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Velia Botti

Contact Info
Phone: 917.771.9733
Email: thejoyofsinging@live.com
Website:

Styles Taught

Classical/Opera, Musical Theater

Biography

An American born, European trained mezzo-soprano. Began singing career in the United States, making European debut inaugurating the season in Mahon, Spain as Azucena in II Trovatore, to rave reviews. Sang exclusively in Europe until returning to the United States. Began teaching career as professor of voice for the Conservatories of Bari and Potenza, Italy. Also taught privately in her Rome studio. Twenty-five years of experience both performing and teaching the art of Bel Canto. Besides teaching in Italy, she taught in Chicago and has received awards for exceptional contribution to the arts. Founder of the Botti Opera Showcase providing students the opportunity to perform in concert. Recognized by Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago, by the Chicago Womens Magazine, and with the Leonardo Da Vinci Award from the Illinois chapter of the Sons of ltaly. Received an honorary degree from the Academy of Paestum, Italy.

Her students have won prest igious competitions (e.g., winner Marian Anderson International, finalist Verdi Voices in Busseto, Italy). The students perform in major opera houses both nationally and internationally (e.g., New York Metropolitan Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos in Lisbon, Paris Opera and the Grand Theatre in Geneve). They also perform on Broadway. Teacher of Rodrick Dixon, one of the stars of the PBS tenors. Maestro James Conlon, world renown conductor: "Rodrick Dixon has a fabulous voice and extraordinary technique.

Teaching Philosophy

Have a secure technique-- find the right combination of being calm and exciting at the same time.

Studio Policy

Just do it.