Programs
Classes run Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with ample time for individual practice, breaks and meals. Sundays are free days.
Singers
All singers will receive:
- Intensive Italian language training
- Regular voice lessons and coachings
- Performances as part of the COSI Opera Festival in one of the two operas as well as courtyard concerts
- Participation in master classes
- In-rehearsal lyric diction coaching
- Pilates/Movement Instruction
Opera
Under the direction of our esteemed faculty, successful applicants will prepare and perform a lead role in either Le Nozze di Figaro or Suor Angelica. All roles will be double cast and each cast will receive 2 performances.
Members of the Opera program may be selected as soloists for our oratorio performances.
Opera Studio
Members of the opera studio will be cast in smaller roles for the main operas and/or a selection of scenes. All studio members will receive at least 2 performances in their opera and/or scenes, as well as an opportunity to participate in COSI’s ‘courtyard concerts’.
Members of the Courtyard program may be selected as soloists for our oratorio performances.
Independent Study Program: Voice Teachers
This is an innovative program for in-career voice teachers in private studios and in part-time teaching positions at conservatories, colleges and universities. Participants will submit a brief proposal as part of their application indicating their participation requests and goals, to be arranged in addition to language classes, voice lessons, coaching and Pilates instruction. Performance opportunities will also be discussed and made on an individual basis. Voice faculty teaching observation will be possible after the first week of the program, as well as discussions with the teaching faculty on various topics drawn from contemporary best practices and issues.
ISP – VOICE TEACHER ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED TO 2 PARTICIPANTS.
Independent Study Program: Professional Singers
This is an innovative program for in-career professional singers. In addition to language classes, voice lessons, coaching, and Pilates instruction, Professional Singer participants will engage in a program specifically designed for their learning, experiential and performance goals, as indicated in their application proposal. COSI’s esteemed opera professionals offer intensive feedback and refinement opportunities, as well as role preparation and development. Abundant performance opportunities are available, and can be scheduled as appropriate to the singer and the COSI program.
Members of the ISP program may be selected as soloists for our oratorio performances.
ISP – PROFESSIONAL SINGER ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED TO 4-6 PARTICIPANTS
Collaborative Piano
Collaborative pianists will receive ongoing mentoring and coaching from the faculty, as well as:
- Intensive Italian language training
- Private lessons with piano faculty
- Performances as part of COSI Concerts and/or the Opera Studio
- Designated collaborative piano forums and seminars with piano faculty
- Participation in master classes
- Collaborative work in voice studios in balanced schedule rotations.
- Pilates Instruction
Internships: Stage Management
All Stage Management interns will be assigned directly to one of COSI's two operas, where they will benefit from working with our phenomenal directors and learn from acclaimed Stage Manager Isolde Pleasants-Faulkner. Students will gain valuable experience in running a rehearsal, and will be hands-on in every aspect of the opera's production. In addition to the practical experience, regular seminars will be offered to discuss "best-practices" in stage management, and provide an opportunity for individual questions and development. Stage Management interns will also have an opportunity to run COSI and Opera Studio concerts.
In addition to ongoing mentoring and coaching from the faculty, all interns will also receive:
- intensive Italian language training
- Private coachings with faculty
- Pilates Instruction
COSI Concerts
A major part of the COSI program is a series of concerts offered within Sulmona as well as out-lying towns in the region. The concerts are hugely popular with the communities and offer students a wonderful performance opportunity. Under the musical direction of the Artistic Director and coaching faculty, selected singers will join the collaborative pianists to perform everything from Italian folk songs to operatic excerpts in various historic courtyards, piazzas and churches.
Italian Language Classes
All participants will receive intensive Italian language training throughout the course of the program. Courses are taught by The English School in Sulmona, led by our executive director Tania Puglielli and are taught to international certification standards with various skill levels determined by entrance testing.
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change.