Article written by Tabitha Johnston and published in The Journal on March 25, 2026, link to article HERE.
This summer, Martinsburg native Ava DiPasquale will be making her way to the birthplace of opera, to study that art form in the intensive musical program, Opera Viva!
DiPasquale will, by that time, be an incoming sophomore on the vocal and opera performance track at Eastman School of Music. In her time at the school, as well as at Interlochen Summer Voice Program, she has received many opportunities to advance her craft, studying opera under the guidance of a number of acclaimed instructors. Yet, being able to go to Verona, Italy and immerse herself in the operatic world on a deeper level was too great of a temptation for her to resist, leading her to apply and audition for the program last October. She was thrilled when she received an acceptance letter on March 2.
"I heard about the Opera Viva! program through my professor. I knew it would be a great opportunity to not only gain experience in my field, but to also immerse myself in Italian culture and the history of opera," DiPasquale said. "A girl from my studio went there her freshman year and has only had good things to say about it. She says it is one of the most educational and influential programs she has been involved in. Her experience helped me finalize my decision to select this program."
The Opera Viva! Young Artist program is competitive and, DiPasquale noted, difficult to get into. Only 30 vocalists, two collaborative pianists, two student stage directors and two conducting students are accepted for admission into it every year. But for those few who do get accepted, their future career opportunities are significantly improved.
"The experience involves daily advanced Italian language classes; private voice lessons and coaching throughout the week; public sacred music performances; career preparation; and an opera scene performance at the end of the program," DiPasquale said, mentioning she is particularly looking forward to attending some professional operatic productions while there, at the L'Arena di Verona. "By the end of my time there, I hope to have a better understanding of the bel canto technique and of Italy's history and culture, as well as of the Italian language and its influence on operatic technique and song. I also hope to better understand how I can use the connections and knowledge I have gained in this experience, to further my career in opera."
As she looks forward to taking this next step in her operatic journey, DiPasquale acknowledged she would never have been able to make it this far, without the musical training she received as a child, growing up in the Eastern Panhandle.
"My mom introduced me to opera at an early age, playing operas around the house and encouraging me to learn 'O Mio Babbino Caro' as my first performance song, for a talent show in the sixth grade," DiPasquale said, mentioning she then went on to study voice with Shepherd University music professors Michelle Perrine and Brooke Evers. "I began studying opera in sixth grade and appreciated the support my classmates and teachers gave me."
She continued to receive opportunities, which expanded her performing abilities, throughout her years at Martinsburg High School.
"I was involved in the Martinsburg High School show choirs, Good Times and Glitz, along with the treble choir, Choraliers, and theater productions at the Apollo Civic Theatre and Martinsburg High School," DiPasquale said. "I performed with the Regional American Choral Directors Association choir and the West Virginia Music Educators Association All-State Choir, all four years of high school."