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Polimnia – Opera for All

International Lifelong Learning and Performance for Training New Music Professionalities and Education of Communities in Italy.

International Summer School: WISD – Modena 22nd-25th September 2025

By adopting a fresh approach to Opera, the “Opera for All!” project aims to enhance public appreciation of Italy’s cultural, artistic, and musical heritage, thereby boosting its appeal and international recognition. Opera serves as a quintessential representation of Italy’s national culture, artistic and musical heritage. The theoretical framework adopted is that of Community Opera, an approach that originated in the UK in 1970 and has since been developed in many countries around the world. The literature on Community Opera offers resources for a deeper understanding of opera production, from a perspective of inclusive co-construction, cultural growth, and social change. Currently, Opera is not for everyone; it is often seen as an outdated repertoire, far removed from the artistic-musical experiences that engage young people. It is perceived as a “niche,” an “elite form of art,” too expensive and difficult to understand.