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As we head up to the Christmas season and the new year, still recovering from our 20th anniversary extravaganza, we are in the middle of reviewing applications for our 2025 courses. It struck me that it’s probably all a bit of a mystery as to what it is that I am looking for in these young talents:
The reps are very straightforward: a sincere interest in the profession of a repetiteur, extraordinary sight reading skills - easily tested-, and a fine technical ability that can be adapted to a bigger, more orchestral sound. Add to this a very personable character and an appreciation of the difficulties of being a singer, and you have the makings of a repetiteur who will go far.
For the singers, ideally the voice should have a quality and colour that lends itself to the Italian repertoire. It also helps if the instrument doesn’t have a generic quality, but one that stands out. Of course, this is subjective, and my opinion is based on a few years of listening to singers! The singer’s general technique should be solid. The programme is particularly arduous, especially when you add in the heat factor. However, it’s the need to perform and sing to the best of their abilities every time they open their mouths to work, that really costs their brains and bodies. None of them wishes to sing badly for a Bonynge or a Frittoli, and a lot of their work takes place in front of their peers. This is pressure. I also need to hear the potential in their voice, and to see it in their character. Can they move me? Will what I think I can hear and see read on stage, and if not can we get it to that point? There is a performance element which, whilst it can be fostered and guided, is also that intangible thing that someone either has or doesn’t have. The 20th anniversary gala demonstrated four people who have always had that from the start.
For both reps and singers, I will always lean towards the younger ones who can be helped the most through the extraordinary opportunity that we give them. I need to know that they will capitalise on the extraordinary educational and contacts opportunity that each huge scholarship provides for them, through YOUR generosity - thank you!
-Jonathan Papp
Artistic Director