SWAP'ra RETREAT APPLICATIONS
applicant information:
FIRST NAME:
FIRST NAME HIDDEN FOR 1ST ROUND
EMAIL:
EMAIL HIDDEN FOR 1ST ROUND
LAST NAME:
LAST NAME HIDDEN FOR 1ST ROUND
PHONE:
PHONE HIDDEN FOR 1ST ROUND
DATE OF BIRTH
Nov 30, 1985
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES:
1 4 years old
ARTISTIC TRAINING AND ACHIEVEMENTS PRIOR TO BIRTH OF FIRST CHILD:
Prior to giving birth I feel that I had finally begun to make a career. I was in the extra chorus at the ENO, I had a number of roles in small companies and was going to be listened to by a number of agents. Then covid hit and we got pregnant and I feel that I have not been able to get back to where I was. I had also completed the ENO Opera works and two years at the RNCM studying postgraduate singing. I also took a part in a number of summer schools, including playing Donna Anna in Weimar at the opera studio there. I was doing regular auditions too.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?
Before having my daughter I feel that I was really starting to make my way. I was singing on a regular basis and had roles in small companies and often got auditions. I was really enjoying what I was doing and I was making progress. I felt happy with my body and my mind was much better too. I now feel that I have no time to do any of this anymore. I put everything into being a Mum with very little time for myself meaning that my career is suffering. I have been lucky enough to sing as part of the Bayreuth festival chorus for the last two years which I auditioned for in 2019 but now, can't seem to get auditions or often replies and won't be doing that next year due to the changes and needing to remain in the UK more with my daughter starting school. I am starting to lose my drive to apply for anything now and am at a total loss on what to do. I struggle to fund singing lessons and coaching and feel that the career I have worked for is not really happening for me anymore. I want to show my daughter that you can still have a dream career and be a Mum but I really need help and advice to do this. I love being a Mum, but I want to be myself again and I want to feel that I am doing something for myself too and that i'm contributing financially to the family more.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
I currently work as a singing teacher and work with Lost chord, a dementia charity. I also do Oratorio concerts with a few choirs and over the last two summers have sung with the Bayreuth Opera festival chorus. In November I will be performing Elijah and A sea Symphony and am also doing a fundraising concert for my Mums church. I have no auditions coming up... I applied for many things but it has just been rejections for me this time sadly. Next year I have a couple of fundraising concerts in my diary and a Messiah.
DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?
I would love to. My daughter Emmeline is four years old. She loves music and is very headstrong. My husband would also be likely to come to. He works from home, so could continue to work.
REFEREE information:
REFEREE 1 NAME:
Andrew Marples
REFEREE 1 EMAIL:
REFEREE 1 RELATIONSHIP:
Conductor and pianist
REFEREE 1 RESPONSE:
Reference Letter (emailed):
I have known xxxx for 25 years, having first accompanied her in music festivals in Chesterfield and Buxton where I worked as the official accompanist. She has performed several times in the lunchtime series of Saturday lunchtime concerts at Chesterfield Library, which I organise for the County Council. Most recently I have engaged xxxx as a soprano soloist with several of my choirs for oratorio and concert work.
In addition to these, I have also accompanied her in several song recitals in Derbyshire and made two recordings with her (for audition purposes) at local studios.
xxxx is a fine singer who always performs well and is reliable. She is organised and punctual for rehearsals, and chooses suitable music for the occasion. Audiences respond to her very well and enjoy her voice. In recent choir concerts, xxxx’s performance has been the first thing people have complimented me upon. She has a wide repertoire and a great vocal range to match. I believe she is a very accomplishe singer.
I have no hesitation in recommending xxxx to you for this organisation. She is a likable individual with great persona warmth and works hard. I believe the extra help and support your organisation can offer will help her achieve much more.
Andrew Marples
Professional Musician and Teacher
Musical Director of Holymoorside Choral Society
Musical Director of Baslow Choir
Director of MusicWork
REFEREE 2 NAME:
Tom Newall
REFEREE 2 EMAIL:
REFEREE 2 RELATIONSHIP:
Conductor
REFEREE 2 RESPONSE:
Reference Letter (emailed):
To whom it may concern,
I write to recommend xxxx, soprano.
I have employed xxxx as a soprano soloist on a number of projects over the last few years. Each and every time xxxx has produced a superb performance which is always thoroughly researched and prepared. xxxx has a growth mindset, wanting to learn from every commitment she undertakes, and is always ready to receive coaching from conductors, directors and repetiteurs alike.
xxxx has a warm personality and brings a positive energy into the rehearsal room, which always endears her to her colleagues. She has a flexible working manner and can deal with changing performance situations as the project requires, and has an ability to jump in to cover and learn music very efficiently. If she’s unsure, she will always ask for clarity or some
guidance, which helps to make the rehearsal process efficient.
Her organisational skills are excellent, balancing life as young mother with progressing her career in music and it’s always a privilege to have her on stage.
I also employ xxxx as a community choir leader, and her warm personality and passion for music shine through as she creates fun and fulfilling singing sessions for the choir members.
I wholeheartedly recommend xxxx for your programme.
Kind Regards,
Tom Newall
Director of the Choral Programme, University of Manchester
07976 937560