Mascarade Opera aspires to be the leading independent training and performance programme for singers and répétiteurs in the world. Situated in Florence and working with an international network of opera houses and festivals, with Teatro La Fenice in Venice as our principal artistic partner, we aim to redefine the formation and promotion of young artists for the future.
Mascarade Opera is a perfect opportunity for singers looking to make a secure and exciting start to their careers. We accept applications from singers and répétiteurs aged 30 and under on the day that they apply. We recognise that people follow a variety of paths to a classical singing career, however it is rare that we would consider applications from artists over the age of 30.
Our training framework is based on insights from performance psychology research in a variety of domains such as sports, business, health and education. As a multi-layered, integrative training framework with internal follow-up systems, it comprises and connects a number of theories and models in the areas of coaching, practice and performance.
Click here to watch footage of the 2022/23 showcase at Teatro La Fenice in Venice.
“Mascarade is a unique place where I can explore new passions and achieve artistic originality.”
~ Ángel Vargas, Tenor, 2022/23 Emerging Artist
“I love working in such a supportive and nurturing environment, with people who push me every day to be the best artist and person I can possibly be. I will be forever grateful for the world-class training Mascarade is providing me with.”
~ Lauren Young, Mezzo-soprano, 2020/21 Studio Artist
“Working with Dr Ralph Strehle on performance psychology is incredibly beneficial in helping to find an emotional balance and proactive ways of coping with the challenges in this career.”
~ Catriona Morison, Mezzo-soprano, Winner of the Main Prize at the 2017 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition
“Julia Lynch is a world-class coach who (luckily for us) has chosen to work with young people and help us develop in every way – musically, artistically and also personally! As a young singer, it is so important to have someone guide you in the right direction, suggest the best repertoire which suits your voice and overcome all sorts of technical, linguistic and performance issues. Julia was that person for me. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to spend years with her guidance and under her wing.”
~ Svetlina Stoyanova, Mezzo-soprano, First Place prize winner at the 2017 Neue Stimmen singing competition
“I have been working with Jonathan Papp since my time as a student at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is a fantastic coach with a wealth of knowledge of operatic and song repertoire but especially Bel Canto and Verismo. He has, without a doubt, played an essential part in my development as a singer.”
~ Freddie de Tommaso, Tenor
“I think it’s absolutely fabulous what you are doing here. What you are offering the artists is truly incredible, revolutionary and I think it’s fantastic.”
~ Michael Spyres, Tenor
KEY DATES FOR APPLICATIONS AND AUDITIONS (2024-2026)
Applications for entry in 2024 open on Monday 2 October 2023.
Applications will be assessed via YAP Tracker. The deadline for online submissions is Monday 4 December 2023.
Auditions will be held in Florence, Italy on Friday 23 February, Saturday 24 February and Sunday 25 February 2024.
APPLICATION AND AUDITION PROCESS
Applications should be made via YAP Tracker. If shortlisted, you will be contacted with a date for an audition. Please note that we cannot accommodate audition swaps.