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Leadership and Team

Founding Leadership

Stefano Baldasseroni

Founder and CEO

A native of Rome, Stefano began his musical journey as a touring and recording drummer and later became a renowned session drummer in New York. Since 2010, he’s built a distinguished reputation as a coach of Italian diction at leading institutions—Juilliard, Curtis, the Metropolitan Opera—and around the world. His passion for rhythm, language, and voice drives our mission to nurture the next generation of opera singers.

Follow Stefano on his social networks

Artistic Team / Faculty

Marcello Cormio

Conductor & Artistic Director

Italian conductor Marcello Cormio brings vivacity and finesse to opera and symphonic repertoire alike. His recent engagements include guest performances with Santa Fe Pro Musica and Sarasota Opera, and he serves as Music Director of the Lexington Chamber Orchestra. Praised for his “spirited playing” and thoughtful balance, Cormio continually champions young artists from the podium.

Follow Marcello on his social networks

http://www.marcellocormio.com

Alessandra Volpi

Principal Coach

Trained in Italy and the U.S., Alessandra Volpi is a celebrated pianist and coach, laureate of competitions and a graduate of Utah State University and the Milan Conservatory. She’s an in-demand collaborator—recently featured in film adaptations of Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins, NPR recordings, and commissions by contemporary composers. Alessandra teaches at Belmont University, collaborates frequently with the Nashville Symphony and Ballet, and shapes our singers through masterful musical partnership.

Follow Alessandra on her social networks

http://www.alessandravolpi.com

Savanna Sokolnicki

Stage Director & Voice Teacher

Dr. Savanna Sokolnicki is a singer, director, and educator with a performance footprint across Asia, Europe, and North America. Currently Assistant Professor at Belmont University, she stages operas and performs in productions like Il Pagliacci and The Wide Waters, and holds a DMA from the University of Kentucky and degrees from Eastman School of Music. Savanna’s artistic and academic expertise richly informs our training and stagecraft.

Follow Savanna on her social networks

https://www.savannasokolnicki.com