“Classic Lyric Arts fosters a safe environment for artistic growth: this program encourages musicians, singers, AND pianists, to experiment freely, take risks, try new ideas, make mistakes and embrace them for the sake of developing our craft.”
Daisy Dalit Sigal.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: a small town square with a fountain, cafés and restaurants, a gelateria, a belltower, the Teatro Sociale and an incredible view of the hills of the gorgeous Emilia-Romagna region. I arrived to Novafeltria and discovered a small town that was straight out of a storybook!
I have already heard so many great things about Classic Lyric Arts: the incredible faculty, the warm atmosphere among the students, the stunning location… I could go on and on. I was very excited to finally discover and feel all of that for myself, and I can proudly say that all my expectations and anticipations were not just met, they were exceeded.
The town square in Novafeltria.
As I was preparing my repertoire for the program, I was very worried that I might not be prepared enough. Looking at the performance calendar, I could tell the program would be full and intensive. So, I wanted to make sure I arrived in my best shape, ready to embrace every moment and immerse myself in the beauty of Italian music. From the very first day, thanks to the warm welcome of the faculty, and of the town, all my fears and nerves dissolved like a cloud in the sky. Classic Lyric Arts fosters a safe environment for artistic growth: this program encourages musicians, singers, AND pianists, to experiment freely, take risks, try new ideas, make mistakes and embrace them for the sake of developing our craft.
2025 CLA Italy Artists sharing a meal.
Besides the musical and acting coachings, we were lucky to have Italian language class everyday with Ilaria Ciccioni. Even though Italian is one of the four languages I speak fluently, it was nice to sit in a class like that and have the chance to review some of the rules with a native speaker that teaches the language. Of course, I was also happy that I finally had the chance to practice my spoken Italian with the town locals and some of the coaches, like Ubaldo Fabbri, Glenn Morton, and Raphael Fusco!
Classic Lyric Arts is a program built on traditions, such as the daily morning chants and breathing sessions led by Glenn Morton and John Viscardi, two of the amazing faculty members! These one-hour sessions allowed me to really check in with my body (which, as a singer, is also my instrument!) and prepared me for the exciting days of music-making and singing. It was extremely helpful for me to literally zone out for a while and to make sure that I am physically and mentally grounded before I began working.
The main street in Novafeltria.
During my time at CLA Italy, I had the incredible joy and honor of working alongside and learning from exceptional coaches, teachers, and conductors, each bringing invaluable knowledge that complemented and built upon one another. The guidance, mentorship and support I received were inspiring and transformative: they fueled my artistic and musical growth in some of the most encouraging and motivating ways. Each individual coaching with either Glenn Morton, John Viscardi, Ubaldo Fabbri, Raphael Fusco, Michael Sheetz, and Daniel Isengart were filled with personal revelations and unexpected discoveries about my voice and my artistic abilities. I also had the chance to watch and participate in a masterclass with Donata D’Annunzio Lombardi, an incredible singer who literally worked magic with everyone who sang for her.
I could not be more grateful to have had the opportunity to sing in some of the most beautiful theatres and locations: the Teatro Sociale in Novafeltria, the Castello di Gradara, the Teatro Angelo Mariani in Sant’Agata Feltria and the Piazza San Francesco in Ravenna… who could ask for more?!
The 2025 CLA Italy Artists during a performance.
Besides the hard work that everybody put in throughout the program, we also had the chance to explore the beauties that Novafeltria and the Emilia-Romagna region had to offer: the exciting market on Monday mornings, the beautiful Rimini beaches, the gorgeous San Vitale Basilica in Ravenna, a performance of Rossini’s Zelmira at the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, and of course… a chance to eat some of the most delicious food that clearly was always made with love.
The beauty of this program also lies in the environment it creates: for three consecutive weeks, everyone in the program is always together. It was so nice and fun to gather up with everyone after rehearsals and go out for either lunch, dinner, gelato, or to grab a drink and get to know each other even better. We shared many laughs and created some of the most beautiful memories! It was definitely hard to say goodbye to everyone at the end of the program, but I am truly eager to see what amazing adventures await us all in the future! It was a true pleasure to share the stage with such a strong and dedicated group of artists, whom I now call my colleagues and friends.
The 2025 CLA Italy Artists during after a performance.
Thank you, Classic Lyric Arts, for an experience to remember. My three weeks in Novafeltria were been filled with bright highlights, and memories that will forever be engraved in my heart. This has truly been one of the most special programs I’ve been a part of. To be in this fairytale-like town filled with culture, beauty, warmth, and love has been a real dream.
Novafeltria – avrai per sempre il mio cuore! Grazie per la tua calorosa accoglienza... spero di rivederti ancora!