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
Aug 30, 1995
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES:
1 child, currently aged 6 months
ARTISTIC TRAINING AND ACHIEVEMENTS PRIOR TO BIRTH OF FIRST CHILD:
I had completed an academic music undergraduate and then a teaching degree (at the request of my family) before beginning singing training at the Guildhall on the masters course in 2019. I completed the masters and then in 2023 I began on the opera course at GSMD. Unfortunately my time there was cut short (for the fortunate reason of my surprise pregnancy).
I had been on track to success, with places on the Britten Pears young artist programme, working as a cover for roles in UK Opera Festivals and having some serious interest from agents.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?
As soon as I discovered I was pregnant, (quite by surprise I might add), last autumn, I have felt such a sense of terror for my future as an opera singer. I wish that throughout my pregnancy and post partum period I had been able to feel comfortable about my career, but the truth is that I felt entirely scared.
I fell pregnant at 27 and although I am lucky to have a stable situation and am married, I still felt unprepared and scared. Due to my history with having serious health issues, I had been told I may never have children and so I had to take my chance with the blessing that the pregnancy was and accept that this would be my life for now.
I was in the middle of studying on an opera course at GSMD and I have worked so hard and spent years preparing for this time in training.
I have lost a lot of confidence in my singing since having my baby for a multitude of reasons and I’m really hoping that this retreat will offer me some help in regaining that confidence. I also know that I could have such a bright future in opera, if I could just get a little help with this current part of my life and the difficulty of pairing motherhood with a career in an industry that is so disparaging of mothers..
I know I am not necessarily rushing against the clock with my voice type as I am a mezzo-contralto with a bigger voice and I am 29, but I do feel that this time in my life is a critical one to try and get my career somewhat going..
I so desperately want to still be an opera singer, but there have been times where I have felt really rather isolated and alone as a new mum who is an opera singer. I would love to experience the community and help that is offered by your team at SWAP’ra. I am grateful for what you do for women in the industry. Thank you for considering my application.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
I currently work with Hilary Summers and recent coachings have been with Christian Curnyn, Jonathan Papp, and David Gowland.
I have just been offered a role in an opera with Longborough Festival Opera for their summer season 2025 and I am still auditioning for other future jobs.
DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?
I would like to bring my daughter with me, mostly because she won’t even be a year old by the time of the retreat. Fortunately, my husband works from home and is very supportive so he would be happy to come for the week.
My parents might also perhaps take a cottage in Aldeburgh for a few days of the week to help out during day times as well. We would find a way to make it work!
REFEREE information:
REFEREE 1 NAME:
Sue Bullock
REFEREE 1 EMAIL:
REFEREE 1 RELATIONSHIP:
Coach
REFEREE 1 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Opera singer
Length of time you have known applicant:
3 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
I have coached xxxx in masterclasses for BYO and also privately
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 voice of rare quality and colour and will no doubt have to wait for the right roles to come along as she is still very young . She is a hard worker, quick to respond and to take on ideas and knows exactly what she needs to work on technically to achieve a balance throughout her vocal range. She is expressive and has a natural flair for performing and is very versatile . I consider she will have a bright future if given time and encouragement and the right help . I recommend her to you wholeheartedly
Any other comments:
As well as her vocal talents, xxxx is a LOT of fun and I can imagine she would be a great asset socially on the SWAP’ra retreat. She needs to be around other working mums to help her realise that it is possible to be a mum and to sing . It would help her enormously .
REFEREE 2 NAME:
Gweneth Ann Rand
REFEREE 2 EMAIL:
REFEREE 2 RELATIONSHIP:
Coach
REFEREE 2 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Opera singer/tutor/mentor
Length of time you have known applicant:
7 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
Britten Pears Young Artist programme 2023 and coaching before that
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 highly recommend her for the Retreat. Potentially a world class voice. Stage presence, works hard, she has it all. However at a stage, where she needs to regroup and refocus after just having a baby (6months). She needs to realise that it's not the end of her career that has barely started and everything is still possible. Being with likeminded people will help her through this difficult landscape.