XXV BELGRADE BAROQUE ACADEMY
ALCINA
by George Frideric Handel
12 – 21 SEPTEMBER 2025
THE NEXT ACADEMY
Belgrade Baroque Academy presents ALCINA by G.F. Handel
The captivating world of Baroque opera comes alive once again! After the great success of our last two opera projects, Rinaldo and Giulio Cesare, Belgrade Baroque Academy is delighted to announce its next ambitious opera – the semi-staged presentation of Alcina by George Frideric Handel, one of the most enchanting operatic masterpieces of the Baroque era.
The Academy will be held from
12 to 21 September 2025.
LOCATION
Perform Baroque Opera in the Heart of Europe
Experience the pulse of Europe in Belgrade, where the next Baroque Academy unfolds. This historic city, brimming with culture and vitality, invites you to its next vibrant chapter of musical excellence and international collaboration in the heart of Europe. For more information, you may visit lonelyplanet.com/serbia/belgrade
About the Opera:
Alcina is one of Handel’s most celebrated operas, composed in 1735. It is based on Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso and tells the story of the sorceress Alcina, who seduces men and then transforms them into animals or objects once she tires of them. The opera is rich in psychological depth, magical elements, and exquisite music. Now, you have the opportunity to bring this masterpiece to life – performed on period instruments in an intensive, immersive program dedicated to historically informed performance.
How to apply:
We are seeking singers for all roles: Alcina, Ruggiero, Morgana, Bradamante, Oronte, Melisso, and Oberto.
Preparations will take place over eight days in early May, offering participants a unique opportunity to work with leading Baroque specialists and educators. We will also be joined by members of the award-winning period instrument ensemble New Trinity Baroque, who will share their expertise with other instrumentalists in the Baroque Orchestra of the Academy. Also, during the same week will be organised the 20th edition of the Belgrade Early Music Festival.
This intensive masterclass is intended for advanced singers and baroque instrumentalists (pitch: A=415 Hz). For those instrumentalists who don't have their own baroque instruments, one can be provided through the generous support of the Makris Music Society.
The primary language during the Academy will be ENGLISH, but our mentors also speak many others.
Participation Details:
• Fee: £ 750–1,000 GBP for singers, depending on the size of the roll, and £ 500 GBP for instrumentalists. A limited number of vocal participants in the masterclass only will also be considered at £ 500.
• Deadline: Until full, but priority will be given to those who apply by 15 June 2025 and pay the deposit.
• Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available to select applicants for whom the fee is a challenge.
• Accommodation is not included, but we can offer assistance in finding suitable options (e.g. AirBnB, hotel recommendations).
Who should apply?
We are seeking young, passionate singers and instrumentalists eager to explore the richness of Baroque musical interpretation. With the support of distinguished experts – including music director, singer, harpsichordist, and conductor Predrag Gosta; internationally renowned baritone and specialist in Baroque singing Christian Hilz (Schola Cantorum Basiliensis); baroque violin and strings coach Bojan Čičić (The Academy of Ancient Music, Royal College of Music in London); as well as soprano Radoslava Vorgić (Academy of Arts in Novi Sad); baroque cellist and continuo expert Srdjan Stanić; traverso and recorder player Meila Tomé; internationally renowned lutenist Darko Karajić; harpsichordist Bojana Dimković, and many others – this is your chance to express yourself on stage and enhance refine your artistry.
Participants will receive expert coaching in Baroque style and ornamentation, Italian language, stage movement, and historical vocal and instrumental technique. Singers are expected to learn their roles in advance so that we can immediately begin coaching.
Focusing on the music, two semi-staged concert performances (with two casts) on the 20th and 21st will be professionally recorded on video – providing a record of your participation and artistic development, which you can use for your portfolio or future engagements. Professional photography will also be provided. Click here to see videos from previous Academies on our YouTube channel.
Day-to-Day Schedule
• Day 1–4: Intensive coaching & preparation, individual sessions
• Day 5: Rehearsals with continuo section, focusing on recitatives
• Day 6: Italiana (Sitzprobe) with the full orchestra, focusing on arias
• Day 7: Scenic-Orchestral Rehearsal – Integration of movement and dramatic elements within the semi-staged/concert setting.
• Day 8: General Rehearsals
• Day 9–10: two full semi-staged performances with alternating casts
Note: The Academy officially runs from 12–21 September, but all participants must arrive on the 11th, as activities will begin the following morning. Additionally, there will be a faculty concert during the week, which you are welcome to attend.
