BY ALASTAIR COOPER-GOLEC AS TOLD TO CUTCOMMON
In this series, we introduce you to the participants in the 2019 Young Songmakers program, which is part of Songmakers Australia. They will each perform in the upcoming Schubertiade this October.
I think that art song is the most vital genre for any young singer: it requires you to delve deep into the poetry and the mind of the composers in a way that can certainly be glossed over when you are a student grappling with the technical requirements of opera.
This attention to detail is so vital. As a developing professional, I have realised through the program how much a nuanced understanding of historical context and musical convention can lift any performance.
In the program, we generally spend about 2.5 hours each Thursday performing various lieder and art song with Andrea Katz and the other Young Songmakers, then we dissect our pieces, exploring literature, translations, technical challenges, and hidden features in the music itself. This can result in some colourful debate, experimentation, and eventually a (hopefully) informed and polished performance.
We also find time to talk about our careers and the practicalities of being a singer. Recently, for example, we discussed the importance of always having repertoire to perform at short notice, the necessity of rest and recovery, and the best European summer schools to audition for! We really cover a lot of ground and important topics that can often be overlooked in university.
It’s extremely tough being a young musician. Juggling university, work, practice and performance can be a daunting task, but I think there are ways in which Australian programs could better fulfil the needs of a developing artist.
Language tutoring is vital, in diction but also in speech. Many of us will either study or book work overseas, and we are at a great disadvantage compared to the many European students who will be able to communicate in any rehearsal room and understand any libretto from sight.
Performing is vital, and with it needs to come acting training and the opportunity for stage time. Many undergraduate degrees do not give students the chance to participate in staged productions, though this does seem to be slowly changing. Having the opportunity to see and study roles in professional productions would also be of great help to young singers.
See the Young Songmakers perform at Schubertiade, 5 and 6 October in the Hawthorn Arts Centre.
Image supplied.
