The Georg Solti Accademia is elated to announce its 20th anniversary celebration, commemorating two decades of unparalleled excellence in nurturing young talent in the technique and style of Italian “Bel Canto.” This milestone not only celebrates the Accademia’s commitment to continuing the operatic legacy of the legendary British-Hungarian conductor Sir Georg Solti but also underscores its significant impact on the world of classical music.
The gala concert, set for October 20th, 2024, will feature performances by distinguished alumni: mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina, tenor Freddie De Tommaso, soprano Hera Hyesang Park, and baritone Paul Grant. This special event, co-produced with the Hungarian State Opera and backed by the Accademia’s principal sponsor, Rolex, promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of these exceptional artists. The Hungarian State Opera’s orchestra and conductor will also contribute to this extraordinary evening.
For these four celebrated singers, this concert in Budapest marks a rare convergence to honor the Accademia’s 20-year journey and its pivotal role in shaping their artistic development and successful careers.
The Georg Solti Accademia: A Premier Training Ground for Aspiring Opera Singers and Répétiteurs
Over the past two decades, the Georg Solti Accademia has established itself as a premier institution for emerging opera singers and répétiteurs—pianists, vocal coaches, and conductors integral to opera productions. Led by Jonathan Papp (Artistic Director, Principal Vocal Coach, and Founder), Candice Wood (Executive Director and Founder), and Jonathan Lakeland (Associate Director), the Accademia boasts over 400 alumni who have gone on to enjoy flourishing careers in the music industry.
The Accademia’s guest faculty, both past and present, comprises some of the world’s most revered musicians, including Richard Bonynge, Angela Gheorghiu, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Frederica Von Stade, Carlo Rizzi, Leo Nucci, Sir Thomas Allen, and Jose Carreras, among many others.
Founded in 2004 by the late Lady Valerie Solti, Candice Wood, and Jonathan Papp, the Georg Solti Accademia fulfills Georg Solti’s long-held dream of creating a training program for outstanding young musicians in Italy. “I believe Sir Georg would be immensely proud to see an institution in his name that strives for the highest levels of excellence and provides exceptional guidance from some of the world’s finest faculty,” says Jonathan Papp.
The Accademia conducts its annual “Bel Canto Course for Singers” in the picturesque Tuscan seaside town of Castiglione Della Pescaia, where the Solti family owns a home. Additionally, the spring “Solti-Peretti Répétiteur Course” takes place at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice. Importantly, the Georg Solti Accademia offers full scholarships, covering tuition and accommodation costs, to all its students.
Beyond its annual courses in Italy, the Accademia maintains long-standing relationships with major international organizations. It has presented masterclasses and concerts at esteemed venues such as Juilliard, Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, Wigmore Hall, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Notably, in the summer of 2024, the Accademia held its Bel Canto Course for Singers in Seoul, in collaboration with the Seoul Arts Center.
Collaboration with the Hungarian State Opera and Connection to Solti
This event holds even greater significance as it is co-produced with the Hungarian State Opera, which recently celebrated its 140th anniversary. This remarkable opera house shares a profound connection with Maestro Georg Solti, who commenced his professional musical career there as a répétiteur. Solti made his conducting debut at the house with a performance of Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” on March 11, 1938.
“Before Lady Solti passed away, she envisioned the Accademia establishing a relationship with the Hungarian State Opera, recognizing its poignant link to Maestro Solti’s life and achievements,” says Candice Wood. “We are absolutely thrilled to present this concert in collaboration with the house and to celebrate the Accademia’s achievements and the Solti legacy through this performance. We hope this event marks the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the opera and other distinguished performing arts organizations in Hungary.”
UNESCO Designation for “Bel Canto”
In December 2023, UNESCO officially recognized Italian “Bel Canto” as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, celebrating the rich tradition and cultural significance of this art form. “Bel Canto” encompasses the Italian opera style, vocal technique, and repertoire from approximately 1810 to the early 20th century.
The Georg Solti Accademia remains the only institution dedicated to furthering training in the Italian “Bel Canto” style, repertoire, and vocal technique, utilizing this music as a pedagogical tool for vocal training. This prestigious UNESCO designation underscores the importance of the Accademia’s work in preserving and promoting this unique singing tradition for future generations.
About Bel Canto, Jonathan Papp remarks, “The fundamental importance of Bel Canto Singing and its role in underpinning any good opera singing cannot be overstated. Studying this style and technique equips singers to perform any repertoire in any language, providing a healthy foundation that ensures longevity in their careers.”
Live Broadcast to Reach Global Audiences
Recognizing the significance of this moment for classical music enthusiasts worldwide, the Accademia is collaborating with Decca and Deutsche Grammophon to produce a live broadcast of the concert on their Stage+ platform. Additionally, plans are underway to broadcast the program globally in the months following the concert.
“This concert broadcast offers an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talents of Aigul, Freddie, Hera, and Paul to a global audience,” says Jonathan Lakeland, Associate Director of the Accademia and producer of the broadcast. “At the Accademia, we are committed to helping our students and alumni develop artistry and careers that align with the realities of today’s opera world. This broadcast not only helps our alumni further their careers but also raises awareness of the Accademia’s work. We aim for the home audience to feel immersed in the ambiance of this evening in Budapest, moved by the performances of these exceptional musicians, and more connected to their stories and the story of the Georg Solti Accademia.”
In celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Georg Solti Accademia continues to affirm its role as a beacon of excellence in the world of classical music, nurturing the next generation of opera talent while honoring the enduring legacy of Sir Georg Solti.
