First day of classes

The students are now settled in to life in Spoleto and are finding their way around the town. On Sunday night, we enjoyed a spectacular firework show done in commemoration of the end of the 2014 Spoleto festival. We watched from the terrace of the convent under a full moon and mountain vista, and had an impeccable view of the show. After a well deserved sleep, the students woke up ready to begin their first day of classes. In the morning, students attended their elective courses, including Italian language, Arts and Ideas, Art and Architecture, and History of Opera. In the afternoon, the vocal students met for choir rehearsal in a local church, followed by individual lessons, coachings, and small ensemble work. For this first week, we have the pleasure of welcoming Elga Ciancaleoni as our guest teacher. She is a native Italian singer who is helping the students improve their musicality, as well as their pronunciation of Italian and Latin texts. The students are singing beautifully and all have exciting pieces to prepare for their upcoming performance classes.  (See photos below)

Students watch the fireworks on the terrace

Students work on ensemble pieces with accompanist Anna and instructor Elga.