening performance. This is to provide as many participants as possible with the opportunity to sing a solo part. The soloists in one production (A) are expected to sing in the chorus of the other production (B) and vice versa. You will need to learn the chorus parts and solo arias before you arrive.

The work will appeal to both experienced soloists and beginners. Being coached by professionals has proved on many occasions to be a transformational experience!

We hope many of you will want to sing one of the solo roles; please prepare to audition for one or more if you are interested. We have posted a Guide on this site to help you prepare. Auditions take place in front of the full company on the Sunday evening; this is like an opera masterclass, with useful feedback (afterwards, over a drink!) from colleagues as well as the tutors.

We would also like to invite you to bring a piece of music (or two!) that you would like to sing in front of the rest of the company during one of our informal evening company concerts. Bring any music you like, it need not be from an opera. Remember to bring two copies of the score, one for the pianist.

A local audience will be invited to the Saturday performances at 18.00 and 21.00 hours. These times have been chosen to suit local custom. Tickets for the performances will be sold by a local charity, a recently established home for severely handicapped adults. All money collected will go to the charity.

Activities for companions who don't sing

There are several options if you would like to accompany a partner or want to come along and you are not a singer:

• You can take part as assistant stage manager or wardrobe assistant.

• You can explore the area. If there is sufficient request, we will arrange tailored tours of castles, museums,etc.
  
• You can take Spa treatments in Salsomaggiore Terme or Tabiano Terme, also nearby. Check out the Tourism page for more ideas.