I participated as a singer at the Greve Opera Academy for two summers and had incredible and unique experiences both times. Unlike many other programs, you form close working relationships and friendships with the staff, which allows for more artistic growth and can then translate back to the United States where Connecticut Lyric Opera makes an enormous effort to include young artists in their productions. Additionally, the two operas prepared over the course of the four weeks are fully staged and accompanied by a full orchestra, so along with coachings, lessons, masterclasses, and rehearsals, participants get a fulfilling performance experience. Greve in Chianti is a lovely town with beautiful views of the Tuscan vineyards, the accommodations are spectacular, and performing the operas outside in the piazza is so special. By the end of the program you can get to know the townspeople fairly well. Overall, due to the relationships built and relative flexibility of the day-to-day schedule, you come out of the program having had a hugely beneficial and fun month of both group and personalized instruction.
