Master Classes & Milan’s Casa Verdi

Gregory believes that one of the responsibilities he has as an opera singer today is to connect with young artists.  These young singers are the future of opera, and Kunde wants to leave a legacy with them that will continue to grow and enrich the world of opera.

In his early years, Kunde was fortunate to have access to some of the world’s greatest opera artists during his tenure in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Young Artist Program.  He worked with legendary singers such as Freni, Pavarotti, Ghiaurov, Hines, and Domingo.  And it was there he met his inspiration and mentor, Alfredo Kraus.

Kunde knows how important it is to the art form and to individuals to have a personal connection with established singers.  And he makes every effort to make time in his busy calendar for master classes as well as private lessons.  This season was no exception.

Milan is home to the Casa Verdi and the Accademia Cantoalato.  So, Kunde spent nearly a week there this summer, working with a select group of ten young artists and preparing them for a concert at the Casa Verdi.  Students from all over the globe attended the master classes, learning about vocal production, ornamentation and variations, common performance practice, and repertory choices.  The tenor spent time with each student in one on one sessions to discuss future career planning and offer practical advice and individual counsel.

The week in Milan culminated in a concert of the young singers at the Casa Verdi.  Kunde made his first trip there, visiting the tomb of the great composer and spending some time in the museum exploring the curated collection there.  It proved to be an emotional experience for Kunde, punctuated by his impromptu performance of Verdi’s most iconic operatic excerpt, “Esultate…” from Otello.