The Accademia Verdiana is an elite training program for young opera singers, established by the Fondazione Teatro Regio di Parma. Located at Teatro Regio di Parma, the program focuses on the Verdian vocal repertoire, providing singers with rigorous musical, theatrical, and vocal training under the guidance of esteemed coaches, conductors, and music managers.
Led by Francesco Izzo, a distinguished musicologist and professor at the University of Southampton, the Accademia offers a free, comprehensive course designed to prepare singers for professional careers. The program is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus and the Emilia-Romagna Region, with additional support from a variety of prestigious cultural institutions, including the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole and the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani.
Twelve selected singers, chosen through a competitive selection process, are given a full scholarship, including a €1,000 stipend, and benefit from an extensive curriculum of 1,000 hours. The course covers a range of subjects from vocal technique and interpretation to acting, stage movement, and the study of 19th-century performance practices. Special attention is also given to bel canto and the operatic repertoire that influenced Verdi’s work.
In addition to daily lessons, students engage in workshops and seminars with industry professionals and participate in productions at Teatro Regio di Parma, the Verdi Festival, and Verdi Off. The Accademia Verdiana is a vital institution for nurturing the next generation of Verdi interpreters and opera stars.
