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
Oct 24, 1986
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES:
1 child, aged 3 in December
ARTISTIC TRAINING AND ACHIEVEMENTS PRIOR TO BIRTH OF FIRST CHILD:
I completed my BMus and MMus at GSMD then ventured into the world of opera and its teaching. Due to a change in family circumstance, I had the opportunity to perform in the US. I secured a number of roles in small opera companies over there, however some were postponed due to covid. I was set to return to the UK to proceed with auditions however fell pregnant for the first time. After the loss of our first child, I secured roles in small opera companies in the UK, but was unable to fulfil the roles as I fell pregnant for a second time and had a successful birth.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?
I was on the cusp of dramatic/spinto progression (and hopefully success!) before a series of unfortunate circumstances - covid, two pregnancies and the loss of our first child. Since having my second child, as with most parents, I have struggled to make my way back into the industry due to numerous factors: time, money, childcare, but mostly, confidence. Whilst I have returned to singing with coachings, classes and auditions, I am tentative to apply for anything as I am feel not only out of touch with my old life in opera, but more over, I feel out of touch with my voice. My body and brain has gone through a lot these past few years so it would relish in the opportunity to reconnect with my voice and fellow colleagues in a safe, secure and non-judgmental environment.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
I have restarted lessons with Tim Evans-Jones and starting to have coachings with Alasdair Kitchin and Liz Marcus. I would love to reapply for opera companies in the UK but need to get an up-to-date set of recordings. Now my daughter is in full time nursery, I have more time! I have a few concerts here and there booked, but unpaid for now.
DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?
I am hoping to leave my child at home with my partner.
REFEREE information:
REFEREE 1 NAME:
Ricard Rovirosa
REFEREE 1 EMAIL:
REFEREE 1 RELATIONSHIP:
Previous Coach
REFEREE 1 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Head of Piano and Chamber Music Departments, Liceu Music School, Barcelona (Spain)
Length of time you have known applicant:
14 Years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
I met xxxx at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2010 and I was instantly captivated by her beautiful voice and musical talent. Nonetheless, I have also been amazed by her intellectual stature as the more I worked with her, the more clearly I saw she would always strive to understand the depth of the musical language that was enclosed in every single piece she performed. Indeed, xxxx's commitment to music is second to none as is her ability to communicate the inner meaning of every work we have analysed and worked together.
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 no reservations in recommending xxxx to the SWAP'ra Retreat. She is a wonderful singer and has been performing in concert venues regularly for many years. Furthermore, she is also a hardworking, talented and kind person and she will make the SWAP'ra Retreat an enriching experience for all the other applicants who will be fortunate enough to meet her. I am confident she is an ideal candidate as her singing career has been impacted by the birth of her beautiful daughter, but she has overcome this reality by working twice as hard and by raising the bar on every coaching session we have had. Even though she has faced some adversities over the years, her commitment to opera has never faltered.
REFEREE 2 NAME:
Tim Evans-Jones
REFEREE 2 EMAIL:
REFEREE 2 RELATIONSHIP:
Singing Teacher
REFEREE 2 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Professor RCM
Length of time you have known applicant:
Over 10 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
Singing teacher.. dec 23
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:
Potentially a lyric/ dramatic soprano, may take time to establish in this repertoire.
Any other comments:
Last seen Dec 2022, but lesson booked next week. Always showed promise in her chosen repertoire .