For me, some of the most gratifying moments at last year's Buck Hill-Skytop Festival took place during our masterclass series. Over twenty young and mid-career artists were accepted for the series.
And each had the opportunity to put what they learned each day to the test -- in front of a paying audience each evening.
To say it was intense is an understatement.
Metropolitan Opera mezzo Victoria Livengood's breathing technique class was a real eye opener even for seasoned artists.
She generously shared her expertise with masterclass participants along with our local young artists and audiences members.
Several participants commented that having access to Victoria during "down time" when they could chat informally was a profound experience that will help shape their careers for years to come.
Victoria has agreed to join us again in 2011 and I hope you will, too.
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Whether in working with me, Victoria, or one-on-one with one of our festival piano accompanists, masterclass participants had the valuable opportunity to fine-tune specific repertoire and their overall vocal skills.Soprano Jordan Corbin Wentworth recently said that,
"This festival was mind blowing last year.
There were so many levels of instruction and education from masterclasses, to lectures, to performances.
It's valuable to have singers who are out there performing roles all over the world sit with you at dinner and share their practical experience.
Peter and Vicky have a great deal to share and a real way of expressing themselves."
I am particularly looking forward to this year's series which is being coordinated by Shirley Xiao-Ling Wang, one of last year's Masterclass participants.
To learn more about our 2011 class offerings or to apply, please contact Shirley.
Email: Wangshirleymusic@hotmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/XiaoLingSoprano
Phone: 407-992-8153
