For over a decade, Mediterranean Opera Studio & Festival has been at the forefront of nurturing emerging opera talent. Our program combines world-class instruction, immersive cultural experiences, and professional performance opportunities in the heart of Sicily.
Our Vision
For over a decade, Mediterranean Opera Studio & Festival has aimed to bridge the gap between the great artists of past generations and our rising young vocalists. We cherish the wealth of knowledge in vocal arts—technique, style, musicality, and acting—that these seasoned faculty/artists bring. Our vision is to foster a spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and respect as each student embarks on their personal artistic journey.
We expect our participants to have a desire to learn and a spirit of adventure, willing to try new things and share their discoveries with mentors back home. We bring together the best teachers and coaches from around the world, offering a five-week intensive program with professionals you likely would not otherwise have access to. Our goal is to transform your vocalism through dedicated instruction and practice.
At the end of our program we want participants to feel enriched personally and artistically, motivated to continue to strive for excellence in their art, and armed with knowledge that will help them excel as a performing artist.
Who can participate
MOSF serves aspiring operatic performers, orchestra istrumentalists, aspiring conductors, studio pianists, and stage directors. We do not have artists compete for roles or positions. If you are accepted for a specific role, then you will sing that role if you arrive with your part memorized and ready to perform.
As to age limits, you must be 18 or older. Most participants are undergraduate and graduate students. Some are on the cusp of a career.
Our Performances
In 2026 we will present: Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi, Le Nozze di Figaro by W. A. Mozart, and Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti.
We do not consider MOSF a pay-to-sing program because our focus is on your development as an artist, not just your performance in an opera. While performing is a crucial part of learning, it is only one aspect of our comprehensive training, and we hope performing in an opera is not your main reason for coming to our program. We believe that performing opens the mind to new learning opportunities, but our primary goal is your artistic growth through multiple-path training.
All classes, rehearsals, coachings, voice lessons, and performances are open door/accessible to the entire MOSF student body. Observing others’ lessons and coachings can be highly enlightening, and in the spirit of respect and camaraderie, we keep all sessions open for anyone to attend. You are required to be present at every performance, not only to support your colleagues but also to learn. On nights when we are not leads, we all sing in the chorus for every opera.
2026 Expert Staff
Voice Faculty
Jack LiVigni – Curtis & MSM
Nelly Miricioiu – Covent Garden
Samantha Malk – Guildhall
Luis Ledesma – AVA
TBD
Conductors
Leonardo Catalanotto – Teatro Bellini Catania
Felice Venanzoni – Frankfurt Oper
Coaches
Beatrice Benzi – La Scala
Marc Verter – Guildhall
Kamal Khan – Operalia, Met
Danielle Orlando – AVA
Fabio Cerroni – Munich -Bavarian State Opera
Guests
Salvatore Fisichella
TBD
Jack Li Vigni – General Director
Tenor Gioacchino Lauro Li Vigni (Jack) is an internationally sought-after vocal instructor and the driving force behind our program. His students include some of the world’s most renowned opera singers, such as Joseph Calleja, Michael Fabiano, Jack Swanson, Andrew Owens, Tanja Baumgartner, Miina-Liisa Värelä, Vera-Lotte Böcker, and many others.
Li Vigni’s expertise is rooted in a rich operatic lineage. He studied under his father, the celebrated tenor Salvatore Lauro Li Vigni, and has been mentored by legends like Franco Corelli, Carlo Bergonzi, and Salvatore Fisichella.
Key highlights:
- Voice instructor at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden’s Jette Parker Artist Program
- Voice instructor at The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and Manhattan School of Music
- Known for his exceptional ability to identify and address vocal issues
- Made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2004
Nelly Miricioiu – Director of Vocal Department
An international opera star, Nelly Miricioiu brings her vast experience and artistry to our program. Her versatility and depth as a singing-actress enrich our students’ learning experience.
She has performed in major opera houses worldwide, including the Royal Opera House in London, La Scala in Milan, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her notable roles include Violetta in La traviata, Mimì in La bohème, and the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor
Her career is marked by her dedication to rediscovering and performing forgotten operas, particularly in the bel canto repertoire.
Key highlights:
- Voice instructor at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden’s Jette Parker Artist Program
- Acclaimed for her versatility across a wide operatic repertoire
- Debuted at Covent Garden in 1982 and La Scala in 1983
- Renowned for her interpretations of bel canto roles and rediscovered operas
Why Choose Us?
- World-class Mentorship: Learn from opera luminaries and build lasting industry relationships.
- Comprehensive Skill Development: Refine your vocal technique, dramatic skills, and career management abilities.
- Supportive Environment: Grow in a non-competitive atmosphere focused on personal development.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience Italy’s rich operatic tradition in the inspiring Sicilian landscape.
Our Approach
At Mediterranean Opera Studio & Festival, we believe in pushing the boundaries of your skills. Our intensive five-week program is designed to challenge and transform you, preparing you for the demands of a professional opera career.
Join us this summer in Caltagirone, Sicily, and turn your passion into a profession. In just five weeks, you will be transformed!
Mediterranean Opera Studio & Festival 