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Happy Holidays to you all, and I hope this note finds you well!
The Summer programme of Bel Canto saw the return of Leo Nucci, a regular with us, and one who brings such extraordinary dynamism. He demonstrated everything in singing, including push ups (a tradition at GSA with him) as well as the most wonderful direction of our talented voices in their dramatic presentation of each piece. Along with the rest of our regular faculty of Richard Bonynge and Barbara Frittoli, Leo Nucci made for a very special and productive Summer for all our artists. Working with faculty like this never ceases to inspire me, too. I am always grateful for their fidelity and faith in this project that see them returning time and again.
As Madeleine has already pointed, and we head into our 20th anniversary year, we see the return of Freddie De Tommaso to teach, as well as another wonderful alumna, Aigul Akhmetshina. Together, they will bring their already formidable experience in the profession to share with our selected singers.
Freddie and Aigul join two further alumni – Paul Grant and Hyesang Park – for our 20th anniversary gala-spectacular at the opera house in Budapest. Apart from the beauty of this recently renovated opera house, the main reason for attending has to be that this is a line up which is the envy of every opera house and concert hall around the world! It has been a long time in the planning, and I so hope that you will join us there on October 20th 2024 to celebrate with us, and with all of our supporters to whom I add a huge thanks – we would not have reached this extraordinary milestone on our GSA journey without you!
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New year, and I look forward to the next time we shall meet.
-Jonathan Papp
Artistic Director, The Georg Solti Accademia