Master Italian and the art of Bel Canto singing in the beautiful Umbrian town of Todi, Italy
Join us for a two week intensive course
6th- 20th of July 2025
Learn with us
Immerse yourself in the masterful art of Bel Canto and Italian language in beautiful Todi, with an international faculty with world renowned performers and teachers who have a passion to inspire the next generation of singers.
Take advantage of a wide variety of activities at the Bel Canto in Todi summer school. Your days will be filled with Italian language classes, singing lessons, masterclasses and optional discussion forums, culminating in 3 public concerts.
About Todi
The Beautiful Piazza: Todi is situated in the heart of Umbria, the only region in Italy that neither borders the sea nor shares an international frontier.
The Serene Todi: This unique geographical isolation lends Todi a distinct charm, making it feel wonderfully remote. Perched high on a hill overlooking the River Tiber, the town offers sweeping, picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
The Historical Streets: Todi’s serene and unhurried atmosphere, coupled with its scenic beauty, makes it a peaceful retreat from the bustle of modern life.
Programme
Language
In the morning you’ll take part in an intensive Italian language course with specialist teachers from La Lingua Vita. These classes designed to specifically to boost your knowledge. Immersed in the langue and culture, push yourself to really expand your Italian language skills.
Vocal Development
Your afternoons will be spent developing your vocal skills and extending your repertoire with 1-1 singing lessons. You’ll also receive daily vocal coaching and masterclasses with our world renowned and highly experienced teachers.
Singer’s Wellness
A holistic and informative approach to all facets of wellness, specifically targeted for singer’s needs. Through out the two weeks you’ll attend classes exploring Body Mapping, Performance Anxiety and Vocal Health, to help you become well equipped for a professional career.
Perform
This is your chance to perform in Italy. Enjoy performing in three concerts in the beautiful venues in Todi. Be inspired by the music and the scenic beauty of these hidden gems.
Each concert tailors to a different aspect of the classical music repertoire, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy!
You’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime to perform at the
Santa Maria della Consolazione, Todi
Faculty
Kathleen McKellar Ferguson
Kathleen McKellar Ferguson, brings a wealth of experience to guide aspiring opera singers. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal College of Music, London, Kathleen has enjoyed a distinguished international career in opera and concert performance. Her credits include appearances at prestigious venues such as the Aldeburgh Festival, ENO, and Zurich Opera. Since 2001, she has been nurturing young talent as a vocal instructor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Kathleen's expertise extends beyond performance, encompassing vocal coaching for renowned choirs and conducting masterclasses worldwide. Her blend of performance excellence and dedicated teaching makes her an ideal mentor for students transitioning from undergraduate studies to professional careers in opera.
Voice Teacher, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, United Kingdom
Deirdre Welborn
Voice Teacher, Associate Professor of Music, The South Carolina School of the Art at Anderson University, United States of America
Deirdre Welborn brings over 40 years of diverse musical experience to our summer opera school. As a tenured Associate Professor of Music at The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University, she specializes in vocal performance and pedagogy. Deirdre's expertise spans classical, musical theater, and contemporary commercial music, making her an invaluable resource for aspiring singers. Her students have achieved honors at state, regional, and national levels in National Association of Teachers of Singing Auditions. With a Master of Music from Westminster Choir College and additional training in contemporary vocal techniques, Deirdre is passionate about vocal health and helping singers discover their authentic voice. Her experience in developing vocal curricula and presenting workshops on vocal pedagogy ensures that students will receive comprehensive, cutting-edge instruction to prepare them for successful careers in opera and beyond.
Bruno Taddia
Baritone & Vocal Coach, Italy
Bruno Taddia brings international experience and musical versatility to our summer opera school. With a background in violin, composition, and voice, Bruno has graced the stages of world-renowned opera houses including Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and Deutsche Oper Berlin. His repertoire spans baroque, classical, and contemporary works, showcasing his adaptability as a performer. Bruno has collaborated with esteemed conductors like Riccardo Muti and directors such as Dario Fo, offering students invaluable insights into the professional opera world. His recent performances in challenging roles like Don Pasquale, Falstaff, and Gianni Schicchi demonstrate his ongoing commitment to artistic growth. With his diverse skill set and philosophy background, Bruno is uniquely positioned to guide students in developing both their vocal technique and interpretative abilities, preparing them for successful careers in opera.
Christian Schmitz
Born in Milan, he graduated with honours in piano at the Conservatory of his city under the guidance of M° Sergio Lattes, later studying with M° Boris Petrushansky and with prof. Nelly Ben-Or.
Recently he has studied with prof. Maria Luisa Franco, graduating cum laude at the Conservatory "A. Boito” in Parma. As a soloist he has distinguished himself in several national and international competitions, and has held concerts in Italy and abroad, devoting particular attention to the music of the Twentieth century.
Pianist, Italy
Graham Lilly
Répéteur, Lyon, France
Graham Lilly brings a wealth of international experience as a répétiteur, coach, and performer to our summer opera school. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the National Opera Studio, Graham has worked with prestigious opera companies across Europe and Asia, including the Opéra National de Lyon, Glyndebourne Touring Opera, and Hong Kong Opera. His expertise spans a wide range of operatic and symphonic repertoire, having performed at renowned festivals such as Edinburgh International and Aix-en-Provence. As a principal répétiteur and coach, Graham has nurtured countless singers in major opera houses and conservatories, including the CNSMD de Lyon and the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. His versatility as a pianist, from orchestral playing to vocal accompaniment, offers students a comprehensive understanding of the operatic world. Graham's extensive experience and dedication to nurturing young talent make him an invaluable mentor for aspiring opera singers looking to bridge the gap between academic training and professional performance.
Pietri Antikainen
Seniori lecturer at TAMK - Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland
The acclaimed bass, Petri Antikainen, graduated with M Mus from Sibelius Academy, Helsinki and then subsequently studied advanced vocal studies at renowned music universities, including those in Berlin and Vienna. Petri gained several awards and also won third place in the Lappeenranta National Singing Competition in 1989.
Petri has had a wide and varied career singing all over Europe with most notable performances at Finnish National Opera, Savonlinna Opera Festival, Pori Opera, Oulu Opera, Helsinki Festival, Turku Music Festival, Avanti's Summer Sounds Festival, Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO), Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra.
Fees
Tuition & Homestay*
€2000
Tuition for music programme and language school, includes accommodation and daily meals provided with a local host family. Our carefully selected host families offer a warm and welcoming environment where students can practice Italian daily and experience authentic Italian culture.
Tuition Only *
€1400
Tuition for the music programme and language school only. Students are expected to organise their own accomodation.
Please note*, both payment options do not include flights or transportation between the airport and Todi. It is up to you to arrange your own transportation from your home country to the arranged meeting point on day 1 of the course.
Deadlines
25th Jan 2025: Applications due (including €25 non-refundable application fee)
1st March 2025: €500 non-refundable deposit
1st April 2025: First instalment, 50% of total balance due
1st May, 2025: 2nd instalment, remaining 50% of balance
Piazza del Popolo, Todi, Italy
Applications
In order to submit your application with us, we will require you to include two recent video recordings of the following:
One Operatic Aria of your own choice
One Art Song of your own choice
There are no language requirements for the audition pieces. Whilst live piano accompaniment is preferred, we will also accept recorded backing tracks. We want to hear songs that you love singing and suit your voice.
We kindly request that you upload your video audition materials to YouTube or Vimeo, and set the video to ‘Unlisted’. From there, you will be able to provide us with a private shareable link.
We also ask that you include proof of a €25 application fee. Please add your name into the reference number.
If you have any trouble uploading your content to a video sharing platform, contact us using the form below and one of our team will be able to lend advice or assistance.
Sound like the program for you?
It’s easy to apply!
Location, Location, Location
All activities at this course will take place within Todi. Please see the map for information on the location of Todi within Italy.
Have questions? Contact us.
To get in touch, please fill out the form provided, or contact us directly at belcantointodi@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!