BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Bree Meara-Hendy and Rebecca Hart are two mezzo sopranos who are about to undertake an educational experience of a lifetime: they’ll learn how to hone their craft under the one-on-one guidance of Wallis Giunta — at the Sydney Opera House.
Sheesh!
If it sounds like a high-pressure masterclass, you’re right. But these two artists are taking it in their stride, and preparing steadily for their moment on stage with this Canadian opera star.
(Did we mention you can watch it all as it happens?)
This opportunity for Bree and Rebecca is offered by the SOH as part of its Utzon Music Series Masterclasses (you may recall we also had a chat with two young talents as they participated in one with pianist Freddy Kempf; and two others with violinist Jean-Marc Phillips-Varjabédian).
Rebecca, a French-Australian artist who studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, is used to the spotlight — she’s performed as a soloist in many recitals, not to mention performing for the French Consulate, and has three times been named a finalist at the Youth Music Awards (she also took out the Sydney Eisteddfod French Art Song prize). This masterclass will follow a previous experience with David Sisco in which she also performed.
And as for Bree? She graduated with the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has trained as a Young Artist with Pacific Opera Company. You might’ve seen her sing in the Opera Australia Chorus, or Opera Queensland Chorus (that is, when she’s not receiving scholarships to sing overseas).
Hey, Bree and Rebecca! Why are you looking forward to taking part in this masterclass with Wallis?
BREE: It’s always inspiring to work in any capacity with international artists, and Wallis is no exception. She is extremely accomplished for such a young age, having performed a huge number of roles in top opera houses across the world. Much of Wallis’ repertoire overlaps with that which I currently sing — and will sing in the future — so I look forward to hearing her insights and picking her brain.
REBECCA: I have been following Wallis’ career for some time and have always admired her work. To be able to sing for her is going to be such an exciting experience, and I can’t wait to hear her ideas and advice!
How are you planning to manage the pressure of having your performance watched — and judged! — by so many?
B: That’s just part of the job of being an opera singer! I am accustomed to being watched and judged in auditions, concerts, operas, and even masterclasses. It’s never-ending, and something that you must have capacity to handle as a working performer.
R: I’m actually really looking forward to performing and sharing my craft with the Sydney Opera House audience. I tend to focus on what I’m singing about, and work on conveying that to the audience instead of worrying about what they might be thinking!
Why is a masterclass a really valuable experience for you at this stage of your career?
B: Masterclasses are a chance to learn from the best in the business — to be inspired and to gather fresh ideas. The aria I will be performing in Wallis’ masterclass is relatively new for me, so I look forward to receiving Wallis’ coaching on a role that she has performed with opera companies in China, the United States, and Canada.
R: I find masterclasses to be a wonderful opportunity to explore new ideas in a safe environment. They are usually quite fast-paced due to the short amount of time available, and I love walking away with new concepts to think about and how I can apply them to my craft. They are also a chance to experiment and try new things musically.
Watch Bree and Rebecca perform under the guidance of world-class opera star Wallis Giunta at the Utzon Music Series Masterclass, 6pm December 8.
Images supplied.
