Canta in Italia Program for Singers
Final Report 08
June 2008 marked the 5th summer of study abroad program for vocal performance majors desiring an opportunity to immerse themselves in Italian language and culture. Working with the Center for Academic Programs Abroad (CAPA), WSU s voice faculty spent 4 weeks in Florence working with 22 students (13 from WSU) in a comprehensive new program known as Canta in Italia (Sing in Italy). Numerous Wichita opera lovers and supporters generously provided over $15,000 in scholarships to assist students with travel and tuition expenses. The program offered college credit through Wichita State as well as an opportunity to live and study in the city where opera was born.
Credits hours generated:
Acting for Singers -- 12
Italian Opera Literature and History -- 8
Vocal Coaching -- 6
Total CH -- 26
In addition to attending daily Italian language classes at the CAPA Center, students had daily voice lessons and coaching sessions per week. Acting classes and a course in Italian Opera Literature and History were also offered. Classroom studies of the early history of opera were enhanced by visits to the actual sites where that history took place, including the Pitti Palace, Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Museum, former homes of the Medici family.
The students took part in voice master classes conducted Metropolitan Opera singer Caludia Catania, and the distinguished Italian coach and conductor Gabriele Michele.
Viewing professional performances was also on the agenda. Students attended AIDA in the mammoth Roman era Arena di Verona.They also toured Florence's 17th century Teatro della Pergola.
In addition to teaching language classes, CAPA proved an excellent administrative organization. They arranged classroom and performance space, opera tickets, transportation to performances, apartments, and provided cell phones to faculty. They also welcomed students and faculty with a party and baskets of pasta, sauce, and other Italian foods.
The summer ended with an opportunity for the students to gauge their progress by performing before the Italian public, always a daunting prospect. All took part in a final concert at the St. James Church which was enthusiastically received by tutti l'Italiani. Afterward CAPA hosted a farewell party at a colorful local restaurant with much wonderful Italian food and wine (definitely part of the cultural education component!) and all celebrated what for many had been a revealing first trip to Europe.