A Pianist Coach from Italy to Conduct Master Classes for the Astana Opera International Academy Soloists
Images | astanaopera.kz
Internationally acclaimed pianist coach and conductor from Italy Alessandro Benigni will conduct master classes for the Astana Opera International Opera Academy attendees. From February 23 to March 2, the Maestro will begin preparing the young singers for the premiere of Donizetti’s comic opera Il Campanello that will take place at Astana Opera at the end of April, Astana Opera press office reports.
Executive director of the Astana Opera International Opera Academy Aisulu Tani shares that it will be the first time when a pianist coach works with the soloists.
Alessandro Benigni is a renowned opera coach: pianist and conductor all in one, a great professional in his field. Everyone who worked with him noted his high level of skill, Aisulu Tani emphasizes. "Both the first and second sets of attendees are accustomed to classes with vocal specialists who help them improve their performing technique. Over the years, world-famous coaches Francesco Medda, Anna Vandi, Anatoli Goussev, Dmitry Vdovin, Marina Mescheriakova, Barseg Tumanyan and others have worked with the academy attendees. Working with a pianist has its own specifics. A pianist places accents, works on phrasing, and helps to perceive opera as a whole. From these master classes we expect the academy attendees to develop a fresh outlook on their work on parts, new approaches, and deeper knowledge of the Bel Canto style."
Alessandro Benigni completed his musical studies at the Conservatorio Statale di Musica "Gioachino Rossini" in Pesaro in piano, and he received his conducting diploma at the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna. For more than 20 years he taught at the Accademia d’Arte Lirica Osimo in Italy. Having extensive experience in opera field, he has worked with such world-renowned performers as Joan Pons, Renato Bruson, Marcelo Raúl Álvarez, Giorgio Merighi, as well as conductors Riccardo Muti, Bruno Bartoletti, Giuliano Carella, Riccardo Frizza, and others. As a pianist and music director, Alessandro Benigni has collaborated with celebrated opera houses and festivals in Europe, Japan and other countries. Now the Maestro will be able to share his invaluable wealth of knowledge with the Astana Opera International Opera Academy attendees.
It is worth emphasizing that in the beginning of February the young singers performed Tchaikovsky’s opera Iolanta on the opera house’s Grand Hall stage with great success. Almost the entire cast of the academy will also be involved in Donizetti’s one-act opera Il Campanello, created according to the canons of the Italian opera buffa. In addition, the vocalists are preparing a big surprise for the capital’s classical art aficionados - a concert, dedicated to the spring holiday of Nauryz.
As a reminder, the Astana Opera International Opera Academy operates with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This unique project makes a significant contribution to the development of our country’s culture. The academy opens up new opportunities for young talented performers to improve their vocal art, gain invaluable knowledge and experience through working with the best world and domestic coaches.
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