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Accademia
dell'Opera Italiana
Annual Opera Gala

See more from: Music

Please note: this event is in the past

musicians
Overview
Performers

This special lunchtime concert marks the culmination of the Accademia dell'Opera Italiana's first international masterclass and promises an afternoon of operatic splendour.

The gala concert will feature outstanding performances by eight masterclass alumni and three repetiteurs, who have spent the past days refining their skills under the expert guidance of Maestra Nila Masala and the founders, Brian Hughes and Massimo Modoni, who will also perform during the concert. These young artists are all graduates of some of the finest conservatoires in the country, such as the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

They will present a repertoire of exquisite operatic pieces, showcasing their remarkable talent and artistry. The Accademia dell'Opera Italiana is committed to promoting young artist development and creating career opportunities. This masterclass and gala concert, offered free of charge to all participating young artists, reflect the Accademia's dedication to nurturing the next generation of operatic talent.

Thanks to their supporters, the Accademia has been able to continue its mission of fostering young talent and enriching the cultural landscape. Join them for an unforgettable afternoon of music, celebration, and community at the Accademia dell'Opera Italiana Annual Opera Gala Concert.

Performers

Performers:

Sophie Benfield - Soprano, Royal Academy of Music
Oliver Heuzenreuder - Baritone, Royal Academy of Music
Emily Hogarty - Mezzo-soprano, Royal Academy of Music
Anna-Helena Maclachlan - Mezzo-soprano, Royal Academy of Music
Hannah McKay - Soprano, Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Fionn Ó hAlmhain - Bass, Royal Academy of Music
Matthew Sotillo-Cooke - Tenor, Royal Academy of Music
Clare Quinn - Soprano, Royal Academy of Music

Repetiteurs:

Matthew Clemmet - Royal College of Music
Firoze Madon - Royal College of Music
Kaishun Ypsilantis - Royal College of Music

 

Nila Masala has graced some of the most prestigious theatres in the world, including the Festival Puccini of Torre del Lago, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, and Teatro Nuovo Orione. Masala's illustrious career is decorated with numerous awards, including the prestigious "Puccini Prize" and first prizes in international contests such as "Cappuccilli – Patanè – Respighi" and "Ritorna Vincitor."

Brian Hughes, an alumnus of the Royal College of Music, is celebrated for his classical colaborative  piano proficiency and innovative composition. He teaches at the London Contemporary Piano School and serves as Artistic Director for Irish Heritage, a charity supporting young Irish artists in the UK as well as for The Accademia dell'Opera Italiana. 

Massimo Modoni is an accomplished baritone, celebrated for his vocal versatility and dedication to the art of opera.  Massimo has performed on prestigious stages such as the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Teatro Dante Alighieri in Ravenna, Teatro Comunale in Ferrara, and Teatro Malibran in Venice, working with conductors such as Paolo Olmi, Valerio Casarin, Sergio Balestracci, and Nicola Simoni. His upcoming engagements include the role of Ping in Turandotat Conway Hall.

In addition to his performance career, Massimo serves as Chairman of the Accademia dell'Opera Italiana, which he co-founded to nurture young operatic talent. He is also the Director of Communication at the London Performing Academy of Music, where he oversees artistic management and collaborates with leading artists on educational and performance initiatives.