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Saturday
Saturday
26 April 2025 - 28 June 2025 ( 57 hours, 9 weeks )
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Waterloo Centre
The Introduction to Opera Performance course is spread over three consecutive terms and designed for singers who possess a secure classical technique wishing to gain stagecraft and operatic solo and ensemble singing skills. It is taught by stage director Will Kerley and vocal coach/repetiteur Panaretos Kyriatzidis, who work together to support the students in combining acting and singing in the context of opera scenes and arias. There is a public staged or semi-staged performance at the end of each term. Entry to the course is via application form and audition. Please check ‘Entry Requirements’ for more information.
This term will focus on the preparation of opera scenes for a public performance on Saturday 29 June 3pm, with a dress rehearsal on Thursday 27 June 6.30-9.30pm. The tutors will assign repertoire and casting at the start of the term, and all students will be given at least one role in an opera scene to work on during music and stage rehearsals. Students learn through active rehearsal and observation of their colleagues’ work and there is regular feedback from both tutors on the students’ progress. Please ensure that you are available for both the dress rehearsal and the show before enrolling on the course.
It is assumed that all students will have regular singing tuition outside of the Course. The Head of Vocal Studies and Opera is willing to offer guidance and support in choosing a suitable vocal tutor. You will need a sound vocal technique and a willingness to learn music independently. Some knowledge of, or enthusiasm for, foreign languages (especially Italian, French and German), will be very useful. Auditions for the autumn term will take place in late June/early July. To apply, please download the application form found on our webpage: https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/courses/subject-areas/music/opera/ and e-mail it to opera@morleycollege.ac.uk. You will need to prepare 2 arias of your choice for the audition from memory, and bring along a copy of the music for the accompanist.
Rehearsals are paced to get the best results out of all students. There may be some exercises at the beginning of classes and movement appropriated by the Stage Director. If you are concerned about any mobility issues, simply contact the Course Leader to discuss a suitable variation.
Copies of your allocated music will be provided by the tutors, or you can purchase your own copies directly from available sellers. You need to provide two copies of the aria you have chosen for the first couple of sessions of the term.
