W.A.Mozart
Le Nozze di Figaro
During the 2026 edition of the Academy, we will work on Mozart’s all-time classic of drama, intrigue and comedy. Da Ponte’s libretto joins Mozart’s brilliant music to produce an unstoppable sequence of utmost beauty and theatrical dynamism that allows for a 360 degrees operatic journey.
The relatively reduced cast and the solidity of the musical structure will allow participants to focus on technical skills while developing some of the repertoire’s most famous and complex characters. Mozart’s masterpiece, conveniently cut in a traditional way that doesn’t affect it’s artistic value, will be set-up and staged over the two-week programme and performed two times.
Indicative Weekly Schedule
| First Week | Second Week |
| Morning Yoga (optional) | Morning Yoga (optional) |
| Music/ensemble rehearsals with piano | Staging rehearsals with piano |
| Vocal and language coaching | Vocal and language coaching |
| Orchestra rehearsals | Tutti rehearsals with piano/orchestra |
| Masterclasses and tutoring | Masterclasses and tutoring |
| Theatrical coaching | Public recital (Wed 09.09) and 2 final performances (12-13.09) |
The first week will focus on getting to know the repertoire, while working on musical and linguistic aspects of the opera. In this process, participants will be supported and guided by conductors and tutors in their respective disciplines.
There will be opportunities to attend individual coaching sessions with experts, perfecting technical abilities (within and outside of the specific repertoire) and improving Italian pronounciation and diction with native speakers.
Assistant conductors will have the unique opportunity to spend some time working with the orchestra alone, making sure the repertoire is up to standard and preparing for tutti rehearsals later on.
Staging assistants will work closely with the staging director during this phase to gather ideas, prepare the staging and familiarise with both artists and space. There will also be the opportunity to work on theatrical and dramatic skills together with the cast in dedicated moments.
The second week will be when things start picking up speed and the finish-line is in view. At this point, staging rehearsals will be in full swing, as well as music rehearsals with the full ensemble.
At the same time and depending on availability, participants will be able to continue taking individual coaching sessions based on their needs and priorities.
There will be the voluntary opportunity to perform in a public recital, hosted at the Sala María Cristina, one of the best music venues in Spain. This will give artists the chance to take the stage alone or with colleagues and showcase their skills and interpretation abilities in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
Two performances of the staged opera will take place at the end of the Academy, in a venue to be defined. In the case of roles with double casting, both participants will have the opportunity to perform at least once. All performances will be professionally recorded and videos provided to participants.
Who can apply
Singers – Soloists
The program welcomes singers at an advanced student or early-professional level. A maximum of two singers per role will be accepted to ensure focused artistic development and equal performance opportunities. All singers will participate in a full production of Le Nozze di Figaro, receiving vocal coaching, staging sessions, ensemble work, and masterclasses with invited artists. They will also have the possibility to perform in an opera recital evening hosted at the historic venue of Malaga’s Maria Cristina Hall. Participants will be able to express a preference for their desired role, however the final casting decision will be taken by the Artistic direction.
Singers are expected to prepare their parts to the best of their abilities and be ready to perform.
Fee: €1.500
Chorus
Chorus members join the workshop as an essential part of the final production, offering an excellent entry point into the world of opera. They participate in musical and staging rehearsals, work alongside the main cast, and receive structured feedback with the possibility to attend vocal coaching sessions. Chorus singers will also have the opportunity to perform in an opera recital evening hosted at Malaga’s historic Maria Cristina Hall. This role is ideal for developing singers who want meaningful stage experience in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Fee: €800
Assistant Conductors
A maximum of 2 assistant conductors will work closely with the music director and orchestra, receiving hands-on experience in rehearsal techniques, score preparation, and ensemble leadership. They will have the opportunity to conduct selected excerpts—and potentially full scenes—during the workshop and at the final performances, depending on readiness and progress.
Conductors are expected to prepare the full score in advance and be ready to conduct from the start of the programme.
Fee €1.500
Assistant Stage Directors
A maximum of two assistant stage directors will be selected to work closely with the stage director throughout the production process, from dramaturgical preparation to staging rehearsals and coaching performers.
Participants will progressively take on greater artistic and practical responsibilities, gaining hands-on experience in stagecraft, communication with artists, and the creative development of an operatic production.
Fee: €1.200
Repetiteurs
Repetiteurs (opera pianists) will play an integral role in the musical preparation of the cast, accompanying rehearsals and receiving mentoring from experienced coaches. The program offers an immersive environment to develop collaborative piano skills, operatic style, and communication with singers, conductors, and stage directors.
Repetiteurs are expected to prepare the full piano reduction of the opera (or discuss specific needs with the Artistic direction) in advance and be ready to accompany singers from the beginning of the programme.
Fee: €1000
Orchestra Musicians
Orchestra members may participate through an Erasmus+ short-term traineeship (blended mobility), allowing their sending higher-education institutions to formally recognize the experience while providing potential financial support. For musicians not using Erasmus+, participation in the orchestra is free of charge, although no accommodation or travel costs are covered (however, orchestra members will be able to stay at the student residence of which below for anagreed fee). The orchestra rehearses independently during the first week before joining the singers for the full production process. Specific section-tutors will support musicians in their study and practice.
Orchestra members should prepare all their parts in advance and be ready to play at an acceptable level at the start of the programme.
Free of charge – applications are rolling for orchestra musicians, so selection is on a first-come first-served basis
Applications closed for: clarinets, flutes
Masterclass Schedule
Sep
2-5
Barbara Frittoli
Voice
SEP
7-9
Silvia Gasperini
Repetiteurs
Sep
9-11
Miguel Romea
Conducting
