ABOUT US
Opera Lucca is a vocal training program and part of the nonprofit Lucca Language and Arts 501(c)(3). Founded in 2017 by Executive Director James Massol, Opera Lucca has brought students from North America, Asia, and Europe to study Italian language and perform staged operas, scenes concerts, and world premieres in Lucca and surrounding towns. We collaborate with institutions in the heart of the city, especially the Lucca Italian School, Convictus, and the Puccini Museum. We specialize in teaching Italian opera through a focus on the language. Our distinguished faculty consists of native Italian speakers and experts in operatic Italian. Students are immersed in conversational Italian at the Lucca Italian School and while living in the historic Tuscan city of Lucca. As a cornerstone of bel canto training, we teach not just diction but expressive delivery of the text through an understanding of the poetry. Host family stays are also available to further improve conversational Italian beyond the language classes.
Lucca, ITALY
Lucca is a beautiful historic city in northern Tuscany and is the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini. At one time, Lucca was a powerful city-state and trading center, and visitors are now charmed by its distinctly old-world atmosphere. It is nicknamed “la città delle cento chiese” because of the nearly 100 old churches throughout the city. Some of these churches are spectacular and unusual, with elaborate striped-marble façades and tall towers. Its surrounding wall was originally designed to protect Lucca from invaders, but it is now a tree-lined park with a paved bicycle path. The Lucchesi and tourists frequently use the walls for morning runs, afternoon walks, and leisurely rides on their bici. It is also an easy way to travel from one side of the city to another. Because of the wall, the buildings in the original centro of town have not changed much over the centuries. But inside these buildings one finds a wealth of boutique stores, traditional restaurants, local food markets, wine bars, and artisanal gelato shops.
Many other famous cities and travel destinations are nearby Lucca, including Pisa, Florence, Cinque Terre, Siena, sandy beaches, and mountain towns.
Words can’t describe how grateful I am for this past month of unforgettable musical experiences, the Italian lifestyle, delicious food, and wonderful memories made with amazing friends!! Thank you to everyone at Opera Lucca for such an awesome program.
Victoria Lang
Eastman
Opera Lucca was my first opera program, and it was truly an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my career. The faculty was incredibly supportive and accessible, and they worked hard to encourage the students' musical talents and push us out of our comfort zones. The city of Lucca is unforgettable, and so are the friends I made during my four weeks there. Thank you so much to all involved - I am forever grateful!
Ava Knight
Liberty University
Opera Lucca was the most wonderful experience from all my summer programs! It is an amazing program to become a better singer, while learning and immersing yourself in the Italian language and culture. I now study my Italian repertoire with a new level of understanding. The wonderful experience that I had working with such highly professional faculty will help me throughout my journey as a singer.
Julia Garcia
Manhattan School of Music
The immersive language and diction training at Opera Lucca significantly elevated my understanding of Italian opera, enabling me to deliver passionate and authentic performances.
Gabriel Frommer
Indiana University
Opera Lucca provided me with invaluable training and performance opportunities, fueling my passion for Italian opera and strengthening my artistic expression.
Sophie Young
Southern Methodist University
I am grateful for the enriching cultural immersion experiences at Opera Lucca, which broadened my perspective and deepened my connection to the rich heritage of Italian opera.
Isabella Mahanna
Indiana University
