Alumni Buzz

“The first dell’Arte Readings Project in which I participated was Ariadne auf Naxos.  The following day, I began rehearsals for a production of Ariadne at the Metropolitan Opera.  My experience at the reading allowed me to walk into my first MET rehearsal calm and confident because I had already sung through my part in context with other singers.  I knew exactly what to expect in rehearsal from the conductor, where I needed to conserve vocally, where I needed to sing out – the list is endless.  Since then I have participated in two other readings with dell’Arte (Die Entführung aus dem Serailand Rigoletto) and I hope to do more in the future.  It is truly excellent preparation for performing these works at the highest level and I know that after singing a role in a dell’Arte reading, I could take that part to any opera company and be prepared for any production.  ”

Amanda Pabyan
Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, New York City Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Boston Lyric Opera

“I cannot remember a more fulfilling musical moment in my experience that the joy of singing Belmonte with you and dell'Arte! As always, I enjoyed every moment of the role preparation with you... having done so now for professional engagements for which I am contracted... and now the readings – investing in work which is appropriate for the future – there are precious few collaborative coaches and conductors like you in the business.”

Justin Vickers, tenor
Opera Boston, Arbat Opera (Moscow), Opera Orchestra of New York

“dell'Arte Opera Ensemble headed by Maestro Christopher Fecteau provides practical and essential tools for any serious singer. The public readings and preparatory coachings have given me the opportunity to thoroughly prepare new roles before embarking on them professionally. dell'Arte Opera Ensemble has paved the way for many successes I have had in auditions and onstage.  The Summer Opera Readings Project is a wonderful program for any professional singer wanting to learn a role with excellence.”

Isai Jess Munoz, tenor
Utah Festival Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Spokane Symphony, Carnegie Hall)

“This past summer, I had the pleasure of singing Violetta in dell’Arte’s reading of La Traviata, conducted by Fiora Contino.  It was extremely beneficial to me to have the opportunity to prepare this stunning Verdi role in a low stress and collegial environment; My role preparation coachings were thorough and enlightening, and Maestra Contino was so willing to share her depth of experience from years of working with great singers and conductors, as well as her own incredibly intuitive insights.  I’ve witnessed the development of the organization with interest and excitement … including a reading of Verdi’s Falstaff at the 92nd Street Y that brought together the cover for Falstaff from the Metropolitan Opera with professional and emerging singers.  Where else would a cover from the Met have an opportunity to perform in a low stress, collaborative environment, and where else would young singers have an opportunity to sing with a principal of such high caliber?”

Sarah Long, soprano
Sarasota Opera, Tulsa Opera, One World Symphony, Bronx Opera, Opera Company of Brooklyn

“…I traveled to New York from Illinois, and can recommend the dell’Arte experience to others who may need to travel.  It is a remarkable bargain considering the level of preparation you can attain in a very short period of time, not to mention spending part of your summer in beautiful Manhattan.”

Nathan Munson, Tenor
Doctoral Canditate, University of Illinois

Audience Buzz

“Ambitious repertoire. Up-and-coming singers.  Dynamic conducting.  What's not to like?”

Nate Merchant, stage director

“dell'Arte gets to the heart of opera by offering high-quality, accessible music in a comfortable setting. Explanations are given in words and in writing, and performers are available after a performance, so the audience is in a position to better understand the stories behind the music, and the music itself. This all leads to a greater appreciation of opera, without the shiny distractions of tuxedos and tiaras. Instead it's the music that steals the show – as it should – with great singing and wonderful music.  In the end that's what gets the applause from me!”

Ted Kuzio, graphic designer

“I’ve had the opportunity to see a few performances of the dell’Arte Opera Ensemble and I always come away duly impressed with the quality of performance.  I’m a singer and stage director in this mad business and find the level of preparation, as well as the standards of singing and musical sensitivity, to be extremely high – which is no small feat, considering the difficulty of repertoire.  I look forward to any performance they may be presenting and highly recommend this musical experience.”

Rod Gomez, singer/stage director
Glimmerglass Opera, Utah Festival Opera, San Diego Opera, New York Philharmonic (singer)
Pocket Opera, BASOTI, One World Symphony (stage director)