Life as a Repetiteur

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Explore the dynamic and collaborative role of the repetiteur in this intensive four-day course for pianists, led by leading coaches from the National Opera Studio and UK opera houses.

You will receive expert guidance from a distinguished team of professionals:

Andrew Griffiths, Head Coach at the National Opera Studio and conductor with credits including The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, Welsh National Opera, and Opera North

Liz Rowe, repetiteur and vocal coach who has worked at The Royal Opera, Oper Frankfurt, Canadian Opera Company, Glyndebourne, Scottish Opera, Opera North, Opera Holland Park, English Touring Opera, Birmingham Opera Company, and British Youth Opera

Allyson Devenish, vocal coach at The National Opera Studio

Eric Melear, Artistic Director of The National Opera Studio and has been member of the music staff at both the Vienna State Opera and The Metropolitan Opera. He has also guest conducted at the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival and numerous U.S. opera houses including Houston Grand Opera, Arizona Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera.

Throughout the course, you’ll work on a selection of operatic excerpts, which will be sent to you in advance. These will be studied in group sessions, in pairs, and individually, offering a well-rounded, collaborative learning experience. Last year’s course repertoire included a range of ensemble excerpts and recitatives. Core material featured scenes from Le nozze di Figaro, La Bohème, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, L’elisir d’amore, and Don Carlo. Participants were also asked to prepare both secco and accompanied recitatives (including conducting), as well as to coach a singer on selected arias. We expect to set a broadly similar range and level of repertoire this year.

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old by the start of the course
You will be an accomplished pianist with an interest in exploring operatic repertoire. Prior experience of working in opera is not required, though applications are nonetheless encouraged from those who already have some practical experience; coaching will be tailored accordingly.