Opera for Peace X Corriere della Sera

Opera for Peace: Supporting the Next Generation of Opera Talent Worldwide
 
Opera for Peace thanks Corriere della Sera and journalist Anna Maria Catano for the opportunity to share our story and give visibility to the voices of young opera artists from around the world.
 
Corriere della Sera highlights the work of Opera for Peace – active across six continents – dedicated to identifying and supporting young opera singers from disadvantaged or marginalized backgrounds who would otherwise have no access to professional opportunities in their home countries.
 
Founded with the mission of combining artistic excellence with cultural identity, Opera for Peace selects promising young artists and accompanies them through advanced training, mentorship, and access to major international stages. As the article notes, our organization gives a voice to talents “who would not have had any possibility in the places they come from.”
 
The impact of this mission is powerfully illustrated by the story of Iranian soprano Forooz Razavi, who explains: “In Iran, women cannot sing. Leaving my country and coming to Italy allowed me to finally feel free to sing.” Her experience reflects Opera for Peace’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive environments where artistic expression is possible regardless of political or social restrictions.
 
Since its founding in 2019, Opera for Peace has supported over 150 young artists, many of whom have gone on to perform at leading institutions such as La Scala in Milan, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, the Paris Opera, and Carnegie Hall in New York. The project is supported primarily by the BNP Paribas Foundation and collaborates with major international partners, including the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.
 
Each year, selected singers participate in international masterclasses and showcases, culminating in a final concert. As Founder Julia Lagahuzère states: “We are proud to have created a special network of artists from families of diverse origins and professions.” She adds that the goal is not only artistic development, but also to “build bridges, create understanding, and inspire change.”
 
Each scholarship covers various training and performance expenses. Additional recognition is granted to artists invited to perform as soloists in concerts. As the article emphasizes, “Opera for Peace fully covers the expenses of the selected singers,” ensuring that financial barriers never prevent talent from emerging.
 
In a world marked by conflict and inequality, Opera for Peace stands as a testament to the unifying power of music. As one artist concludes: “We believe in creating beauty in every possible way, giving hope to future generations.”