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IIMA Masterclass Course
18 April to 24 April 2027
Student Success & Testimonials
Our students don't just enjoy their time with us — many choose to return. Last year, 25% of our students were repeat bookers, something we believe says a great deal about the experience, friendships and sense of community created during the week.
“I love this academy because it teaches that a singer is not only a voice, but a complete artistic package...”
— Egle
“I’ve had such a lovely week at IIMA and genuinely enjoyed every aspect of it...”
— Elizabeth
“Working with Nelly Miricioiu was a dream come true...”
— Irene
“What a dream week!..a truly inspiring experience"
— Ada
“This week challenged me to confront my fears and doubts. ... giving me invaluable technical and artistic growth.”
— Anastasia
“The experience was one of a kind...I felt again the flame of my passion for music”
— Andreea
“It was like a beautiful dream...you start believing more in yourself and motivating yourself more”
— Eduardo
“I loved Nelly's teaching style , the beautiful surroundings and, above all, an exceptional group of students as well as the brilliant support team”
— Miranda
“My time at Issigeac was extremely fruitful...there was great camaraderie amongst us singers and some lifelong friendships were forged”
— Alexander
Course Overview
Unique opportunity: Seven Days to Develop Your Voice
Join us for seven inspiring days of intensive study, performance and artistic development in the beautiful medieval village of Issigeac in southwest France. Led by world-renowned soprano Nelly Miricioiu, the IIMA Vocal Masterclass offers ambitious young singers and emerging professionals the opportunity to refine their technique, deepen their artistry and develop greater confidence and freedom as performers.
It is an intensive week — but also a wonderfully supportive one. Away from the distractions of everyday life, you will have the time and space to concentrate on your voice, your performance and your development as an artist, surrounded by fellow singers who share your commitment and passion for music.
Acting for Singers: Developing the Complete Performer
We are delighted to welcome back Julian Charles Debreuil, recently appointed Musical Director of the IIMA. An accomplished bass-baritone and experienced teacher, Julian has performed extensively with leading orchestras throughout the UK and Europe.
Working alongside Nelly, Julian will lead a practical Stanislavski-based acting workshop, helping singers explore character, emotion, motivation and dramatic truth. The emphasis is on giving you practical tools that can be taken directly into your repertoire, enabling you to create performances that are more nuanced, truthful and compelling.
What’s Included
✨Individual coaching with Nelly Miricioiu.
✨Intensive vocal and artistic development.
✨Acting and character work for opera.
✨Public performance opportunities.
✨An inspiring international environment.
✨Seven days immersed in music, learning and performance.
Your course fee includes:
• All course tuition
• Accommodation
• Breakfast, a light lunch and an evening meal
• Pre-arranged collection from Bergerac Airport or railway station
Travel to and from France is not included in the course fee.
Course Fee: €1,250
Deposit of €625 required to confirm, balance due one month before. Fees are non-refundable.
Application & Requirements
All singers are asked to submit a CV and recording for consideration.
Places are strictly limited and the minimum age for participation is 18.
Both our 2025 and 2026 Masterclass Courses sold out, so early enquiries are strongly encouraged.
Your Week in Issigeac. The 2027 Masterclass runs from Sunday 18 April to Saturday 24 April 2027.
The course begins at 10am on Sunday 18 April, and all students must be available from this time through to the conclusion of the Gala Concert on Saturday 24 April.
To make your journey easier, accommodation is available from Saturday 17 April, allowing you to arrive and settle in before the course begins. Accommodation continues through Saturday night, 24 April, so students can travel home on Sunday 25 April.
Full attendance is an essential part of the Masterclass experience and is therefore a condition of accepting a place on the course.
Here to help
We know that travelling to another country for a course can sometimes feel daunting, so we are very happy to help you plan your journey.
Ideally you will fly into Bergerac, but we do know for many students flying into Bordeaux Airport is a practical option. An excellent shuttle service connects the airport with Bordeaux Saint-Jean railway station, from where regular trains run to Bergerac. We can then collect you from Bergerac at a pre-arranged time. Once you have been accepted onto the course, please talk to us before finalising your travel arrangements. We know the area well and can help you find the most straightforward way to reach Bergerac and then Issigeac.
Once you have accepted your place, your main point of contact will be Anthony Graham, our Operations Director.
Anthony will keep you informed about everything you need to prepare for your time in Issigeac and can help with practical questions ranging from travel arrangements and dietary requirements to clothing, accommodation and local information.
Good communication helps us make your experience as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible, so we simply ask that you keep in touch and respond promptly to the information Anthony sends you.
We know our students lead busy lives. Our aim isn't to add to your workload — it is to make arriving in France and taking part in the Masterclass as easy as possible.
Securing your place couldn't be simpler.
Just attach your CV and voice tape to an email and we'll contact you as soon as a decision has been made. Or ask for more information and we'll be happy to help.
Beyond the Masterclass: Our relationship with our singers does not necessarily end when the course finishes. We are committed to supporting the development of our students and alumni wherever we can. Previous Masterclass participant Miranda Robertson has become an official IIMA Ambassador, and former students are regularly invited to perform with us at concerts and events in both France and the UK. We want the friendships, professional connections and artistic development begun in Issigeac to continue long after you leave.
Come to Issigeac ready to work, explore and perform — and leave with greater confidence in your voice, your artistry and yourself.
Student Accommodation
Your Stay in Issigeac
The IIMA has a number of superb accommodation partners and one we regularly use is the wonderful Domaine de Jurmilhac.
Located in the Dordogne, close to the picturesque medieval village of Issigeac, just 25 minutes from Bergerac international airport and at the gates of the bastides of southern Périgord, the Jurmilhac estate has five comfortable independent stone holiday homes. Tim and Nathalie, who run the estate, are superb hosts and have been working closely with the IIMA for a number of years to ensure our students have a comfortable and welcoming stay in France. Students are hosted in one of the beautiful stone villas on the estate andmost rooms are twin rooms with ensuite facilities. Students are also able to use the swimming pool (weather permitting) and enjoy the beautiful grounds.
The Domaine is not within walking distance of Issigeac, so students are driven to and from the rehearsal rooms, and to and from the performance venues by lIMA volunteers. For students wanting more independence, there are a wide range of car hire companies located at Bergerac Airport (see contacts page).