Call for applications

A seminar dedicated to the interpretation in Rossini’s works, directed by Maestro Ernesto Palacio. 

The seminar, held every year in Pesaro during the Festival period, deals with vocal and dramatic requirements related to the modern interpretation of the restoration of Rossini’s operas; it is open to professional singers and researchers. 

The 2026 Accademia Rossiniana “Alberto Zedda” will be held from 6 to 20 July. 
It is possible to take part in the course either as a Full Participant or as an Observer. 
Attendance at the course is free of charge, but limited to those chosen with a decision which must be regarded as final. Participants will be selected from among the applicants on the basis of the material supplied, although an audition may be required. 
Auditions will take place in Pesaro on 9, 10 and 12 March 2026. 
Requests for admission to the course, accompanied by an audio-video recording of a Rossinian opera aria, a full-length photograph, a curriculum of studies and professional activities, should be sent by the application form published on the Application form, no later than 5 February 2026. 
Full Participant candidates selected for the audition have to prepare two full-length opera arias by Rossini. Ladies are to be no more than 30 years old and gentlemen no more than 32 by the beginning of the course. The non-EU residents, in case they are selected, have to produce documents according to the current laws, under penalty of exclusion. 
The study plan includes theoretical seminars, access to the Festival rehearsals and a course in vocal interpretation, concentrating mainly on the opera Il viaggio a Reims. 
Ernesto Palacio will be assisted by Maestros Rubén Sánchez-Vieco and Luca Canonici. 
By the beginning of the course Full Participants are to perfectly learn by heart the assigned role(s), according to the indications given by the Accademia itself, which will also see to the supplying of the musical material. Full participants are also to perfectly know both two Rossinian duets and two arias of their choice. 
Qualified Participants will then take part in the Concluding Concert of the Accademia, which will be held on 20 July 2026, and in any possible side events. 
Furthermore, the selected Participants will be involved in the production of Il viaggio a Reims, staged at the Rossini Opera Festival on 15 and 19 August. 
A grant will be provided for those who take part in the Il viaggio a Reims.
A certificate of participation in the Accademia will be given to all at the end of the course. 

Accademia Rossiniana “Alberto Zedda” 
Via Rossini, 24 61121 Pesaro • Tel. +39 0721 3800214 
e-mail: artisti@rossinioperafestival.it • www.rossinioperafestival.it