Italian Language Learning Workshop

In collaboration with

What Makes This Italian Immersion Program Unique?

1. Certified Italian Language Instruction

Receive intensive language lessons from certified instructors at the Dante Alighieri Society – Matera, covering:

• Italian grammar fundamentals
• Essential vocabulary for daily conversation
• Practical speaking and listening skills
• Greek and Latin roots of Italian words
• Dante’s influence on modern Italian through “La Divina Commedia”
• Evolution of Italian from regional dialects to national language

2. Opera-Based Language Learning

Study Italian pronunciation and expression through opera with Francesco Zingariello, an internationally acclaimed opera tenor and conservatory professor. Learn through iconic works, including:

• Donizetti’s “L’elisir d’amore”
• Verdi’s “La Traviata” and “Aida”
• Rossini’s “L’italiana in Algeri”

Opera training improves Italian pronunciation, intonation, word stress patterns, and phonetic accuracy—essential skills for confident speaking.

3. Cultural Immersion Activities

Practice Italian in authentic contexts through:

• Cooking workshops teaching traditional Italian recipes and culinary vocabulary
• Guided excursions to UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, historic Venosa (birthplace of poet Horace), and coastal Trani
• Long table dinners with local Italian speakers for conversational practice
• Museum visits, including the art historian-led visit to Carlo Levi’s art exhibition at Palazzo Lanfranchi, Matera.
• Opera festival attendance at Castello Svevo (R.E.M.M. festival)

4. Location in Authentic Southern Italy

Based in a 17th-century palazzo in Gravina in Puglia, participants experience daily life in a traditional Italian town, away from tourist centres. The region offers:

• • Access to Matera (20 km away), UNESCO World Heritage Site, European Capital of Culture 2019
  • Proximity to Bari airport (50 km) for convenient travel
  • Rural countryside and historic architecture
  • Authentic Italian food culture and regional specialities

Special guests or lecturers during our workshop may include art historians, architects, philosophers, shepherds, poets, or politicians. Expect the unexpected. We always rise to opportunity when presented.

Who Should Take This Italian Language Course in Southern Italy?

This intensive Italian course is ideal for:

• Adult learners (18+) seeking beginner or intermediate Italian language instruction
• Students who want to learn Italian through cultural immersion rather than classroom-only study
• Opera enthusiasts interested in Italian pronunciation and musical expression
• Food lovers wanting to learn Italian through cooking and culinary vocabulary
• Travellers planning extended stays in Italy who need practical conversation skills
• Anyone seeking an authentic Italian language experience in Southern Italy

Minimum age: 18 years old (16 if accompanied by an adult)

Discover the richness and diversity of the Italian language through four engaging classes, exploring the Greek and Latin roots that form the foundation of Italian, tracing the origins of words and expressions still used today.
Discover how Dante Alighieri revolutionized the language by bringing a unified Italian to life through his timeless masterpiece, La Divina Commedia, and how modern media has contributed to the unification of Italian, shaping it into the vibrant national language spoken today.

Under the guidance of renowned opera singer and masterclass teacher Francesco Zingariello*, participants explore the language through iconic works—including Donizetti’s “Elisir d’amore“,  Verdi’s “La Traviata and Aida“, and Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri“.

Workshop activities encompass the opera’s structure, libretto, aria, recitative, and ensemble scenes, allowing learners to connect meaning, pronunciation, and musicality while practicing selected arias and attending both rehearsals and performances as part of the R.E.M.M. festival at Castello Svevo.

*Francesco Zingariello is an Italian tenor and conductor, acclaimed internationally for over 30 opera roles and global tours. He is a professor at the Matera and Bolzano conservatories, leads vocal programs at major academies, and directs prominent music organizations and festivals, earning recognition for both his singing and conducting careers.

Cook and explore the rich vocabulary of taste, flavours, and culinary traditions as you prepare time-honoured dishes. This hands-on experience combines practical language practice with cultural insights into Italy’s food heritage, enhancing your Italian skills through the universal language of food and “gusto.”

Practice conversation in italian at long table dinner with local guests. Through playful dialogue, observation, and cultural insight, you’ll practice real-world Italian in a lively, interactive setting—sharpening vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence while enjoying regional cuisine.

Guided visit in Italian to Venosa, the birthplace of the Latin poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus), the Adriatic coastal town of Trani, Matera Unesco World Heritage site and Carlo Levi art exhibition at Palazzo Lanfranchi with art historian.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Italian Immersion Course

Q: What level of Italian do I need?
A: The course accommodates beginner to intermediate learners. Lessons adapt to the group’s level, so complete beginners and those with basic Italian knowledge can both benefit.

Q: Is the course taught entirely in Italian?
A: Yes, instruction is primarily in Italian to maximise immersion. English translation support is provided when necessary for comprehension.

Q: Do I need singing experience for the opera component?
A: No prior singing experience is required. Opera training focuses on pronunciation, expression, and language learning rather than professional vocal performance.

Q: What physical fitness level is required?
A: Participants should be in good health and able to walk on uneven terrain, historic cobblestone streets, and rural countryside. Activities are dynamic but accessible to most fitness levels.

Q: Can I share a room with a friend?
A: Yes, accommodation is shared occupancy. Solo travelers will be matched with a roommate of the same gender.

Q: What meals are included?
A: Most meals are included: 6 of 8 breakfasts, all 7 lunches, and 5 of 7 dinners, plus wine with meals. Two dinners and two breakfasts are independent, allowing flexibility to explore local restaurants.

Q: How do I get to Gravina from the airport?
A: Transportation from Bari airport, hotels, or train station is included on arrival (June 16) and departure (June 24) days.

Q: Can younger students attend?
A: Participants must be 18 or older, except for 16-17 year olds accompanied by an adult.