I had such a great time in Bologna. We were so busy; coachings, lessons, masterclasses, working with great singers from all over the world. We were learning from each other every day and it was a one-of-a-kind experience for sure. Everyone was so unique. There were so many different approaches to the music and to the technique, really something that you don’t see anywhere else. The city of Bologna was gorgeous. There was something to see, something to do and something to learn every single day.
Aubry Ballarò, Soprano, USA
Reminiscing about the incredible, almost inexpressible experiences I’ve had these two weeks in this past summer in the beautiful city of Bologna. A very high-level training program for opera singers focusing on language coaching, fabulous vocal coaching, professional acting classes and world-class masterclasses and auditions. I was honored to be a part of BIOA.
Yue Hu, Mezzosoprano, China
There is no better place than to study with some of the most wonderful masters than BIOA. Music, knowledge, language it all comes together right here in Bologna, the birthplace of the oldest university in the world. I had a wonderful time.
Kara Mulder, Soprano, USA
I’ve really enjoyed singing and training with BIOA last summer, with its amazing faculty, master classes and frequent concert opportunities, BIOA is an enriching program for any young artist/professional. The people who work with you truly care about helping you become the best singer you can. In addition, Bologna also provides a great background to understand the Italian culture: history, architecture, museums, and great food!
Ana Isabel Lazo, Soprano, Guatemala
I feel very satisfied participating in this wonderful program. There were variety of courses every day. I have learned rigorously lyric diction, vocal technique and interpretation. Prof. Liu and Prof. Guechev cared about me, and about each and every student of the academy. We stayed at a hotel that was perfect for study and relaxation. The breakfast and dinner offered were great. Everyday learning was very fulfilling for me, and I made many new friends from all over the world. We had many famous masters who came for masterclasses. I also learned a lot from them. Each master had different teaching styles, but they were equally very exciting. At the end of the project, we also had three wonderful concerts at some beautiful and historic venues in Bologna. I am very happy and enjoyed this great learning experience!
Yihan Duan, Soprano, China
BIOA was a beautiful learning experience for me. I had the chance to work with great professionals, world-renowned singers, conductors and directors whom I learned a lot from, also got inspired and motivated by them long after the program was over. I met amazing colleagues and great singers who are now great friends of mine. I highly recommend this program; you’ll learn a lot and you’ll be doing it in the heart of Bologna!
Javorka Vitanova, Soprano, Republic of North Macedonia
The BIOA was an amazing experience! Studying opera in the heart of an Italian city is completely different than studying in the United States and it enables students of the art to study with professionals from all over the globe. The education I received from the academy has changed my life and pushed me beyond what I thought was possible for myself. I would recommend the BIOA to anybody looking to better themselves as a performer!
Anthony Massetto, Baritone, USA
I had an amazing time on the BIOA course this summer. The quality of coaching and tuition was second to none… I learned more in two weeks than I could have in a year! Working with some distinguished singers and directors I found the advice they had to offer incredibly enlightening and helpful. Every single lesson or masterclass I took part in was brilliant and I felt able to focus on all the different elements of my singing as the tutors have so much to offer between them. It was a truly all-round learning experience: languages, interpretation, technique, acting, auditions and even career advice – no area was left uncovered and I came back feeling inspired, equipped and energized!
Themba Mvula, Baritone, UK
Each lesson, masterclass and coaching with BIOA’s staff not only encouraged the singers performing, but also gave great tools and ideas to those observing the directions. I was privileged to be offered the role of Gilda from Rigoletto with the Varna Opera after singing in the final concert at BIOA 2016. I performed Gilda in October 2016. The professors are extraordinary, work very diligently and are personable to everyone.
Alianna Whiteaker -Chudecke, Soprano, USA
BIOA has all you expect from an opera program for young singers, and then some. Working with world class teachers, coaches, conductors? Check. Performance opportunities? Check. Masterclasses? Check. Auditions for artist management? Check. Meet amazing colleagues from all over the world? Check. Spend a couple of weeks in a gorgeous Italian city? Check. My time there was very well spent, and I absolutely recommend this program to anyone and everyone!
Pedro Arroyo, Tenor, Puerto Rico
What an incredible experience! Being able to not only work with some of the most talented teachers, coaches, and conductors in the world, but also to sing with extremely talemted singers from around the world was an invaluable experience. If you find yourself asking, “Why should I chose this voice program over one of many others?” Instead ask yourself, “why not?!” Do it. You owe it to yourself.
Jennifer Zabelski, Soprano, USA
Every moment spent at the incredible Bologna International Opera Academy was a joy! BIOA provided a warm, supportive and caring environment which enabled each artist to flourish and progress. I arrived in Italy having travelled from Ireland and left with worldwide friendships, opened doors and treasured memories. BIOA 2017 was invaluable in my journey to become an Opera Singer of the highest caliber.
Marcella Walsh, Soprano, Scotland
This was an experience like no other. Not only I get to work with world-class opera singers, coaches, and conductors, but I also had unforgettable cultural experience. Words cannot describe how much I learned and how much fun I had.
Kate Kratzenberg, Mezzosoprano, USA
C’était une expérience tout à fait exceptionnelle cette année , d’abord de se trouver dans une ville comme Bologne où tout est art dans son moindre détail mais surtout de strouver au sein de l’académie internationale d’opéra avec des professeurs , des maestros et des coachs de très hauts niveau , des professionnels du métier de renommé internationale en direction , en chant et en mise en scène et des collègues avec qui j’ai pu partager cette si belle expérience.
Le travail était sérieux , intensif et bien ciblé , chaqu’un de nous a pu développer ses compétences chaqu’un à son niveau et la bienveillance de l’équipe directrice et les Maîtres étaient le facteur en commun de tout notre travail.
L’ambiance était magnifique , le savoir et savoir faire acquis sont énormes et les challenges aboutis.. Merci pour cette belle expérience que je reviverai avec grand plaisir et sans aucune hésiation.
Haythem Hadhiri, Barritone, Tunisia
Muchas gracias BIOA por formar parte de mi crecimiento profesional.
Me ayudaron a tener más confianza y estar mejor preparada para una carrera internacional.
Gracias a cada uno de los maestros y colegas que ahora también son amigos.
Ethel Trujillo, Soprano, Mexico
I really do not know from where I could start. At first, I had my doubts, should I go, is it worth it? Am I good enough, am I prepared enough, will I be able to learn anything after all? These were but few of the questions I had in mind before I visited Bologna. But one needs to be brave enough to go for it. For me, BIOA was a life – changing experience where not only did I had an adventure of a lifetime, but I’ve also managed to meet new friends, world – renowned coaches, directors, teachers and conductors, future colleagues. But I think that, most importantly, I’ve learnt more about who I actually am and if I have to be honest, understating what you really want and why you are there, is priceless. BIOA have certainly gave me a direction and has for sure laid a strong foundation for my future career as an opera singer. I can’t recommend you to try this program at least once in your lifetime, you will never regret!
Asen Andonov, Tenor, Bulgaria
Attending BIOA 2023 exceeded my expectations in so many ways. The teachers and coaches were immensely welcoming and helpful from the start, even before we arrived at the beautiful and historic city of Bologna, Italy. Each day of the program we received a schedule of lessons, coachings, and masterclasses to prepare us for performances of scenes and arias. I was able to embrace my own creativity and artistry, with the guidance of these great instructors. Their guidance always came from a place of encouragement and inspiration, rather than right or wrong, allowing me to feel confident in sharing my artistic ideas.
BIOA arranged auditions for multiple European opera houses and agencies, and I was also able to enter the Bologna International Vocal Competition. These experiences resulted in an offer from the Stara Zagora Opera House, where I will be making my debut as Mimi in La bohème in the spring of 2024. Shortly after the program ended, I received an invitation from one of the professors at BIOA, offering a performance opportunity in Wuxi, China at the China Eagle Black Forest Music Festival. Prof. Liu arranged a contract and soon after I was making my debut in China.
Attending BIOA proved to be a pivotal time at the early stages of my operatic career. The program is beneficial for those who are seeking instruction on vocal technique, language, stage etiquette, ensemble collaboration, acting, and those who are prepared to network in the opera world. I’m so thankful for my incredible experience with BIOA and I encourage all singers to apply for this great program!
Julianne Casey, Soprano, USA
Applying for the BIOA this last summer was one of the best decisions I ever made for my singing career. I had a gut feeling, and choosing to attend this fabulous program turned out to be one of the best experiences I have ever had in my professional opera development!
All the teaching staff are remarkable individuals and artists of the highest calibre. They really pushed me every day but did so in a VERY supportive and safe environment. The teachers’ wonderful advice allows you to build on the skills you already have, which means you grow as an artist both technically and musically. Additionally, every teacher and mentor offers something unique, but also complimentary; therefore, you do not have conflicting ideologies which I found incredibly helpful and constructive.
I can’t recommend highly enough attending BIOA; it is unlike any other similar program, in my opinion. It also is not too long, which I personally really liked—it is quality over quantity. This program is incredibly unique and has everything you could possibly want and more! I found it to be a life changing decision in my personal artistic journey—the people I have met, contacts I have made and wonderful singers I got to work with will be friends and colleagues for life!
BIOA, thank you for such a magical experience, one I will surely never forget! I will carry always the many golden words of wisdom shared with me, as well as the beautiful memories!
Kate Amos, Soprano, Australia
I am a young soprano from San Juan, Puerto Rico. This past July I had the opportunity to participate in the Bologna International Opera Academy. My experience in this prestigious summer program was nothing but wonderful. The teachers, coaches, and staff that take part in this program not only helped me significantly in my vocal technique and performance, but also encouraged and supported me throughout the whole process and they continue to do so. I also had the honor to sing for musical icons and to learn from their rich knowledge. I believe that my time in the Bologna International Opera Academy has been one of the most important turning points in my development as an opera singer. As an artist in the making, I am so very grateful for this experience, and I wish for all my young artist colleagues to be able to experience this as well.
Alana Sha’I, Soprano, Puerto Rico