welcome to
"Si parla,
si canta!"
Summer 2023
Lake como
“Si parla, si canta!” is a unique program created by M° Benton Hess, dedicated to talented young singers, with the intent of furthering their knowledge of Italian culture and operatic repertoire, with a special focus on language.
While staying on the breathtakingly beautiful Lago di Como, participants of “Si parla, si canta!” have the opportunity to work on the art of Italian opera singing with an internationally acclaimed faculty.
Over the course of the 3-4 week program, they also receive an intensive 57-76 hours of Italian language class.
The training experience is enriched by numerous valuable opportunities to perform in several astonishing venues in the Lake Como area.
inspired by language
experience excellence
OUR facultY
VOICE FACULTY
The 2023 edition of “Si parla, si canta!” boasts a faculty of internationally recognized performers and pedagogues.
COACHES
LANGUAGE TEACHERS
“Si parla, si canta!” is the only program which can showcase its own dedicated faculty of language teachers, specialized in diction for opera singers.
our location
A few words About
founder
M° Benton Hess
His motto is “the better you parla, the better you canta!“
American conductor, composer, pianist, and pedagogue Benton Hess is the founder and former Artistic Director of “Si parla, si canta!”. He has conducted hundreds of performances encompassing a myriad of musical styles for dozens of opera companies, including Annapolis Opera, Augusta Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lake George Opera, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Minnesota Opera, Mobile Opera, New York Lyric Opera, Opera Memphis, Opera Theatre of Rochester, Shreveport Opera, Tacoma Opera, Tulsa Opera, and Washington Summer Opera, among others.
Widely acknowledged as one of America’s most respected vocal coaches and accompanists. He has served on the faculties of several prestigious institutions, including Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Rutgers University, Mannes College of Music, Hartt School of Music, and was the Covington Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for seven years and Distinguished Professor of Voice and Musical Director of the Opera Theatre at the Eastman School of Music.
Benton Hess is also a composer; he has received several important commissions and his works are in the repertoire of some of the finest artists of our time. Benton Hess’ recordings may be found on the Albany, BIS, CBS, and Crystal labels.
one vision,
two options
3-week program
Besides daily intensive Italian language classes, participants are coached in pre-assigned operatic scenes as well as arias and art songs of their choosing. Six public masterclasses and three concerts will engage all students in an intense performing activity.
4-week program
One more week of intensive Italian language classes, as well as daily private coachings on Italian repertoire of interest (arias, recits, roles, art songs). More public masterclasses and our very popular “Songs of our Homeland” concert, celebrating the cultural diversity of our participants.
an all round experience
SPSC School in Menaggio
La lingua
The most important component of “Si parla, si canta!” is the language study. We have seen time and time again that the better you “parla” the better you “canta”. This is why mastering the Italian language and Italian diction is our first priority.
Every day, Monday through Friday, begins with 3 hours of Italian language classes, which are offered at all levels for students of all ages, from grammar classes for the absolute beginner to literature courses for the extremely advanced. The programs are therefore flexible, adaptable, varied, rich, and unique. In addition to the 3 hours of Italian grammar class offered every morning, Italian conversation classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. At “Si parla, si canta!” participants are truly given every opportunity to perfect their Italian.
La musica
While mornings are focused on the study of the Italian language, afternoons serve as an opportunity to apply all that you have learned in the classroom to music. Participants receive a minimum of 5 private coachings per week with our esteemed faculty on arias and previously assigned scenes.
“Si parla, si canta!” is a program rich with performance opportunities. Within the four-week program, singers can expect to participate in at least three public concerts. In addition, each summer we average eight public masterclasses. For our scenes concerts, we have the great pleasure of performing in some of the most cherished venues of northern Italy.
Excerpt from SPSC 2019, orchestra concert.
Architectural detail of the church of S. Marta in Menaggio
La cultura
“Si parla, si canta!” does not forget that amidst all of the work and study that goes on during the week, it is still important to find time to enjoy the Italian culture and all that the beautiful Piemonte and Lombardia regions have to offer. There will be some planned excursions, but the beauty of Menaggio is its location.
It is right on Lago di Como, and yes, there is a beach! It is almost equidistant between Milano and Switzerland, so if one desired, one could lunch in Switzerland and dine in Milano. Lugano, Torino, Bergamo are easy trips, as are many, many other points of interest in northern Italy.
Masterclass with Chris Merritt
how to apply
To apply to “Si parla, si canta!”, fill the online application, including your resume and a youtube link.
RESUME must include your studies, competitions, performances.
YOUTUBE LINK of 1 or 2 arias of repertoire in any language that shows you at your best.
QUESTIONS: Any questions or concerns about the application process can be sent to siparlasicanta@cromamilano.it, but beforehand, check the FAQ section on this site.
experience the excellence
Testimonial
What Our Students Say About Us
Kathryn lewek
METROPOLITAN OPERA;
SPSC ALUM 2011
Donovan singletary
METROPOLITAN OPERA;
SPSC ALUM 2009
JENNIFER JOHNSON CANO
METROPOLITAN OPERA;
SPSC ALUM 2010
Ready to pursue
your dream
Application deadline March 31st, 2023
Deposit deadline 15 April, 2023