2015 NZ Singing School will have a special focus
Posted on 18 December 2014
The focus on the need to convey the story in a song (‘inhabiting the text’) will permeate all aspects of the 2015 IFAC Handa New Zealand Singing School being held in Hastings from January 7 – 17. This includes a strong focus on English diction and Italian text. Classes, lectures, ensembles and massed singing will strongly support this focus.
The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation has previously supported the School and will once again present the Festival of Song performance programme. Announcing the sponsorship arrangement Dame Kiri said “the Foundation’s motivation for supporting the Festival of Song was to show its’ support for this important live-in school which provides an essential vehicle for young New Zealand singers to develop their skills in the presence of their peers and to experience their own live performances.
We see the School as an invaluable experience to support our primary aim of identifying and assisting New Zealand singers of recognisable ability to complete advanced classical vocal studies and ultimately develop international careers.
I am delighted to know that the theme for the 2015 School is “Inhabiting the Text” because it demands that young singers explore layers of verbal communication, the very meaning behind the music, which is the essence of vocal art”
The concert series allows all students to perform to the public during the course of the School. Rehearsed items reflecting the best performances of oratorio, classical song and musical theatre will be presented to the public. These concerts include a mixture of informal ‘on campus’ concerts featuring students’ own choice of items, plus formal concerts in venues off campus. The final concert on January 17 at the Napier Municipal Theatre will feature soloists, ensembles and full chorus items