Perfect diction, along with stellar vocal
technique, is a distinguishing characteristic of the most renowned
operatic soloists. The illustrious diva, Beverly Sills, in
the Foreword to Nico Castel's French Libretti Series,
writes ...
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"My dear friend, Nico Castel, and I
would often sing together in an opera, and each time I would
marvel at his expertise in the language in which we were
performing. Later, when I became Director of the New York
City Opera, I would at times despair at the way young singers
tend to sacrifice the value of the text for the sake of
volume or pearl shaped tones. I'm sure that I'm not the
only one for whom fledgling dramatic Italian sopranos would
audition with 'Pooce, pooce' instead of 'Pace, pace, mio
Dio. On more than one occasion I advised them to listen
to Nico's use of any given word in any given language and
to study, if possible, with him in his coaching classes
..."
— Beverly Sills
 Nico
Castel has enjoyed an illustrious 33 year career as a character
tenor at the Metropolitan Opera, as well as 23 years as the
staff diction coach, working with many of the world's most renowned
singers. He brings together a rare combination of performance
ability and language acuity with the skill to teach — and
offers a variety of learning and development resources for the
professional or advanced student.
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Private coaching
is available at Nico's New York City studio at $100 per hour.
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Classes in New York
City. Nico offers group classes and workshops in
New York City. Both diction classes and the unique "Making
It Professional" Series ( in conjunction with his wife,
Carol Castel, a highly regarded opera vocal and drama coach)
are offered.
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Worldwide Workshops.
Each summer, Nico travels throughout the world offering
diction workshops at a number of leading opera festivals.
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Private coaching by mail. Opera
professionals and advanced students who can't come to New York
can avail themselves of Nico's "Mail-A-Diction"
coaching by tape. At the same $100 per hour rate for an
in-studio session, Nico will record just your part with
diction cues and hints. Contact Nico
to arrange a session.
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Operatic Libretti
Series. Nico's groundbreaking series, published
by Leyerle Publications. With 17 volumes now completed,
this epic work is the authoritative diction reference
for the world's opera repertoire, and an essential addition
to the libraries of professionals, serious students and
opera lovers everywhere.
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