Leo Nucci Returns Home — International Masterclass of Opera Singing
Great opera embraces Castiglione dei Pepoli, with baritone Leo Nucci guiding the voices of the future
About Leo Nucci Masterclass
A Legend of Opera Returns to His Hometown
Some places, after the grand theaters of the world, simply remain home. This is the spirit of Leo Nucci Returns Home, the international opera singing masterclass held in Castiglione dei Pepoli, in the heart of the Bolognese Apennines, in the province of Bologna (Emilia-Romagna). Leading it is one of the most celebrated baritones in the world, Leo Nucci, born in this very town on April 16, 1942, and a star in the most prestigious international theaters, from Milan's La Scala to New York's Metropolitan.
Four Days of Advanced Training
For four days, the Municipal Theatre of Castiglione dei Pepoli, located at Via Aldo Moro, becomes an international meeting point for young singers, opera enthusiasts, and professionals. The masterclass welcomes a limited number of active participants—up to fifteen selected voices from Italy and abroad—to whom Nucci dedicates individual lessons on technique and interpretation of operatic repertoire. The public and auditors can attend the working sessions until the theatre's capacity is reached: a rare opportunity to observe the method of a bel canto master up close.
When Training Meets the Territory
The initiative combines training, performance, and local identity, bringing Leo Nucci's connection to his Apennine roots back to the forefront. For Castiglione dei Pepoli, this is an important opportunity for cultural and tourist enhancement, capable of placing this small Emilia-Romagna village within the circuit of great opera. The event culminates in a public concert that transforms the masterclass work into a true opera night, open to all enthusiasts.
Leo Nucci Masterclass — edition 2026
2026 Edition — The Debut
From July 20 to 23, 2026, baritone Leo Nucci will lead young opera singers from Italy and abroad at the Municipal Theatre of Castiglione dei Pepoli (BO) through four intense days of study and refinement. The masterclass hosts up to fifteen active students, each receiving approximately one and a half hours of individual lessons spread over the four days, working on pieces from the operatic repertoire. Students will be accompanied at the piano by Eleonora Leonini from the Conservatory of Bologna, while the Appennino Sound music school will provide practice rooms.
The grand finale is on Friday, July 24, at 9:00 PM, also at the Municipal Theatre, with a public concert that brings the masterclass voices to the stage, accompanied by the chamber ensemble 'G. Verdi', a group that has previously performed at Tokyo's Suntory Hall alongside Nucci himself.
Programme Leo Nucci Masterclass 2026
July 20-23, 2026 — Masterclass at the Municipal Theatre
- Four days of individual opera singing lessons with Leo Nucci
- Up to 15 selected active students (Italy and abroad), approximately one and a half hours of individual lesson each over the four days
- Operatic repertoire; piano accompaniment by Eleonora Leonini (Conservatory of Bologna)
- Sessions open to auditors and the public until theatre capacity is reached
- Practice rooms provided by the Appennino Sound music school
Friday, July 24, 2026 — Final Concert
- 9:00 PM — Public concert by the students at the Municipal Theatre
- Accompaniment by the chamber ensemble 'G. Verdi'
Highlights Leo Nucci Masterclass 2026
Prices Leo Nucci Masterclass 2026
Practical information — Leo Nucci Masterclass
Location
Municipal Theatre of Castiglione dei Pepoli, Via Aldo Moro 2, 40035 Castiglione dei Pepoli (BO), Emilia-Romagna.
How to Participate
The masterclass is reserved for a limited number of selected active participants. Auditors and the public can attend the study sessions until the theatre's capacity is reached. For the final concert and information on registration and tickets, it is advisable to contact the Municipality of Castiglione dei Pepoli and follow the official channels of the Municipal Theatre.
Getting Here
Castiglione dei Pepoli is located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, along the route between Bologna and Florence. It is accessible by car from the A1 motorway (Roncobilaccio/Badia exit, nearby) and from the state road that crosses the Bolognese Apennines.
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Where does it take place — Leo Nucci Masterclass
Teatro Comunale di Castiglione dei Pepoli
Via Aldo Moro 2, 40035 Castiglione dei Pepoli