Giuseppe Verdi Masterclass

An exclusive intensive for professional singers and advanced voice students

Artistic Director: Alexandra von der Weth

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A Rare Opportunity in Verdi Singing

The Giuseppe Verdi Masterclass, presented in cooperation with the Susanne Scholten Foundation and the Erato Academy for Music and Literature Rhine-Ruhr, offers a highly focused and intensive three-day working environment for singers at a serious artistic level.

Thanks to the generous support of the Susanne Scholten Foundation, participation in this masterclass is offered at an exceptionally reduced fee, making high-level artistic training accessible in a truly unique way.

This masterclass combines artistic excellence, individual vocal development, and professional guidance in an atmosphere of precision, depth, and authenticity.

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Artistic Focus

At the heart of the masterclass lies the exploration of the Verdi repertoire and the essence of italianità in singing — understood as the unity of vocal line, tonal culture, expression, and musical tension.

Rather than serving as a purely interpretative refinement course, this masterclass is designed as a true working space for singers who wish to engage deeply with both artistic and technical aspects of their voice.

Work will include:

• resolving technical and functional vocal challenges
• developing freedom, resonance, and vocal sustainability
• refining phrasing, style, and linguistic expression
• deepening understanding of Italian operatic aesthetics
• building dramatic expression and stage credibility
• addressing physical-vocal coordination and blockages
• individual guidance through phases of vocal transition or uncertainty

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Who This Masterclass Is For

This program is intended for:

• professional opera and concert singers
• young professionals
• advanced voice students (especially at Master’s level)

In exceptional cases, highly advanced Bachelor’s students may also be considered.

It is explicitly aimed at singers who wish to go beyond interpretation and actively work on their vocal function, artistic identity, and technical development.

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Repertoire

Participants are asked to prepare:

• one aria by Giuseppe Verdi
• one aria by another Italian opera composer

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Structure & Format

📍 Duisburg, Marienkirche
📅 May 22, 23 & 24

• Two intensive working days with individual sessions
• Daily coaching including professional répétiteur support
• Final concert with the opportunity to present your work publicly

Each participant receives:

• multiple individual coaching sessions
• additional individual follow-up session
• extensive artistic and technical guidance throughout 

Working Structure and Schedule

The masterclass will take place in Duisburg, Marienkirche, Josef-Kiefer-Str. 10, Germany on 22, 23 and 24 May.
The venue will be available each day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

22 and 23 May
Start of work: 10:30 a.m.
Morning session: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch break: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Afternoon session: 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
followed by discussion, questions, and exchange until 7:00 p.m.
On each of these two days, participants will receive one individual session of 60 minutes each.

24 May (concert)
individual follow-up sessions for the 6 participants: approx. 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
each participant will receive an additional 30-minute individual session followed by a break and preparation time
final concert at 5:00 p.m.
afterwards, an opportunity for informal exchange and closing discussion

 

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Exclusive Working Conditions

• Maximum of 6 active participants
• Highly individualized coaching with Alexandra von der Weth
• Close artistic collaboration with pianist and conductor Roland Techet
• Supportive, focused, and professional working atmosphere

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Participation Fee

159 € (all inclusive)

Including:

• full participation in the masterclass
• individual coaching sessions
• répétiteur work
• final concert performance
• catering during the course

👉 This exceptional fee is made possible through the support of the Susanne Scholten Foundation. 

The participation fee is to be paid to the account of the Susanne Scholten Foundation (Essen) DE66 3602 0030 0005 3693 55 

It must be received in full no later than insert date, approximately 1 week prior to the start of the masterclass. Confirmation of participation is given upon receipt of payment.

The fee is non-refundable. A refund will only be issued if the participant provides a suitable replacement who is accepted by the organizers and takes their place in the masterclass.

An optional video recording of the final concert (including professional editing for audition purposes) can be booked during the masterclass for an additional fee of €100.

This service is optional and not part of the masterclass fee. Payment for the video recording is to be made separately to the instructor. Further payment details will be provided upon booking.

Complimentary lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the masterclass.

 

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Artistic Direction

The masterclass is led by Alexandra von der Weth, an internationally acclaimed opera singer with appearances at:

• Metropolitan Opera New York
• Lyric Opera of Chicago
• Vienna State Opera
• Royal Opera House Covent Garden

Her pedagogical work focuses on the integration of vocal technique, artistic interpretation, and the resolution of functional vocal challenges.

At the piano: Roland Techet, pianist and conductor with extensive experience in opera and concert repertoire, supporting the work on style, phrasing, and musical depth.

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A Unique Artistic Environment

This masterclass creates a rare space where:

• high-level artistic work
• stylistic specialization
• and individual vocal development

are brought together in a meaningful and sustainable way.

It is designed not only to refine repertoire, but to support long-term artistic growth and vocal freedom — often at decisive moments in a singer’s professional journey.

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