“Opera Lucca is a phenomenal program. From the beautiful location to the excellent faculty, this experience was invaluable! For someone looking to learn more about the Italian culture and languages this HAS to be the best program out there. We were completely immersed in the language and the society, and I learned so many things just from living there.” – Riley Findley, Indiana University Alum, Lyric Opera Young Artist, Gianni Schicchi 2023
“This was a program that I will never forget. It was a pleasure working with everybody. Thank you for the opportunity to bring to life such a complex character (Angelica), and bringing into my life some truly amazing individuals.” – Jouelle Roberson, Manhattan School of Music, Suor Angelica 2022; Winner Ades Vocal Competition
“I learned more about bel canto singing in a single summer at Opera Lucca than I might have in a full semester at conservatory. Lessons with world class faculty and a comprehensive education in the Italian language made me a more proficient musician in the fine art of Italian Opera. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to further their musical development in a beautiful city and in a supportive artistic environment!” – Robert Kopf, Mannes Conservatory
“Opera Lucca was the most wonderful experience from all my summer programs! It is an amazing program to become a better singer, while learning and immersing yourself in the Italian language and culture. I now study my Italian repertoire with a new level of understanding. The wonderful experience that I had working with such highly professional faculty will help me throughout my journey as a singer.” – Julia Garcia, Manhattan School of Music
“Opera Lucca was a fantastic experience for me! The city of Lucca was beautiful and getting to perform in and around it was incredible. Italian class every morning helped immensely to settle in to the culture and feel comfortable about living in it for the next month. Repertoire was great all around and the coaches and teachers were knowledgeable and easy to work with. Getting to learn from Peter Volpe over the course of 4 weeks propelled me forward as a musician and he’s truly a master of his craft, both teaching and performing. The days are filled with coaching, lessons and rehearsals with the maestro and everything stayed super productive. The experience I gained from performing and living in Italy was invaluable and something I look forward to repeating in the future!” Christian Ohlenschlaeger, Manhattan School of Music
“Each faculty member guided students wonderfully, in music and with a wealth of knowledge of exploring the culture. I feel very grateful to have been apart of the experience of working side by side such well known professionals in the profession. I would love to experience going back to opera Lucca again some day soon to make beautiful music together again. Thank you so much!” Vincenzo Fiorito, Manhattan School of Music
“I participated in the 2022 Opera Lucca festival and I must say, it was one of the best experiences I ever had! The program itself was very insightful and I learned so much that has benefited my singing career in a positive way and I will carry forever. The faculty are amazing to work with and Dr. James Massol was a great director. He helped with anything you needed before and during the program. The town itself is quite beautiful and being able to make music in such a wonderful small town, made the experience 100 times better. I really enjoyed the Italian lessons at the Lucca Italian school every morning and had a wonderful time coaching and rehearsing during the afternoon/evenings. Thank you Opera Lucca for an amazing experience!” Janelle Yausif, University of Toronto
“While Italy itself was unforgettably beautiful, this past month would mean nothing without the people that came into my life while I was there, and the friendships that I’ve made during my first summer opera program. Opera Lucca, thank you for teaching me so much about myself as a musician and a person. It’s unbelievable how much I’ve grown since stepping foot in Lucca for the first time a month ago. But most of all, thank you for letting me spend a month with a group of people that inspire me daily both in and out of performance. The friendships and connections I’ve made here are priceless, and I’ll always cherish them.” – Scylla Humbert
“Opera Lucca was my first opera program, and it was truly an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my career. The faculty was incredibly supportive and accessible, and they worked hard to encourage the students’ musical talents and push us out of our comfort zones. The city of Lucca is unforgettable, and so are the friends I made during my four weeks there. Thank you so much to all involved I am forever grateful!” – Ava Knight
“I am so happy I made the decision to attend Opera Lucca as it has been an incredible month of learning and making incredible connections in one of the most breathtaking little cities of Italy. Lucca will always have a special place in my heart.” – Laura Fernandez
“Opera Lucca provided me with the experience of a lifetime and has made me grow so much as a person and performer. I got to emerse myself in Italian culture and meet incredible people. The faculty are passionate and helpful and provided a wonderful space to learn. I have made so many friends and will never forget this summer.” – Jess Heisey
“Lucca will forever live in my heart as a special ‘home away from home’! Now that I’m back in the states, I’m just beginning to notice how all of my experiences in this program have shaped me into a better singer and better person! Cheers to a great program and a magnificent experience! Viva Lucca!” – Thomas Lynch
“I never thought that I could become so attached to a place, but I am incredibly emotional to leave Lucca. Really, I have fallen in love with a place that has been a vessel of my professional and personal growth. I am blessed to have called Lucca home for four weeks. To the Italian teachers at the Lucca Italian School and to the faculty at Opera Lucca, thank you for the bottom of my heart for making Lucca such a warm and welcoming place. Lucca will always feel like home to me. I have made memories that will last and that I will cherish forever.” – Victoria Meneses
“THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To every single person, who was a part of Opera Lucca! Thank you to the amazing and encouraging staff and faculty at the Lucca Italian School and those coaching, directing, coordinating, etc. in the opera program.” – Kylie Nabers
“Thank you for one AMAZING month, Opera Lucca. I will miss you Italy, you were good to me. Thank you for blessing me with new incredibly talented friends who I will miss terribly.” – Alyssa Vieau
“This has been an amazing month, and I’m so sad to see it come to a close. Thank you for all of the guidance and wisdom. I have learned and grown so much as a musician and Italian speaker, and I am forever grateful for this experience!” – Sydney Carbo
“I am amazed by how much I have learned in one summer. The faculty strived to educate and improve each and every one of our skills and I am so appreciative to have these connections. Lucca was such a lovely place to stay and I made so many wonderful friends.” – Blythe Condon
