A Triumphant World Premiere Opens Music for Life 2025 in Vicenza.

by Mary Jane Cryons July 12, 2025

The 2025 edition of Music for Life opened yesterday in Vicenza with an evening of sacred music that will surely be remembered. The highlight of the program was the world premiere of Regina Coeli by Italian-American composer Raphael Fusco, who was present for the performance at the historic Church of San Lorenzo.

Siman Chung, Stefano Vignati, So-Chung Shinn, Raphael Fusco

Maestro Stefano Vignati, Music Director of Opera Carolina and Principal Guest Conductor of New York City Opera, led the Orchestra of Friuli Venezia Giulia with elegance and precision. The performance featured soprano So-Chung Shinn and countertenor Siman Chung, who also performed Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate K165 with grace and vocal brilliance.

Orchestra del Friuli Venezia Giulia led by Maestro Stefano VIgnati

Fusco’s Regina Coeli was the emotional core of the evening, a luminous and expressive composition that balanced intricate choral textures with lyrical solo passages. The composer, seated among the audience, received enthusiastic applause and multiple ovations, as the audience responded with deep appreciation for both the music and its world premiere setting.

The concert marked the beginning of a rich calendar of performances by the International Lyric Academy (ILA), which this year welcomes over 120 students from around the world. These emerging artists will continue to perform in Vicenza, and the program will travel to Venice on July 15, with a second performance of Fusco’s Regina Coeli scheduled at San Pantalon Church.

With this powerful opening night, Music for Life reaffirms its role as a significant platform for international collaboration, education, and the presentation of new sacred repertoire.