News Centre

A masterclass in opera

17 February 2010

Carlo Rizzi

One of the foremost conductors of his generation, Carlo Rizzi is to share his immense knowledge and talent with young opera stars from the International Academy of Voice at Cardiff University.

Maestro Rizzi will be working with the students at the Academy in Cardiff and then selecting singers to participate in a public Masterclass with him, taking place on Tuesday 23 February 2010.

In a rare opportunity, members of the public will be able to witness the level of detailed work that goes into presenting opera - the students will be put through their paces by the maestro as they work in detail together on arias from the Italian operatic repertoire.

Maestro Rizzi is considered to be one of the operatic world’s most prominent figures. He is in great demand in the finest opera houses of the world and is a frequent conductor at, amongst others, La Scala Milano, the Metropolitan Opera New York and London’s Royal Opera Covent Garden. He is also a regular guest at Houston Grand Opera.

Director of the Academy, internationally-renowned tenor Dennis O’Neill said: "We are very grateful that Carlo is finding time in between conducting Don Carlos at the Opéra National de Paris to work with our students in Cardiff. Having personally worked closely with Carlo many times in the past I am certain that the evening will be both entertaining and insightful and a rare opportunity for our young singers to work with an artist of the highest calibre who continues to inspire audiences the world-over with his unique musicianship."