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Vocal Workshops

A MID-SUMMER OPERA JANUARY 2005

A Mid-Summer Opera January 2005.

A Mid-Summer Opera is a specially designed operatic showcase for young people aged between 14 and 19 years (and 8 talented vocalists between 9-13 years) and gives both vocalists and instrumentalists the opportunity to work with a leading Australian Musical and Creative Team. The week culminates in three fully staged and orchestrated public performances at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Our 2005 team included Simon Kenway, renowned Australian and International Operatic and Orchestral Conductor who conducted OzOpera?s (Opera Australia) recent National tour of La Boheme and who previously held the post of Principal Chorus Master for Opera Australia. We were also fortunate to have Sharolyn Kimmorley who is a senior lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and until 2002 was the Director of Music Administration for Opera Australia. Other team members included Gavin Lockley (Assistant Musical Director), Nicole Alexander (Producer and Coordinator), Tim Collins (Vocal Coach), Nicole Dorigo (Italian Coach), and Gemma Tamock (Director) whose combined wealth of experience includes specialised vocal and instrumental instruction as well as creative interpretation for teenagers.

Successful applicants took part in a seven day workshop culminating in three public performances conducted by Simon Kenway on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd January 2005 held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Macquarie St, Sydney.

Applicants were required to prepare a song or piece of music no longer than 4 minutes in length, which was suitable for their age, range and stage of development. One of the aims of this event was to encourage those who had little or no prior exposure to opera to apply for an opportunity to expand their musical repertoire and experience. All soloists that were chosen for A Mid-Summer Opera received coaching sessions as part of their role preparation. Chorus members and soloists were sent music before the commencement of the workshop and were expected to know their music on arrival of the first day so that they could focus on style, ensemble and characterisation in these sessions.

For further enquiries about our annual Mid-Summer Opera please email info@alexanderproductions.com.au