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
Jan 24, 1986
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES:
Just 2 years old son
ARTISTIC TRAINING AND ACHIEVEMENTS PRIOR TO BIRTH OF FIRST CHILD:
Gulshan began her singing journey at the age of six and quickly made significant strides. During her early years, she
participated in numerous competitions, consistently winning first prizes. She later enrolled at the Baku Music Academy in
Azerbaijan. Her first opera role was as the title character in Aida, which she performed after graduating from the conservatory. Her
breakthrough came when she successfully auditioned for the lead role in Aida. Since then, she has performed leading roles in
renowned productions such as Aleko, Iolanta, L’elisir d’amore, La Bohème, and others. Gulshan Akin is a lyric-dramatic soprano
whose repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary opera, including both classical and folk music., she moved to the UK three
years ago to continue her career. Now based in London, she continues to captivate audiences with her voice and
nuanced interpretations. In addition to her performances
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?
After moving to the UK, while the pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare process brought me immense happiness, naturally taking a 3-year break from my career prevented me from advancing as an opera singer. I discovered the SWAPra program just last year, but unfortunately, I had missed the application deadline. While browsing the opportunities list on Audition Oracle, I suddenly noticed yesterday that the applications for this program are open again, and I immediately decided to apply.
I truly believe that this unique program will be a turning point in my career, and I am confident that with renewed energy and motivation, I will be able to return to the stage with great enthusiasm.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
My everyday career goal is to always live up to my maximum potential. My goal is to also take the opera world by storm through sharing my talent and the knowledge I have acquired in my studies. With regards to singing, my short-term goal is to become a versatile singer, exploring different repertoire, such as bel canto, early music and song repertoire. My other long-term goal is to perform in the best opera theatres in the world, which include Teatro La Scala in Italy, Wiener Staatsoper in Austria, The Metropolitan Opera in the USA and the Royal Opera House in London. I would love to join the Royal Opera House. I want to achieve this within the next 3 years. I would be happy to work in a major opera house.
DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?
Of course, if it will be possible, with your permission, I will be able to bring my son and husband or just with my son please
REFEREE information:
REFEREE 1 NAME:
Nadine Benjamin
REFEREE 1 EMAIL:
REFEREE 1 RELATIONSHIP:
It is thanks to the opera singer and director of 'Everybody Can Program' that my concert was organized
REFEREE 1 RESPONSE:
REFEREE 2 NAME:
Rebekka Magomedova
REFEREE 2 EMAIL:
REFEREE 2 RELATIONSHIP:
Repetiteour and Opera Couch of Marinsky Theatre/ Repetiteour
REFEREE 2 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Accompanist, collaborative pianist
Length of time you have known applicant:
4 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
I work with xxxx as an accompanist. We have a recital together in January, 2025 in London.
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 have been working with vocalists for almost 20 years. My most recent positions were as a coach at the Mariinsky Theatre and the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre. I have worked with top-tier singers, yet even among them, xxxx’s abilities amaze me. She has a beautiful timbre, a full range, a powerful voice, and excellent technique. If she had started her career under more favorable circumstances, she would already be an opera star. However, in her home country, opera is not appreciated, and her move to London and the birth of her child have delayed her career. You are doing a wonderful job by supporting singers, and I sincerely hope that xxxx can find a place in your program. You will not regret it.
Any other comments:
Wish you all the best.