Córdoba Opera Lab

A wonderful piece of news from the CIOS family

We are very happy to congratulate Adrià Mas ( ), participant in the last edition of CIOS, on being awarded Third Prize at Grandi Voci in Salzburg.

After his participation in CIOS III, and following his remarkable interpretation of the Il Duca in Rigoletto, Adrià was also awarded a professional contract by Córdoba Opera Lab to perform the role of Ernesto in 4 performances of Don Pasquale as part of the touring project Ópera en la Provincia, organised by the Diputación de Córdoba ( ).

His journey is a beautiful example of what CIOS seeks to offer: not only artistic growth, but also real professional continuity.
Listen to his testimony in the following video.

Congratulations, Adrià!!

{CÓRDOBA INTERNATIONAL OPERA STUDIO}

www.coperalab.com/cios

Fees + accommodation for CIOS 2026

With exactly one week left to apply, we are pleased to share a new accommodation option for participants joining CIOS 2026.

We can now offer accommodation with an affordable housing solution in Córdoba: 240€ for a private room in a shared flat, shared only with other participants.

Córdoba is not an expensive city, but we hope this option will make it even easier for participants to organise their stay and plan their time in the city with greater peace of mind.

If you are considering applying, please do not wait any longer. This is the last week to send your application, and we strongly encourage you to complete it as soon as possible.

Deadline: 26 April

Find all the details via the link in bio or at www.coperalab.com

Miguel Galdón at CIOS 2026

Cultural manager and musician Miguel Galdón ( ) combines over a decade of experience in musical project management with a solid artistic background as a performer. Trained in Valencia, Madrid, and Berlin, he has collaborated as a trombonist with leading ensembles such as the Orquesta Nacional de España, the Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid, and the Orquestra del Gran Teatre del Liceu, and he is currently Deputy Director of Teatro de la Zarzuela ( ).

At , he will lead a session dedicated to some of the key questions young singers face when building a professional career: strategy, communication, artistic identity, and how to develop a healthy and sustainable path in today’s operatic world.

A valuable opportunity to reflect not only on how to sing, but also on how to grow with clarity and direction.

ONLY 10 MORE DAYS! Applications are open until 26 April.

Claudia Zucconi at CIOS 2026

A highly experienced vocal coach-accompanist, Claudia Zucconi ( ) works regularly as pianist with the Teatro Regio di Parma ( ), is the principal pianist of the Accademia ( ), and serves as its Artistic Secretary.

At , she will accompany lessons and rehearsals for Le nozze di Figaro alongside the faculty, supporting participants throughout the programme with the musical experience, precision, and availability that are essential in the daily life of an opera studio.

A key presence in the artistic and human balance of CIOS.

Applications are open until 26 April.

Professional Opportunities at CIOS 2026

CIOS is designed not only as a space for artistic growth, but also as a platform that can lead to real professional opportunities for emerging singers.

Through its collaborations and artistic network, participants may be considered for future professional engagements with the Temporada Lírica de A Coruña ( ), the LittleOpera Zamora Festival ( ), the Real Círculo de la Amistad de Córdoba ( ), and future Córdoba Opera Lab projects, including productions such as Opera en la Provincia.

A programme created to support new talent not only during the studio experience, but also in the years ahead.

Applications are open until 26 April.

Find all the details via the link in bio or at www.coperalab.com/cios

AQUILES MACHADO – VOCAL COACH

As one of its main activities, internationally acclaimed tenor Aquiles Machado ( ) will lead an exclusive vocal technique masterclass at .

Trained in Spain with Alfredo Kraus, he has developed an outstanding international career in some of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Arena di Verona ( ), Teatro Regio di Parma ( ), Teatro Real de Madrid ( ), Wiener Staatsoper ( ), the Metropolitan Opera House ( ), and Teatro alla Scala ( ).

Applications are open until 26 April.

Alberto Cubero at CIOS 2026

Conductor Alberto Cubero has built his career around opera, combining his work as main conductor in different opera productions with titles such as La traviata, Rigoletto, L’elisir d’amore, Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, La Cenerentola, La Araucana, etc…

Also, he has worked as an assistant conductor in major Spanish opera houses. He is defined by his strong commitment to recover rarely performed repertoire and musical heritage.

In addition, Alberto is the Founder of Córdoba Opera Lab, the artistic framework behind Córdoba International Opera Studio, Opera en la Provincia, and the Aula de Ópera del Real Círculo de la Amistad.

Applications are open until 26 April.

CIOS 2026 for Conductors

A practical introduction to opera for conductors, through score study, work with singers, assistant conducting experience, and real rehearsal time with orchestra and singers.

At each conductor is guaranteed 45 minutes of professional rehearsal with orchestra and soloists as part of an intensive programme built around Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro.

Only 2 places are available, in order to ensure truly personalised work and close artistic guidance throughout the programme.

Find all the details on our website:
www.coperalab.com/conducting-program
Applications are open until 26 April.

Francesco Izzo at CIOS 2026

Musicologist, pianist, and opera coach, Francesco Izzo is Professor at the University of Southampton, , General Editor of The Works of Giuseppe Verdi, and a leading figure at Festival Verdi di Parma and Accademia Verdiana ( ) del Teatro Reggio di Parma ( ).

At , his guidance will help participants refine the style, strengthen diction and Italian language within the opera and work their selected roles with a deeper musical and artistic understanding.

Applications are open until 26 April.

CIOS 2026 for Singers

A chance to work intensively on your role, refine your artistry, rehearse with orchestra, perform publicly, and gain meaningful professional exposure.

More than a training programme, CIOS is designed to help young singers grow through real performance experience and professional opportunities.

Applications are open until 26 April.

&conductors

WE ARE LAUNCHING OUR 4TH CIOS
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

From today until 26 April 2026, applications are open for Córdoba International Opera Studio 2026.

This year’s edition is built around Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and includes role preparation, coachings, orchestra rehearsals, performance experience, career development, and professional audiovisual material.

Participants will work with an outstanding faculty:
Francesco Izzo (.izzo.opera ), Alberto Cubero ( ), Aquiles Machado ( ), Guillermo Amaya, Claudia Zucconi ( ), Miguel Galdón ( ), and Víctor Sánchez.

And most importantly, CIOS 2026 opens real professional doors. Selected participants may be considered for future opportunities with the Temporada Lírica de A Coruña ( ), LittleOpera Zamora Festival ( ), the Real Círculo de la Amistad of Córdoba ( ), and future Córdoba Opera Lab projects.

A unique opportunity for emerging opera singers and conductors to train, perform, connect and grow in an international environment in Córdoba, from 6th-14th of June 2026

Applications close on 26 April 2026.
Apply through our website www.coperalab.com

Jorge Fontela Calderón, actualmente estudiante de cuarto curso de grado superior de piano en el RCSMM bajo la dirección de Dña. Elena Orobio, D. Juan Carlos Garvayo (música de cámara) y D. Carlos Galán (improvisación) entre otros. Nace en Cuenca donde recibe sus primeros estudios de piano en el Conservatorio Pedro Aranaz de Música. Recibe masterclases de profesores como D. Josep Colom, Dña. Carmen Martinez-Pierret, D. Chang Rok Moon, D. Daniel Ligorio, D. Albert Nieto y D. Alfonso Gomez.
Su interés por la ópera le ha llevado a participar como pianista en el IV taller de ópera organizado en la UIMP dedicado a la Flauta Mágica de Mozart (2022) y en el “I CÓRDOBA INTERNATIONAL OPERA STUDIO”.
Ha participado en la grabación del disco “Fuego en el aire” bajo la dirección de D. Carlos Galán y el grupo Cosmos 21 con música del compositor granadino D. Jose Miguel Moreno Sabio (2022).
Participa también en el XXIV Festival Internacional de Música Contemporánea de Madrid (COMA 22) (2022).