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
Sep 13, 1997
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES:
1 girl aged 10 months
ARTISTIC TRAINING AND ACHIEVEMENTS PRIOR TO BIRTH OF FIRST CHILD:
I was in my final year of my Masters at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. I was under the tutelage of Sophie Grimmer and felt that I was learning more with every lesson. In my time at Trinity, personal highlights included being selected to cover the role of Carmen with Kent Chamber Opera, singing the titular role in Dukas' "Ariane et Barbe Bleu" as part of the Trinity Laban spring opera scenes, creating the role of Carmela as part of "Strozzi!", singing in the final of Trinity's English Song Competition, singing the role of Paquette as part of Blackheath Halls Opera's production of "Candide", singing Charlotte in Massenet's "Werther" as part of the Trinity Laban Christmas opera scenes, singing in the chorus of West Green House Opera and, singing the role of Ino as part of Blackheath Halls Opera's production of Handel's "Semele". As well as singing Alto as part of the Trinity Laban Chapel Choir every week and doing various freelance gigs around London and further afield.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?
Romily was born the January before my final recital was due to take place (June 2024). Whilst I was determined to keep going to classes and rehearsals (I was still responding to emails when my waters broke), this just was not feasible. Slowly my involvement in my course diminished to nothing and my confidence in my ability did too. When Romily was 4 months old, I was advised to take Romily and leave where we were living as it transpired Romily's father had been abusive towards us and we were not safe. I have been tremendously lucky in that I have had a safe home to go back to but I am living with the repercussions of these circumstances every day. I am determined that this will not define the trajectory of my career as a singer and my journey as an artist. I would love to take part in the SWAP'ra retreat as I would love the opportunity to reignite my creativity. I love my daughter and am forever grateful to have her in my life but my development as a singer is not what I had imagined. I would love to take part in an initiative that brings together people in similar situations. As well as this, my confidence is at an all time low and I would really love the opportunity to work on this.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
When I left London, I gave myself a few months off singing as it was too painful at that point. I have been easing myself back into singing by doing various freelance gigs such as weddings, funerals, etc. I have also been organising local recitals (23rd October in Longniddry, 16th November in Edinburgh unconfirmed date in Edinburgh) where I can try out repertoire for my final recital. I have been working with my friend and duo partner on the composition of a song cycle surrounding the themes of maternity and relationships with words by female writers such as Sylvia Plath and Wendy Cope. We are trying to organise some recitals in London in the new year. I am working towards my final recital next year and have been organising times with my teacher for me to intermittently come to London to have lessons. With the support of my teacher I am going to be applying for competitions and festivals.
DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?
I would like to bring Romily with either my Mum or my sister to help. Romily would be over 1 by that point and is quite a happy and contented little soul.
REFEREE information:
REFEREE 1 NAME:
Jennifer Hamilton
REFEREE 1 EMAIL:
REFEREE 1 RELATIONSHIP:
Head of Vocal Studies at Trinity Laban
REFEREE 1 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Head of Vocal Department Trinity Laban
Length of time you have known applicant:
Four years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
I worked with xxxx over the course of her studies - as her HOD and also in song classes and stage directing her in our college opera and opera scenes
Would you recommend the applicant for the SWAP’ra Retreat? Please describe the applicant’s ability and potential to build a successful career in opera/classical singing:
I would completely recommend xxxx for this retreat. She has always been a highly motivated and dedicated student – and had made much progress during her period of study with us. She is an excellent team player generous to her colleagues and serious in her approach to her singing. I believe that she has the potential to have a successful professional career in Opera – not only because of the qualities of her voice and her commendable musicianship - But because of her tenacity, focus and commitment. Even after this recent traumatic period in her life, she is already trying to rebuild her singing. Her application for this retreat is an example of that.
REFEREE 2 NAME:
Gidon Saks
REFEREE 2 EMAIL:
REFEREE 2 RELATIONSHIP:
Tutor at Trinity Laban
REFEREE 2 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Director
Length of time you have known applicant:
Since September 2021
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
I worked with xxxx on stagecraft and directed her in several excerpts.
Would you recommend the applicant for the SWAP’ra Retreat? Please describe the applicant’s ability and potential to build a successful career in opera/classical singing:
I’ve worked with xxxx since 2021, when she began studying at Trinity Laban. She made great progress, and was an excellent student and collaborator. Her beautiful mezzo soprano voice has grown in strength and range, and can now embrace an even wider repertoire. She shows a particular affinity for French opera, and always pays strong attention to detail. She responds to input with passion, commitment and individuality. She shone as Carmela Vidman in Strozzi, a baroque pastiche based on the life and works of Barbara Strozzi, singing her role with great expressive style.
xxxx has always been an exceptional person to work with, witty, highly intelligent and with superb instincts. I fully support her application for the SWAP’ra retreat. Everything I know about the organisation, and having happily worked with Kitty on 3 occasions, makes me believe this would be of great mutual benefit.
Gidon Saks, Kent, 30/10/2024
Any other comments:
I feel xxxx is not only suited to SWAP’ra’s ethos, but her participation could be life enhancing.