“Over the span of just eleven days, I not only became a different musician but I also became a different person.” - Iris Whalen, CLA Mozart 2026
Iris Whalen
If I had to describe CLA Mozart in only two words, they would be “life changing.” I know it sounds cliché, but somehow, over the span of just eleven days, I not only became a different musician but I also became a different person.
As soon as we arrived at the Convento di San Giacomo, we put our bags in our rooms and met for a group discussion. We were welcomed by the faculty: Glenn Morton, John Viscardi, Daniel Isengart, and Raphael Fusco, who were just as excited to see us as we were to see them. The first thing they told us was that we were a very talented group of musicians who were all there for a reason, but to remember that we were all at different stages of our development and are on different paths. The moment they said this, you could see everyone begin to relax. From that very first discussion, everyone knew that we were in an environment that would foster nothing but growth, support, and love, and that is exactly what came out of CLA Mozart.
Shuo Zhang & Iris Whalen during the CLA Mozart Grand Finale
Every day we rotated between the faculty, coaching both our solo repertoire and ensemble scenes. With Glenn, we explored resonance and vowel placement. Raphael immersed us in the art of Mozart recitative. Daniel challenged us to discover truthful acting through song. And John gave us invaluable insight into choosing repertoire and navigating the profession from the perspective of a working singer. What surprised me most was that none of these lessons existed in isolation. A technical adjustment from one coach suddenly transformed an acting choice in another lesson. A conversation about text influenced the way I approached a musical phrase. Every coach built upon what the others had taught, and by the end of the program, I found myself thinking about singing in a much more complete way. One of the things I appreciated most about the faculty was the way they communicated. They had an incredible ability to explain complex ideas in a way that clicked with me almost immediately. Concepts that had once felt abstract suddenly made sense. As the days went on, I noticed myself thinking less about every individual technical detail and more about telling the story through the music. Instead of feeling like I was constantly searching for the "right" sound, singing felt free, expressive, and, most importantly, enjoyable.
Iris and 2026 Mozart Artists
As young singers, it is so easy to become consumed by perfect technique, winning competitions, landing roles, and constantly comparing ourselves to those around us. Somewhere along the way, we can lose sight of why we started singing in the first place: because we loved it. Throughout the program, the faculty reminded us that great singing isn't about chasing perfection; it comes from authentic curiosity and experiencing joy in making music. By the end of the program, we all left with an increased appreciation for the simple joy of making music and an enhanced understanding of why we fell in love with singing to begin with.
My favorite memory was my first ensemble rehearsal. We were rehearsing the sextet from Don Giovanni, and from the very first note, I was completely blown away. Everyone came so incredibly prepared, and each singer fit their role so naturally that it seemed as if they had been performing it for years. I remember looking around the room, thinking, "Wow, these people are unbelievable." But what impressed me even more than the talent was the atmosphere. Despite being surrounded by such gifted and driven musicians, there wasn't the slightest sense of competition. Instead, there was an overwhelming sense of joy. We were all simply excited to be making music together. Looking around the room and listening to everyone sing this incredible Mozart ensemble honestly gave me chills. It was one of those moments that reminded me why opera is such a special art form, because it's all about the indescribable feeling of creating something beautiful with other people.
Glenn Morton & Iris Whalen
Reflecting on those 11 days, I recognize that the true value of CLA Mozart extended beyond the coachings, rehearsals, or performances. The experience was defined by the people: faculty who demonstrated belief in our potential, singers who supported and celebrated each other, and an environment that reaffirmed our commitment to this art form. I left Italy with new friendships, a new love and understanding of Mozart, and a revitalized enthusiasm for the path ahead. Most importantly, I was reminded that singing should be a source of joy, and I can’t think of a more meaningful lesson to carry with me throughout the rest of my journey.