Supporting
OperaWorks
Our OPERAWORKS careers event and industry conference took place for the first time ever, on World Opera Day 2022.
The day started off with Seminars and Workshop sessions for young singers, given by industry professionals, ranging from finance tips to audition support and mental wellbeing - and in the afternoon, dozens of influential figures from the opera world took part in a free conference; '21st Century Singer: Forging a Career in Opera'. We are grateful to all who took part and gave of their time so generously.
The event was a resounding succes’ judging from the many testimonials from young artists and opera experts who took part! Here are just few to share with you now ….
So many inspiring talks at the Opera Prelude OPERAWORKS professional development day! Thank you to all the organisers and to the speakers for their honesty and positive energy!
It was brilliant!! Thank you so much for holding a place for these conversations. I really hope it happens again and I will tell everyone to keep an eye out for the next one.
Absolute pleasure to speak at Opera Prelude conference today at The Chelsea Theatre. A great energy around the building, a lovely set of speakers and a really engaged and vibrant audience. It must return!
On world Opera Day it is wonderful to know that so many care so deeply for our industry and its inhabitants, and are doing great things to help us all through to a brighter future post-pandemic.
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The Morning Seminars:
Full Body and Breath Singers Warm Up
A National Opera Studio alumnus, Jenny Miller sang as a soloist for Glyndebourne Festival and Touring Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera North, ENO and ROH before moving to dramatic soprano repertoire and developing a parallel career as a director. She formed Barefoot Opera in order to research access to physical theatre in the training of classical singing.
Casting, The Key to Audition Success
Casting Director Sarah Playfair and Anne Marabini Young, General Director and founder of Diva Opera discuss the importance of good preparation, choice of repertoire and helpful techniques for auditions. Principles of casting; tips on applying for, obtaining and managing auditions plus how to conduct yourself as a company member.
Getting in the Door – Auditions and Beyond
Melanie Lodge, Audition Oracle and Guy Withers, Waterperry Opera Festival Auditions, whether we enjoy them or not, are a necessary part of the business. Not only do you have to think about excelling at auditions, first you must secure them. That in itself is a process requiring thought, preparation, and action. Melanie Lodge, founder of Audition Oracle and Guy Withers, Artistic Director and CEO of Waterperry Opera Festival, talk us through the process of sourcing appropriate auditions, submitting well-thought-out applications and creating a personal brand.
Money Mindset – Finance, negotiating contracts and tax
Lottie Gulliver, Casting & Harewood Manager at English National Opera and Isabella Pitman, Associate Artist Manager, Askonas Holt . There can be a lot of administration to navigate when starting your career as a freelance singer. We hope to show you that it is not as overwhelming as it first appears! This session will go through the basics of contract negotiation, representation, general finance and visas, and make you aware of some of the common pitfalls that singers can fall into when starting out.
Podcast Recording Session – Mental Resilience in the opera industry
Join Alexander Simpson and Helen Daniels for a live recording of their podcast, Where’s My Freaking Dressing Room?! Where’s My Freaking Dressing Room?! has fast built a reputation as one of the leading podcasts in the opera and classical music industry, being featured by Harrison Parrott, Alternative Classical and Planet Hugill, as well as being awarded a Britten Pears Residency. Following their Mental Health Mini Series in May 2022, in this live episode Alex and Helen will discuss how to build mental resilience in three distinct situations: auditions, concerts and social settings. In their conversation they’ll share how various mental health conditions (please note - themes of anxiety, depression, OCD and distorted self image will be discussed) have affected their careers in the opera industry, and will outline a number of strategies and coping mechanisms which have successfully helped them to manage their behaviours. One of the core aims of Where’s My Freaking Dressing Room?! is to make the world of opera a more open, supportive and interconnected place. With their endearing combination of good humour and key advice, Alex and Helen invite you to join them for this live episode recording.
www.wheresmyfreakingdressingroom.com
The Modern Musician - building a career in the digital age
David Taylor, David Taylor Music
The society and the classical music industry have changed significantly as a result of the digital age. This session covers what these changes are and why it's important to understand them, what this means for the careers of musicians, and practical advice and exercises to help you build a career in the digital age.
Thinking Outside the Box: How to Maximise Your Career Possibilities in Music
Dr Jessica Walker
Traditionally, classically trained singers have been made to think that they must dedicate themselves to a fairly narrow career path - one that involves opera, lieder, and a dash of oratorio, off-set with some teaching. Jessica sets out to challenge this blueprint, opening up a discussion about how to embrace a more multi-faceted and fulfilling approach to a life in music. Jessica trained and worked as an opera singer, before diversifying into cross-genre singing, writing for opera and stage, and taking up a position as Lead in Artist Development at The Royal Academy of Music. She is currently associate artist at Lichfield Festival, and has projects in development with Brighton Festival, O festival Rotterdam, and Oper Leipzig.
Safe Spaces in Opera – Making the Industry a Better Place to Work
James Clutton, Opera Holland Park, Anna Patalong, British Youth Opera & SWAP’ra
Afternoon Conference
21st Century Singer: Forging a career in opera
Panel 1
Nadine Benjamin, MBE–Soprano
Siri Fischer Hansen-Young Artist Adviser, Grange Park Opera, Jette Parker Young Artists Programme, ROH, (2001-19)
Sue Spence-Director, Askonas Holt
Guy Withers–Artistic Director, Waterperry Opera
Stepping up: How do I transition from an emerging/young artist to professional singer?
21stCentury Singer –a changing industry: What are the biggest challenges facing singers today and how can they sustain their careers?
Panel 2
Melvin Claridge –Vice-Chair Pegasus Opera
Katy Hamilton-Musician, Researcher, Presenter
Rebecca Le Brocq -Director of Development and Fundraising, International Opera Awards and Opera Awards Foundation
Elizabeth Llewellyn, MBE –Soprano
Andrew Staples -Tenor, Stage Director, Filmographer
Taking the initiative: creating projects and collaborating with others –what benefits career development the most?
21stCentury Singer –a changing industry: What are the biggest challenges facing singers today and how can they sustain their careers?
Panel 3
Emily Gottlieb-CEO, National Opera Studio, Founder Director OperaUK
Sarah Holford-Chairman and CEO of Les Azuriales Opera
Cameron Menzies-Award winning Director & CEO, Northern Ireland Opera
Steve Philips-Agent and former Company Manager/Chorus Manager at Opera North, WNO and Grange Festival
A brighter future: At home or abroad-are all opportunities equal?
21stCentury Singer –a changing industry: What are the biggest challenges facing singers today and how can they sustain their careers?