July 2010
Latest news: Two scholarships (50% of fee) are being offered for full-time students in a vocal programme. If you are in full-time education, have just completed or will be commencing in 2010, you qualify for these places. If you wish to apply, email donna.gallagher@converse.edu

An exciting opportunity is being offered this July to singers in Ireland to work in a masterclass situation with American soprano Rebecca Turner. Currently the opera director in the prestigious Petrie School of Music in Converse College, South Carolina, she has established herself as both a distinguished performer and teacher across the United States and Europe. She will be joined by Mildred Roche, also from the Petrie School of Music. She has worked with singers and directors such as Phyllis Curtin, John Haber, Richard Cassily, Shirlee Emmons, Frederica von Stade, and Thomas Dunn, and she has performed in recital with Mark Oswald and Sylvia McNair.

Testimonial: Gwendolyn Stembridge, graduating vocal student of Rebecca Turner in the USA:
"She is incredible!! She not only helped me to sing better but I've learned how to listen and be able to feel when I'm singing correctly for whatever style I'm learning. She is not only a wonderful performer but an outstanding teacher!!"

Testimonial: Merideth Marano, graduate vocal student of Rebecca Turner in the USA:
"Rebecca Turner is an incredibly talented and inspiring voice teacher. She has pushed me to discover my own potential and to sing with as much freedom and beauty as possible. Her method of teaching makes the art of opera come to life in the voices of her students and anyone who has the wonderful oportunity to work with her."

The masterclasses will take place July 21-23 and July 25 in the following venues:

July 21: Waltons New School of Music, 69 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2. 11am-2pm; 3-6pm*
July 22-23: Waltons New School of Music, 69 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2. 1.30-4.30pm; 5.30-8.30pm*
July 25: Victorian-style music room on the north side of Dublin, near Phibsboro. 11am-2pm; 3-6pm*; formal recital 8pm.
* Students may request to sing at specific times - please submit any special requests immediately and every effort will be made to accommodate

Bookings are open from July 1st, 2010. Full participation in the masterclasses offers two hours of tuition (four sessions of 30 minutes) per individual, along with the opportunity to observe the other students. Additionally, there will be a formal recital on Sunday July 25th, A Step Back in Time, where the students may perform the repertoire they have worked on in a beautiful victorian setting. There will be a wine and cheese reception after the recital. Additionally, two students will be chosen to sing one of their solo pieces in performance at the National Concert Hall (John Field Room) on Tuesday, July 27th in Enchanted Summer Evening

For full participation, the fee is Eur260. There are also a limited number of partial participation places available. The fee is Eur140 for 1 hour of tuition (2 sessions) or Eur70 for 30 minutes (1 session). Partial participation students may still choose to observe the full week and sing in the recital. These places are open to any singers with solo experience who wish to improve their technique and work on interpretation of classical music/opera. Places will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. A deposit of Eur50 for full or half participation or Eur25 for a single session will reserve a place until July 15th, when the balance must be paid in full. For those wishing to observe, the fee is Eur15 per day (6 hours of viewing) or Eur50 for the week (concessions available for students - Eur5 a day with current student ID).

If you are interested in becoming a participant, please fill in the following registration form, call (087) 6386 786 or email donna.gallagher@converse.edu (local organiser: Donna Gallagher)

For more information on Rebecca Turner, please click here


 
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