Voices of Mercatello – Singing and Language Residency

Voices of Mercatello – Singing & Language Residency

Location: Mercatello sul Metauro, Le Marche, Italy
Duration: 10 days
Partners: The Create Escape, Luisa Donati, Maestro Guerrino Parri & Comune Mercatello sul Metauro

Overview

Immerse yourself in Italian musical culture with a 10-day singing residency led by Maestro Guerrino Parri. Daily sessions focus on Italian folk and choral repertoire and will be conducted primarily in Italian, offering participants an authentic and inspiring learning experience.

A gentle language component is integrated throughout the program, and participants are encouraged to learn some basic Italian — especially musical vocabulary — before arrival to enhance confidence and enjoyment.

Highlights

• Daily choral workshops with Maestro Parri (delivered mostly in Italian)
• Learn key Italian musical phrases + support locals with English exchange
• Optional creative block for arranging or songwriting
• Unhurried creative time for singers, choir directors, arrangers, and musicians to explore their own musical ideas, with opportunities to share works-in-progress in a supportive group environment
• Pop-up singing in historic spaces
• Final community concert in Mercatello
• Deep immersion into village culture

Who It’s For

Singers of all levels who want to grow musically while experiencing the warmth, language, and artistry of Italian village life.

The residency is also ideal for choir directors, songwriters, arrangers, and musicians who wish to spend time developing new material — though this is entirely optional and not essential for participation.

Language Note

You do not need to be fluent in Italian, but a little preparation goes a long way. Before the residency begins, we’ll provide a short, practical list of Italian words and phrases related to singing, music, rehearsal etiquette, and everyday village life — including shopping, ordering food and coffee, asking for directions, and simple courtesies.

During the residency, participants will be encouraged to practise speaking Italian in daily interactions — in cafés, bakeries, shops, rehearsals, and around the piazza. These small, real-world exchanges quickly build confidence and deepen your sense of belonging.

At the same time, several locals in the village are keen to practise their English, creating a warm and genuine two-way exchange. This residency is designed as a true village cultural exchange, where language, music, and daily life naturally intertwine, and learning happens through shared experience rather than in a classroom.

Participants stay in a selection of charming apartments, villas, and the historic Palazzo Ducale in Mercatello sul Metauro. All accommodation is within a one-minute walk of the piazza, cafés, and rehearsal spaces.

Rooms vary across the properties and are allocated on a first-in, first-served basis. Options include double, twin, and a limited number of single rooms. Single rooms attract a €550 supplement for the 10-day residency.