Raymond Modesti - Bass

Raymond Modesti started doing small recitals at the age of ten as well as singing on professional stage productions for The Lyric Opera of Los Angeles under Nandor F. Domokos , Conductor. His first parts were among the boy-soprano part in La Boheme, Gianni Schicchi, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and many walk-on parts all which stimulated his desire for the stage later on.

In The States, he took voice lessons from the Italian-American Bass: Giorgio Tozzi at the The Juilliard School. Upon winning a bursary to further his studies in Europe he continued his studies with Ettore Campogalliani in Italy.

To identify himself better in the art of Lieder-singing, he also studied with Hans Hotter in Germany.

Raymond, then sang in theaters all over Germany , expanding his career to opera houses all over the world: Austria, Belgium ,The United States, South Africa,South America and Australia.

He has a varied repertoire that ranges from Don Basilio (Barber of Seville) to Zachariah (Nabucco) and Daland (Fliegende Hollaender), Sarastro (Magic Flute) to Don Medigua (El Capitan by J.P. Sousa) to Don Quichotte by J.Massenet.

His love for lied includes the German, Russian, American and French composers such as: Brahms, Schumann, R.Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Rachmaninov, Aaron Copland, Ives, Berlioz, Ibert, Ropartz, G.Faure and Debussy. He also ventures into the lighter repertoire and his recitals frequently include songs from Italian-Neapolitan songs.

As Director of the International Belcanto Academy, Raymond shares his in-depth knowledge of the Bel Canto school to students all over the world. He also helps young singers bridge the gap, often left behind after they have completed their studies at the music conservatoires.

He is also instrumental in preparing young professionals in auditioning for agents and opera theaters. His yearly summer course includes audition training, given by a professional expert in this field. Updates on each course is given on his Academy site, under "upcoming events". Under archive, one can see previous master classes, radio interview, summer courses and opera productions.

Being in demand internationally, he gives master classes in Germany, Norway,Sweden, Italy, Belgium, Greece, The Netherlands as well as in The States.