Thanks to the initiative led by IILA, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and OLA, three young singers from Mexico, Cuba and Venezuela will take part in a professional development residency in the Italian capital in January 2027.

On the occasion of World Opera Day, IILA — the International Italo-Latin American Organization — and the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Foundation announce the winners of the first edition of ARIA SUR – Musical Development Residencies, a cultural cooperation project designed to support the training, international mobility and professional development of young Latin American opera talents.

The project is led by IILA in partnership with Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, in collaboration with Fabbrica – Young Artist Program and with operational support from OLA – Ópera Latinoamérica.

The selected artists are soprano Belén Berenice Marín Ramírez, from the Estudio de la Ópera de Bellas Artes in Mexico; mezzo-soprano Dayana Lorente, from the Teatro Lírico Nacional de Cuba; and tenor Iván Andrés Cardozo, from Venezuela’s Teatro Teresa Carreño.

In January 2027, the three singers will have the opportunity to spend three weeks in Rome participating in a specialized training programme as part of the activities of Fabbrica – Young Artist Program at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. During this period, they will work closely with professionals from one of Italy’s most prestigious opera institutions.

ARIA SUR was created to establish a lasting connection between the Italian and Latin American opera sectors, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, experiences and professional opportunities. The programme gives young Latin American opera singers the opportunity to engage directly with an outstanding artistic institution, deepen their musical training and gain new experience in an international environment.

The first edition received 21 applications, submitted through OLA’s network of opera houses and evaluated by a committee comprising Massimiliano Fiorini, coordinator of Fabbrica – Young Artist Program; Maestro Alessandro Galoppini, artistic director of Teatro dell’Opera di Roma; soprano Mariella Devia, principal singing teacher at Fabbrica; and Alessandro Di Gloria, head of casting.

ARIA SUR represents the first tangible outcome of the Framework Cooperation Agreement signed on 7 October 2026 at the Teatro Costanzi by IILA Secretary-General Giorgio Silli and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Superintendent Francesco Giambrone.

The agreement establishes a structured partnership between the two institutions, with the aim of promoting excellence in musical training and the international mobility of artists.