ABC
Mastering the Art of Bel Canto in the Heart of the Black Forest
Welcome to
Akademie BelCanto
“Established in 2004, the Akademie BelCanto offers a specialized curriculum in the traditional art of bel canto. In collaboration with bel canto specialists and legends of the opera world, we provide aspiring singers with world-class training and performance opportunities.”
Akademie BelCanto (ABC)
In cooperation with internationally famous belcanto specialists like Alberto Zedda, Raúl Giménez, Kurt Widmer, Lorenzo Regazzo, etc., Rossini in Wildbad established an education program which became an academy dedicated to the study of bel canto in 2004.
One of the first workshops was held by a rising mezzosoprano star: the young Joyce DiDonato and this was certainly the first or one of the first of her marvellous masterclasses she ever held. This happened during a Cenerentola project, including a workshop in collaboration with the Theaterakademie August Everding Munich, which at that time was preparing a Cenerentola production of its own. Our resulting NAXOS CD with Joyce DiDonato, José Manuel Zapata, Bruno Praticò and Paolo Bordogna under the baton of mythical Alberto Zedda is still regarded as a state of the art recording and reference of interpretation.
International BelCanto Prize
The International Belcanto Prize Bad Wildbad is an important part of the festival’s work. It has been awarded since 1998.
The prize went to singers such as Agata Bienkowska, Pavol Brslik, Olga Peretyatko, Serena Malfi, Diana Haller, Sofia Mchedlishvili, Sara Blanch, Serena Saenz, and others. In 2017 Vera Talerko (soprano) Lithuania and Patrick Kabongo Mubenga (tenor) France were awarded ex aequo. In 2018, Eleonora Bellocci (soprano), Italy won, in 2019 César Cortes (tenor), Colombia. In 2021 Mara Gaudenzi (Italy), 2022 Jusung Park (Bassbaritone), South Corea and Iida Antola (Soprano) were awarded. 2023 ex aequo Francesco. Bossi and Camilla Carol Farias (both Italy) received the prize.
Admission is by audition for the BelCanto Academy, during the Festival or by invitation, and by attending the Rossini & Co concerts of the Festival.
All decisions of the academy management/the jury of the Belcanto Prize are final. No legal recourse is allowed.
Prize Benefits and Participation Requirements
The International Belcanto Prize 2024 includes a role offer for one of the following festivals as well as a recognition prize of 1000 Euro donated by the Swiss Foundation Classic Pro bono. Participation in the concerts on July 21 and 27, 2024, among others, is obligatory for active participants of the courses and applicants for the prize.
The prize is aimed at female singers up to the age of 32 and male singers up to the age of 35.
Mandatory Repertoire Guidelines
Two arias by Rossini or his contemporaries or Mozart are obligatory. An aria must be sung in Italian and an Italian recitative must be prepared.
Application Procedure and Fee Details
Registrations with CV, links to recordings can be emailed directly to akademierossini@gmail.com. A registration fee of 50 euros will be charged.
Masterclasses
The 2024 masterclasses start 15-21 July with Filippo Morace and the second masterclass is with Raúl Giménez 22-27 July. Enrolment for paying applicants starts now.
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Filippo Morace
Filippo Morace is a renowned bass-baritone who has been performing bel canto roles on the most important theatres and festivals in Italy for almost twenty years, including numerous performances at the Milan Scala. In his performances he embodies a lively theatre tradition. Musical and scenic interpretations of Rossini and bel canto are on the program of Filippo Morace’s lessons, which had huge success in recent years.
Raúl Giménez
Raúl Giménez is one of the defining tenors of the Rossini Renaissance and can be heard on countless recordings. Even today, at over 70 years of age, he is internationally successful as a singer. He began his tenor career in his thirties at the Teatro Colón, after being an engineer, but his third career, which has now made him one of the most sought-after style teachers of Rossini and bel canto around the world, began in Wildbad, where he gave the first official courses in 2003. In his course he will focus on opera scenes.
Prices and registration
The enrolment fee of 50 Euro for auditions, masterclasses or the International BelCanto Prize has to be paid only once a year.
Enrolment for paying applicant is possible from now on.
Kontakt: akademierossini@gmail.com
- Masterclass
- Filippo Morace
- 22-27 July 2024
- Masterclass
- Raúl Giménez
- 22-27 July 2024
- Combination price
- for both masterclasse
Listeners 110 € for each class - Combination price 180 €
Registration for Akademie BelCanto 2024
To participate in the Akademie BelCanto 2024, including auditions for opera roles, masterclasses, and the chance to compete for the International BelCanto Prize, follow these steps
The active participants of all master classes can present themselves in several concerts and in some cases also in small opera roles. Active participants are automatically selected for the International Belcanto Prize 2024 Bad Wildbad if they meet the requirements and present suitable repertoire.
On 26 July Jochen Schönleber, director of the festival, will discuss the options to stage Rossini with the participants of the Academy.
Register by completing the application form available on our website from the announcement date until all spots are filled.
Pay the registration fee of 50 € immediately after your registration confirmation. Your registration is only valid with confirmed payment.
You will receive a confirmation email once your registration and payment have been processed.
Applicants are required to prepare thoroughly to showcase
their skills effectively
CV
Provide a current and detailed curriculum vitae.
Repertoire List
Submit a list of pieces you are prepared to perform, which should include at least two arias; one must be sung in Italian.
Photos
A recent full-body or role-specific photograph.
Recordings
Provide two recent performance videos (within the last two years) via YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Ensure each video complies with the platform’s size restrictions.
Payment Proof
Send a digital copy of the payment receipt for the registration fee.
Audition for Akademie BelCanto 2024
Every year in January and February, we hold auditions in major European opera cities.
Auditions start with one or two videos/audios, which applicants make accessible not via download, but with a link on an accessible platform like Youtoube or Vimeo. Qualified applicants will be invited for the auditions and can usually choose the place.
2024 the repertory of the festival is mostly in French: Le Comte Ory and Masaniello are both written for Paris. But the main project of Akademie BelCanto is the young production of L’italiana in Algeri in Italian with video recording. The videos will be an important instrument for your future applications for casting operas and competitions. If you want to apply and want to have better chances to be accepted, we suggest you choose one classical belcanto recit and aria in Italian and one in French. Do not choose the wrong repertory.
The following audition places are scheduled:
Apart from several international competitions, where we hear interesting singers for the Academy, auditions are scheduled in…
MADRID
December 16, 2023
* Please contact us immediately if you wish to audition in Madrid.
BERLIN
January 28, 2024
11:00 a.m
Deutsche
FLORENCE
January 21, 2024
11:00 a.m Conservatorio
VIENNA
February 18, 2024
11:00 a.m Musikquartier
KRAKOW
February 20, 2024
2:00 p.m Philharmonic
Each The number of applicants is limited due to the limited time of every audition. Please apply asap. Enrolment for the ABC is necessary and costs 50 €. If your application is rejected after the first round of video audition, 25 € will be reimbursed.
Kraków is particulary interesting for singers that want to take part in the workshop Italiana in Algeri from 3-23 June in Kraków. Selected applicants will receive an extra offer from Passionart, Kraków.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact the ROSSINI office or send an email to: akademierossini@gmail.com
The German version of this announcement is legally binding.
Overview of the scholarships for Akademie BelCanto 2024
Due to the generous donations from private individuals and from the Freundeskreis ROSSINI IN WILDBAD e.V. the following scholarships will be awarded.
Auditions are necessary to find out the quality of new talent. For 2024 we have scheduled a new project: A full scale new production of a Rossini opera, L’ italiana in Algeri for young singers, which will be recorded and streamed as a showcase for the future career of the soloists. All roles will be covered, if possible, by young singers of ABC, probably except the old Taddeo. Conductor is José Miguel Pérez-Sierra, directed by Jochen Schönleber.
Inge Borkh scholarship for young sopranos
The great dramatic Wagner and Strauss singer (1921-2018) was a tireless visitor to the festival until her death at the age of 97 and was passionate about the development of young singers. 1,500 Euros scholarship, travel in Europe and accommodation expenses, participation in concerts and possibly opera roles
Lotte Bräuer Scholarships
Lotte Bräuer Scholarships from the Freundeskreis ROSSINI IN WILDBAD e.V.: Mrs. Lotte Bräuer, in her generosity, has designated the Circle of Friends as the universal heir, thereby enabling permanent support for young singers. These scholarships, numbering three, each offer a 1,500 Euro award, covering travel and accommodation expenses, and including participation in master classes, concerts, and potentially opera roles.
Partial Scholarships from ROSSINI IN WILDBAD e.V.
Up to three partial scholarships are offered for free tuition in master classes and participation in concerts organized by ROSSINI IN WILDBAD e.V.
Grants from the ROSSINI IN WILDBAD Festival
These grants, numbering up to two, offer a 1,200 Euro award each, covering travel and accommodation expenses, and including participation in master classes, concerts, and potentially opera roles. One of the grants is, if possible, reserved for a Ukrainian applicant.