Ukrainian Soprano Beats Fierce Competition for Coveted Spot at Prestigious Italian Conservatory

Alexandrina Ionitsui's Journey to Success in Italy

According to Главком: Alexandrina Ionitsui, a Ukrainian student from the village of Mamalyha in Bukovyna, is now pursuing a master's degree at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Como, Italy. She secured one of only 18 available spots in a highly competitive field of over 260 applicants. To achieve this, Alexandrina passed rigorous exams in Italian language and operatic singing, following a full year of dedicated preparation that included online coursework. As part of her studies, the young soprano has already performed at the renowned La Scala opera house.

Alexandrina began singing at the age of six. Her first public performance was at a school festival called 'Golden Autumn,' where she sang the song 'My Ukraine.'

"She started singing at six years old. Her first performance was at a festival-we were celebrating 'Golden Autumn,' like all schools do," noted her mother, Inna Ionitsui.

In 2017, she won the 'Bukovynian Star' competition. She spent four years studying at a music college in Chernivtsi and also applied to the Kyiv Conservatory (National Academy of Arts).

Gaining Admission to the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory

The admissions process for the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory demanded a high level of Italian language proficiency.

"If you pass the Italian language exam, you are admitted to the exams in vocal performance, solfège, and harmony, depending on your specialization. I prepared for a year, including studying online with teachers from Kyiv," Alexandrina explained.

The entrance exams took place in September. Faced with such intense competition, Alexandrina initially doubted her chances: "When I saw how many applicants there were-not just children, but adults with substantial experience in the opera world-I thought I wouldn't make it because the competition was so fierce. But I passed the exams in Italian and operatic singing."

Only two Ukrainian students are currently enrolled at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory. Alexandrina's father is the principal of a lyceum in her home village, and her mother teaches the Romanian language. "I am extremely pleased that Alexandrina, with her excellent results and high level of performance skill, has been able to establish herself on the international vocal arts stage, as this is a very challenging path," remarked Inga Mitsan, who highlighted the young singer's achievements.

Tuition at the conservatory is not free. Initially quoted an annual fee of 50,000 euros, the cost was later adjusted to 2,100 euros per year after the family submitted an official declaration of their income. "The sum they initially stated would have dashed all our hopes," emphasized Inna Ionitsui. For now, Alexandrina does not plan to return to Ukraine, choosing instead to continue her path in the world of Italian opera, an art form recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Her story is a testament to the resilience of Ukrainian artists pursuing their ambitions abroad, even amidst the ongoing war at home.

Alexandrina Ionitsui's success serves as a powerful example for young Ukrainian artists aspiring to realize their dreams on the international stage. Her achievement underscores the importance of quality preparation, perseverance, and the opportunities that open up for talented Ukrainian students at foreign institutions. In the face of contemporary challenges, stories like these inspire and demonstrate that, despite difficulties, young Ukrainians can achieve success in creative fields at an international level.