Working with young singers
Posted on 20 December 2010
During the year Dame Kiri takes time out from her international concert schedule to mentor and coach small groups of young singers studying in the UK. This is usually in the form of full day sessions at her home when she invites some of her professional colleagues to join her to share their knowledge and experience. The feedback from the selected singers is inspiring as you can tell from these excerpts from their letters......
Just a quick note to say we had another wonderful few days of workshops at Kiri's house over the weekend.
It was great, and very intensive. We had Kiri, Anne Howells and Peter Lockwood all giving us lots of tips on technique, language and musicality. Anne had lots of wonderful tips on singing French which I found particularly helpful, and I found the whole weekend very productive. As always it was accompanied by lots of laughs and great food, so a perfect weekend really. Claire Egan
The day was great for me in being able to touch base with the foundation after the Accademia - and gave me a sense of support having just arrived in London! Knowing that the Foundation, and so many people involved in the industry are behind us and are able to help, gives that extra boost of confidence and peace of mind - in this field full of so many unknowns! Thank you again to the foundation for their help. Joanna Foote
I mentioned to Kiri and the others that while Germany is providing a lot of auditions and opportunities for young singers, living here is quite isolating, as we've just moved to Stuttgart and once again I've found myself without a teacher and without a support network of other singers. I am lucky to have a husband who stands behind me 100%, but I had been feeling somewhat "out of the loop" and the trip to Kiri's reminded me of how many people want to help us succeed, and how all young singers are experiencing struggles, vocally and professionally, and really you aren't alone!Georgia Emms
The workshop was a very valuable opportunity to work on new audition repertoire, it was great to have the opportunity to meet and hear other singers, and also to work with Annie Howells who I had not met before. Casting Director Sarah Playfair was also there, and it was very useful to hear her perspective on casting and advice on how to present in an audition situation. I would like to thank The Foundation for providing this opportunity, such a useful initiative; I do hope to be able to attend workshops in the future. Carleen Ebbs
Today I had the opportunity to work with Anne Howells, Peter Lockwood and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa herself at her home. I had an amazing time and gained a lot from the experience including finding a beauty to my voice that I thought I'd lost. I am truly grateful for this as I feel I have something to work with that can truly polish me to be a great Tenor of international quality. Without workshops like this singers like myself would be unable to progress to the highest level and reach our full potential. So I'd like to thank the Foundation for all the work you are doing behind the scenes to raise money to allow these activities to take place and may it continue. Shaun Dixon
Recently my wife Emma and I spent the day at Dame Kiri’s house working on upcoming repertoire. We enjoyed yet another jam-packed session of learning and sage advice. For myself it was a good opportunity to have a systems check on my voice before I start my first full time contract. For my wife it was purely invaluable – Dame Kiri was very patient and giving with her knowledge. The major highlight for Emma was singing through the final scene of Rosenkavalier as Sophie and with Dame Kiri as Marschallin ! Wade Kernot