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
Apr 10, 1987
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES:
1; 16 months
ARTISTIC TRAINING AND ACHIEVEMENTS PRIOR TO BIRTH OF FIRST CHILD:
Trained up to Masters Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Performing for the majority as part of the freelance chorus of Scottish Opera. I also sing solo and chorus with the Dunedin Consort and work as a workshop leader in their schools education programme. I have performed as a soloist with the RSNO, and the BBC SSO making my PROMS solo debut under Donald Runnicles. I also appear on a special editionBBC music magazine Highlights of the PROMS CD. I have performed at the Wigmore Hall in the Song Competition and in Germany with the Wuerttemberg Kammer Orchestra. I have made several recordings with Dunedin Consort and a solo recital CD recorded by Delphian Records.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?
I struggle to find the time to make recordings and to have a real opportunity to properly practice and 'invest' in my singing since having my daughter. Not having up-to-date recordings and videos makes it difficult for me to apply for auditions, courses and competitions to further myself in my career or even to open up career opportunities. I would like to find the tools to help me navigate freelance singing while also being a parent. As both of us are freelance opera singers, I am for the most part 'solo parenting' for several months at a time while also trying to navigate my career. This job felt precarious before my daughter but now I feel I have to say yes to things even if I don't have the time or prep time in fear that I may lose out on future work which I fear has already happened.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
I am still working for Scottish Opera however, fewer and fewer contracts are coming up for the chorus and I have already been passed over once for a contract when my daughter was very young. I have been unable to audition for the main companies in the UK such as ETO, Opera North, Opera Holland Park etc as I don't have any up-to-date recordings and travel to auditions can be tricky if I don't have the child care. However, I would like to set up auditions for all the above companies and be able to lease with agents again. I am too old for most competitions but I would like to research some competitions without age limits to see if I could enter some more.
I have the New Year Messiah with the RSNO and Edinburgh Royal Choral union in the diary, along with a Brahms Requiem, several Opera Galas with Classical Musicians Scotland and I will be swing in the Scottish Opera Merry Widow/trial by Jury contract next year.
DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?
Yes I do. She will be 21 months when the course is happening. Should her father not be working I would bring him to help. Otherwise it would be my mother (retired soprano).
REFEREE information:
REFEREE 1 NAME:
Jane Irwin
REFEREE 1 EMAIL:
REFEREE 1 RELATIONSHIP:
Singing Teacher/ Head of Vocal Studies at the RCS
REFEREE 1 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Head of Vocal Performance RCS
Length of time you have known applicant:
14 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
As a singing teacher at different stages over the last 14 years.
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:
xxxx is utterly dedicated and professional in her attitude. She brings an infectious enthusiasm to every lesson. She has a strong, vibrant voice with a large range and excellent agility. Her musicianship is outstanding and she has an innate sense of musical style and nuance.
Her repertoire choices are varied and adventurous, and her use of language is descriptive and idiomatic. In the song repertoire she combines excellent vocalism with intelligent and insightful interpretation.
She is also a very communicative performer. She has already had a considerable amount of professional work at the Dunedin Consort as a soloist and chorister and at Scottish Opera. In the time period prior to xxxx becoming pregnant her voice was increasing in stature, strength and resonance. She really does not have a weak link as a singer, being strong in all areas. I cannot recommend her to you more highly.
REFEREE 2 NAME:
Amy Strachan
REFEREE 2 EMAIL:
REFEREE 2 RELATIONSHIP:
Line Manager Dunedin/ Learning & Participations manager at Dunedin Consort
REFEREE 2 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Dunedin Consort Learning and Participation Manager
Length of time you have known applicant:
2 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
xxxx has worked for Dunedin Consort in various capacities over many years. In the two years in my post I have hired her for freelance work leading our schools workshops and teacher CPD sessions in 2023 and 2024
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 think xxxx would be the ideal candidate for SWAP’ra retreat. She contributes massively to the arts culture in Scotland both in a professional performance capacity and in and educational role across various organisations. She has a beautiful voice and a genuine goal to continue improving and studying. Over the years xxxx has become a core member of our team and has been a brilliant ambassador for Dunedin Consort in a schools context - the children and teachers love her and benefit so much from her talent and enthusiasm and ask for her to return year after year. She’s extremely easy to work with, communicative and enthusiastic.
Any other comments:
I believe focused time on singing without distractions of daily life would hugely benefit xxxx. I highly recommend her as an applicant for this programme.