Passaggio Foundation

Purpose of the foundation

The Passaggio Foundation was established in 2011 with the following objectives:

• to promote vocal activities (courses, workshops, masterclasses, performance projects) for amateurs (participation).
• to encourage professional singers to enhance and maintain their level of proficiency (performing arts).

The Foundation is a cultural partner of the Province of Gelderland.

The Passaggio Foundation is committed to helping talented young singers better prepare for the professional market, and enabling amateurs to enjoy their passion more fully and for longer while being well-prepared for public performances.

We also aim to help shape the audience—both entertaining and educating them—and contribute to cultural continuity.

The Foundation seeks not only to expand its network but also to collaborate with other organizations—such as CODA Apeldoorn, Gigant Apeldoorn, Internationale Masterclasses Apeldoorn, NJO, Ereprijs, and other professional bodies—at both regional and national levels.

Name of the foundation

Passaggio means “passage” or “transition”—specifically, the transition a singer makes from amateur to (semi-)professional status, or from vocal student to professional singer.
The first three letters of the name, “pas,” stand for “Professional Art of Singing.”
The remainder of the name, “saggio,” means “wise” and/or “sensible.”
Together, Passaggio is a well-chosen name that aligns with the foundation’s objectives.

Passaggio Summer Academy

Starting in 2026, the Foundation is launching a new project, the PSA (Passaggio Summer Academy), aimed at the professional development of young talent who have graduated in the Netherlands. This specific group often has limited—or virtually no—means to finance their professional development. To deliver this project, we engage guest instructors of the highest international caliber.

The project offers:

• audition training for national and international organizations, such as the Opera Studio Academy, opera studios at opera houses, international competitions, conductors, management agencies, etc.;
• career coaching;
• tailored refinement of vocal techniques;
• presentation and marketing training.