SienAgosto 2024 testimonials
SienAgosto is undoubtedly one of the best summer courses out there for young singers and was a real highlight of my 2024. The expert tuition given by Michael, Lynn, Lis, Daniel and Paul was seriously high quality and within a week, I felt my singing had really improved. Set in the heart of Sienna, it is hard not to be inspired by the wealth of art, history and beauty that this magical city has to offer. Organised by Valeria and Jeff, we were welcomed with such warmth and immediately made to feel at home.
The week included a huge number of individual coachings (you really do get value for money) as well as masterclasses, to give students the opportunity to perform arias or duets in public and with the guidance of the brilliant musical staff. It was an absolute gift to have Rebecca Taylor and Richard Leach as staff pianists on the course, who could play anything put in front of them with great sensitivity, making it a pleasure to rehearse and perform with them.
I was preparing for the Cesti competition which was immediately after the course and I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive environment to be coached in for the competition. I had to leave slightly early from the Summer school and I was incredibly impressed that Valeria and Jeff had tailored the course to give me a more concentrated amount of coachings in a shorter space time to prepare me as well as possible. By the end of my time at SienAgosto, I really was very sad to leave and would have much preferred to stay on the course! If you are thinking about applying to this course, I would strongly encourage you to do so - you will not regret it!
The week included a huge number of individual coachings (you really do get value for money) as well as masterclasses, to give students the opportunity to perform arias or duets in public and with the guidance of the brilliant musical staff. It was an absolute gift to have Rebecca Taylor and Richard Leach as staff pianists on the course, who could play anything put in front of them with great sensitivity, making it a pleasure to rehearse and perform with them.
I was preparing for the Cesti competition which was immediately after the course and I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive environment to be coached in for the competition. I had to leave slightly early from the Summer school and I was incredibly impressed that Valeria and Jeff had tailored the course to give me a more concentrated amount of coachings in a shorter space time to prepare me as well as possible. By the end of my time at SienAgosto, I really was very sad to leave and would have much preferred to stay on the course! If you are thinking about applying to this course, I would strongly encourage you to do so - you will not regret it!
Helena Moore, United Kingdom
Being back for SienAgosto 2024 was a totally different, but equally exciting experience. Being familiar with the staff, the city and the program, I nevertheless could not get bored and in the eight days of intensive learning got the feeling that we built something up: our voices, our music and also connections with each other and the city. It’s a bit like a rice cooker, where rice and water are separate at first and then, after being with each other in constant heat, coming out as a steaming pan of food, nurturing to everyone who wants to listen. I found it fun and rewarding to be back.
Hanno Egger, Netherlands – SienAgosto 2022 and 2024