Wade Kernot shares an inspiring weekend
Posted on 19 December 2013
Recently young New Zealand bass Wade Kernot was invited to spend a weekend at Dame Kiri’s home to refresh his technique and vocal progression. He wrote this inspiring message to the Foundation afterwards….. “After 3 successful seasons at the Theater St Gallen Festival, out of the fold and in the wild, I felt I needed to reconnect with Dame Kiri and the Foundation. To seek some advice for the next phase of my career, and also have a full service check up on my technique and vocal progression from a trusted source.
I find I am still barraged with advice from all angles, some helpful, some not so helpful and mostly confusing! I have found over the past few years that all of Dame Kiri’s past advice has rung true. I feel I am very fortunate to have someone so experienced and so giving of their advice, knowledge and her home! I felt I was in a nurturing “Kiwi” environment where I was able to express my frustrations, make mistakes and ask questions without the normal professional/political games of a working Theater.
During three days we worked quite intensely master class style alternating with my good friend Phillip Rhodes and accompanied by the lovely Gary Mathewman. Most of my time with Dame Kiri was spent making adjustments and adding more brilliance to the sound. We worked on a vast range of arias and styles. Dame Kiri tried to hammer out some typical nasty Bass traits I have fallen into, it turns out I swoop much more than I had realised and for some reason I am unable to sing an accurate chromatic scale! So I was sent away with some new concepts, insight and plenty of homework! But most importantly confidence in the direction I’m heading.
As an added bonus to this quite pivotal weekend we were joined by Deborah Sanders. Her unique perspective of the current market was fantastic, she added a lot to our working sessions. During a short walk back from watering the vege garden she gave me some fantastic insight to the next step for my career. Invaluable!
This weekend was the most extraordinary and special time. I don’t know anywhere in the world where a young singer can go and be so spoiled by environment, advice, raw musical professional talent and the best lamb chops I’ve had in years!
With much excitement, I thank the Foundation for their support of these important weekends. Also for continuing to support me during my career, and helping me to stay on track.
Also, on a personal note I would like to thank Dame Kiri for her patience, reassurance and gentle guidance. I will always remember that special time as a weekend surrounded by friends and as turning point in my career.” Wade Kernot