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Concerts

8-9 concerts with orchestra, instrumentalists perform in chamber groups and with SSMA Orchestra, plus breath/alignment masterclasses.

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Travel

Trips to places of great interest are enjoyed (Switzerland, Assisi, Pisa, Florence, Torre del Lago), visit and perform in the hilltowns of beautiful Tuscany.

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Language

Italian language (beginning, intermediate/advanced) at SSMA - University of Siena, for credit, in-service or non-credit and certificate.


Sessione Senese per la Musica e L'Arte

SSMA is a summer study abroad music performance festival that is centered in Siena, Italy in cooperation with the Ministry of Advanced Education of Siena, University of Siena and American Universities & Colleges.

SSMA provides opportunities to perform vocal and instrumental music in formal and informal concert settings in various towns in Tuscany. Concerts are prepared with renowned Italian and American faculty artists who work to achieve the highest levels of artistry, musicality, diction, stage presence, and dramatic intent. The chamber orchestra, comprised of students from around the world sitting side by native Italians, work closely with soloists to achieve a rewarding collaboration. Instrumentalists are placed in chamber ensembles for performance in concerts.

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Trip Features

  • Hone your Italian arias and art song.
  • Polish your audition package.
  • Work on stage etiquette.
  • 8-9 concerts with orchestra.
  • Instrumentalists perform in chamber groups and with SSMA Orchestra.
  • Instrumentalists participate in a breath/alignment masterclass.
  • Perform using antique and modern organs.
  • Courses in Italian language (Beginning, intermediate/advanced) at SSMA - University of Siena, for credit, in-service or non-credit and certificate.
  • Special lectures by well-known guest artists.
  • Music - Art - Society - Civilization information shared throughout festival.
  • Museums & lectures at available locations.
  • Trips to places of great interest are enjoyed (Switzerland, Assisi, Pisa, Florence, Torre del Lago).
  • Trips to Rome, Venice, and other destinations are possible with individual planning and additional cost.
  • Visit and perform in the hilltowns of beautiful Tuscany.

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University of Siena

THE RENOWNED University, SSMA, and the Academia Chigiana are located in the heart of the town. The Instituto-SSMA, is an internationally famous renaissance "palazzo" and is the base for SSMA.

THE COMMUNITY of Siena, in the winter serves over 75,000 people; in the summer, it is transformed into a vibrant and prestigious cultural capital, inviting talented teachers, professionals and students from all over the world to enjoy a common growth experience.

THE CITY OF SIENA is an elegant medieval city in the mountains of North Central Italy, approximately 30 miles south of Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, birthplace of The Renaissance. Both are considered among the most important arts endowed cities of the world. From August 13 - 16, Siena turns to feasting and celebrating. It is in Siena that the age-old Palio is continued in mad-dash racing around the Piazza del Campo. Original native costumes and local flags; a festival of great color and pageantry which attracts people from all over the world impacts a profound and valuable historical and cultural experience on participants.

For more information about the Sessione Senese per la Musica e L'Arte, please visit the official website here.

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