PHOTO: ©A Bofill

Those who venture into the exciting world of opera need to have experience, an asset that can be quite difficult to acquire in Spain. The Escola d’Òpera Sabadell Professional Training Course was conceived to provide that experience. It is an initiative that aims to prepare its students thoroughly in every aspect of a successful operatic performance.

For two months, students on the course train alongside professionals from the world of opera, in stage and musical interpretation techniques, corporal expression, style, diction and even fencing. In short, this initiative is a unique opportunity for talented young people to develop their skills and gain experience.

As Miquel Molins, Chairman of the Banco Sabadell Foundation, explains: “The Escola d’Òpera de Sabadell is one of the great successes in an exceptional programme, namely that of Òpera de Catalunya. It is highly unusual in the Spanish artistic panorama. The Escola d’Òpera does not exist anywhere else.”

This year, the course has celebrated its XXVII edition and has been dedicated to a production of the opera ‘Roméo et Juliette’ by Charles Gounod. Throughout the two-month period, the students have worked tirelessly each day with the ultimate goal of performing the opera in front of an audience. Finally, the opera was performed at two shows which took place on 19 and 21 October, with the participation of all the students.  Adrià Mas, who performed the role of Tybalt, shared his experience with us: “We take classes in corporal expression, singing, acting, and more. We pull out all the stops to make sure that the production is really solid”.

PHOTO: ©A Bofill

Young talents wishing to attend the Professional Training Course must first take part in the Mirna LaCambra competition, managed by the Mirna Lacambra–Xavier Gondolbeu Foundation, which also benefits from our collaboration. Òscar Encinas, who played the role of Romeo, told us that “When I found out that this year they would be performing ‘Roméo et Juliette’ I felt that this would be a great role for me vocally and I knew that this was my opportunity. I started studying last January to prepare for the competition. In July, I made through the final…. and now, here I am!”

The Escola d’Òpera Sabadell is an initiative managed by the Mirna Lacambra–Xavier Gondolbeu Foundation, with the collaboration of the Banco Sabadell Foundation, the Department of Culture (Generalitat de Catalunya), the Councillor for Culture of the Ayuntamiento de Sabadell, the Fluidra Foundation and the Òpera a Catalunya Foundation.

Here at the Banco Sabadell Foundation, we see culture and the arts as an essential tool for progress and wellbeing in society. This is why we collaborate with projects spearheaded by leading institutions that promote the creation of opera, provide opportunities for young talents and bring culture closer to different audiences throughout Spain.

Listen to a first-hand account from the students and professionals who took part in this edition: