Simona G   

New tutor

Italian language classes for Opera Singers - teacher specializing in helping Opera Singers with Pronunciation, Accent, Music and Meaning

What is your favorite word in your language and why?

My favorite word in Italian is “sogno”, which means dream. I love it because it expresses imagination, hope, and the ability to see beyond reality, all of which are deeply connected to art and music.

What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?

My favorite dish from my hometown is "lagane e ciciari", handmade pappardelle with chickpeas, Where I live now, there is no restaurant that serves this dish, but fortunately I hold a family recipe taught to me by my mother, and I can cook it myself, so I can still enjoy it whenever (and wherever) I want.

Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?

Yes, besides the languages I teach, I speak English, French, and Spanish, and I am currently studying Greek and Portuguese. I love Portuguese especially for its strong connection with music and song. I study Greek because I love traveling in Greece and I am fascinated by the intrinsic musicality of the language. Greece has many similarities with Calabria, which makes me feel very connected to it, and I also enjoy studying Greek because I love being able to speak with my friends in their own language.

What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?

Outside of teaching at Strømmen, my interests include Medieval and Renaissance history, musicology, and music—I am a singer specializing in early music. I am also deeply interested in opera, Italian literature, and the history of costume; sewing is a personal hobby of mine, and I enjoy making historical garments. I love Italian cuisine, practice sports such as yoga, swimming, and fitness training, and I have a strong affection for animals.

What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?

I consider two places to be my hometown. The first is Orvieto, in Umbria, where I was born. I feel very attached to it because I was lucky enough to be born literally in front of its magnificent cathedral. Perhaps that is why I am so passionate about the Middle Ages! 🙂 The second is Cosenza, in Calabria, where I grew up. That is where my family and my childhood friends live. Cosenza is a beautiful city, full of history and legends, and above all it is a human-scale place, where relationships between people are still authentic and alive.