“Of the programs that are out there, none compare to the caliber and level or artistic development offered at Classic Lyric Arts built from their ability to meet you where you are. The intense study was energizing and incredibly inspiring. My adventure was exactly the way I wanted my return to the stage and art to be, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” - Nicole Magallón, CLA Bel Canto 2026
Sofia Durante & Nicole Magallon at CLA Bel Canto
Hopping off the bus in la piazza di Novafeltria was instant surrender. Not having felt this sensation and hunger to focus, work, and collaborate in my many years away from opera, was reviving. The smiles, the laughter, gli abbracci di ritorno (returning hugs) from the locals to the faculty and returning singers, was the ceremonious beginning that foreshadowed all that was to come.
Within the first 24 hours, we went to work. From 9AM to 6PM, coachings, lessons, classes, walking across the street to and fro between la scuola and teatro. Midday espresso breaks just cause, or because you really needed it, at Lattevino, or grabbing a bite with new friends.
Nicole Magallón at the Scuola in Novafeltria
Within my few days there, I was already experiencing life altering progress. Working with Glenn, Daniel, Raphael, Ubaldo, and John was liberating. Being away from the study and pursuit of opera for a few years to explore different artistic avenues and pursue a corporate path, I felt like I was unknowingly locking up a part of me. So, when I mean liberating, I mean it was truly a release of my entire being.
In my sessions with Glenn, I felt at ease to play around with my voice, finding where it truly lies. I had never felt the ease, vibration, and freedom of my voice until I met with Glenn. He, as I have been describing to my colleagues, friends and family, is a coach for the voice. One has nothing to fear in their own voice with him.
Raphael and Ubaldo were the perfect mix of proper Italian vocal schooling. Their scholarly focus into each singer's’ production of text and sound quickly turns one onto their toes and snaps us in to create dialogue and stories.
Teatro Mariani in Sant’Agata Feltria
John’s professional experience and active insight into the industry was truly invaluable. As someone who hasn’t dabbled in the competition ring, absorbing his expertise eased my fears and hesitations.
Daniel’s stage coachings created a space in which I felt free to experiment and collaborate. He guided us into the realm of the characters, while also attaching one individual’s charm and spirit. Everyone that I watched perform had an organic quality to their interpretations. It was truly the performers I knew as themselves in a world they’ve created and invited us into.
With this fantastic faculty in place, it was no surprise that we had amazing participants within the program. It was a pleasure to get to know and grow closer with my colleagues and further build true friendships. As our relationships grew stronger, so did our ensemble scenes with each other. In each performance, we consistently reached new heights.
The hills of Novafeltria
Our final concert in Ravenna was one of my favorite highlights from our concert series. We arrived to the city with a few hours to roam and explore. The cathedral of Ravenna took my breath away. As I looked at the craftsmanship and dedication it took to build such beauty, I could not help but be overcome with emotion. It was a parallel moment of realization that this is exactly what we were doing as we build the beauty of our own crafts. That evening, everyone’s performance was absolutely electric.
As the program grew to a close, what started to grab my attention was the Novafeltria theatre we performed and practiced in. Something magical that began to happen: as the days went on, it felt as if it was growing in size. I like to think it was symbolic of everyone’s growth and the heights of their new achievements, as if it were also a look into everyone’s future successes.
The 2026 Bel Canto Artists & Faculty after the Ravenna Concert
Of the programs that are out there, none compare to the caliber and level or artistic development offered at Classic Lyric Arts built from their ability to meet you where you are. The intense study was energizing and incredibly inspiring. My adventure was exactly the way I wanted my return to the stage and art to be, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you, CLA.