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
May 4, 1988
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES:
2 children. 7 and 3
ARTISTIC TRAINING AND ACHIEVEMENTS PRIOR TO BIRTH OF FIRST CHILD:
I had finished my opera course at Associated Studios in London. I was auditioning and just before I fell pregnant I found out I had a cyst on my vocal cord which had to be removed. This surgery was done and shortly afterwards I fell pregnant and couldn't sing during the pregnancy due to reflux. I had to start retraining my voice post-birth. This took quite a number of years and I then began auditioning again and sang small roles with various companies in London such as Gafa Arts. as well as a lot of opera education work in Kenya. When I fell pregnant with my second, I was adamant to carry on auditioning and singing. I sang the role of the 2nd Rhinemeiden two months post-delivery. I also created and performed a show for primary school children based on the environment, This was sung in Kenya. Most recently I sang the role of Iris in Handel's Semele and I landed the titular role of Medea in the opera, Medea Gosperia in July 2024. in London.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?
I would love to learn how to overcome certain challenges specific to mums in opera, such as mental wellbeing, physical strength and health, when it comes to balancing the responsibilities of childcare and honing my craft. I feel the push and pull between the two worlds often creates unwanted tension in my voice and body and I would love to spend time with coaches and like-minded people in a place where I can learn how to marry the two worlds.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
My life is part singer and part mum. I try to split my day to give time and energy to both. I coach with Libby Burgess and have singing lessons with Anita Morrison regularly. After singing the role of Medea and chorus in July for 3 weeks I spent the summer looking after my children. I'm now having lessons to get back into audition mode and currently learning new audition arias. as well as applying for auditions as and when they come up, for example I hope to audition for Pamina or Papagena with Charles' Court Opera. I will be singing 5 songs with Wind Orchestra by Bernard Gilmore. in March 2025. I will also be doing more opera education performances in Kenya in July 2025.
DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?
No,
REFEREE information:
REFEREE 1 NAME:
Anita Morrison
REFEREE 1 EMAIL:
REFEREE 1 RELATIONSHIP:
singing teacher
REFEREE 1 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Singing Teacher and Feldenkrais Practitioner
Length of time you have known applicant:
6 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
As her singing teacher (and some Feldenkrais)
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 has a beautiful soprano voice and been on the verge of entering the profession fully for several years but had to put it on hold to a certain extent due to having her two children. She has had a few small roles in the time I have been teaching her and is absolutely devoted to pursuing this career path and already made many sacrifices of a family nature. Vocally she has a great deal of potential. She sings with ease, warmth and commitment. She is also has a natural, open performing manner and stage presence.
Any other comments:
This would be a perfect retreat for xxxx. She has done an amazing job juggling singing and child care responsibilities, especially as her husband is often away (but a great supporter of her singing). She is often battling with tiredness due to this which of course impacts her vocally but has always found time to work diligently on her singing. With her second child approaching 3 and school on the horizon, giving her more time for herself, this would be a perfect way to refocus her intentions and an opportunity to share experiences with other singers in a similar situation. I recommend her very warmly to you.
REFEREE 2 NAME:
Libby Burgess
REFEREE 2 EMAIL:
REFEREE 2 RELATIONSHIP:
coach
REFEREE 2 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Pianist & vocal coach
Length of time you have known applicant:
About a year
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
I have coached xxxx a handful of times over the last year or so after her teacher put her in touch with me.
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 a keen participant in our coaching sessions and open to new ideas. She comes mainly for support with music learning and style; she also responds enthusiastically to more imaginative character work. I can’t comment on her career to date or her personal situation, as I don’t know her well enough, but she is kind, organised and evidently loves what she does.