Busseto, Italy

In February of 2001, I was afforded the honor to spend a month studying with Carlo Bergonzi at his hotel in Busseto, Italy. Twice a year, Maestro Bergonzi runs an Academy to teach young singers the style of Verdi. I had dreamed of one day doing this, but never thought it would take place. Thanks to the Bel Canto Foundation of Chicago, my dream became a reality. During the month, Maestro Bergonzi solidified my vocal technique and drilled into my brain what it is to "sing on the breath". These lessons were invaluable to my career as a tenor. It wasn't always so much what he said, but what he demonstrated to me. I also learned and coached the complete role of Riccardo in Ballo and began working on Don Alvaro in Forza with him. In May of 2001 I returned to sing Don Alvaro in the production of La Forza del Destino for the Celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Verdi's death.