THE Queen Mary’s College music department has welcomed professional opera singer Tommaso Rossato into lessons as part of the Leonardo da Vinci Programme.

Tommaso is a graduate in Scienze dei Beni Culturali. He graduated with a diploma in opera singing at The Conservatory f.e. Dall’Abaco in Verona and later went on to join the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, where he was put in touch with the programme co-ordinator for QMC, Francesco Serpetti.

The Leonardo da Vinci programme is a European Commission-funded programme focused on the teaching and training needs of those involved in vocational education and training. The programme is part of the European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013 and aims to build a skilled and mobile workforce across Europe.

Tommaso is working alongside the QMC music department and is using his experience to support the students and offer guidance on different techniques and styles of singing. He also demonstrated his talent by performing a popular Les Miserables song, Bring Him Home, to prospective students at a recent music event.

Tommaso said: “The facilities here at the college are amazing and different to what we have in Italy.

“I’ve really enjoyed my experience so far. The teachers and the students have both been extremely welcoming and supportive.”

Francesco Serpetti, music teacher and Leonardo da Vinci Programme co-ordinator, said: “I find Tommaso Rossato to be a young musician who is technically, musically and culturally very well prepared indeed.

“He has a wealth of background experience as a singer and actor-singer, and is a delight to work with.

“He is always positive and supportive with students of all background musical experience. His work sets up forces in motion. I wish he could stay longer than 12 weeks."