I had a
wonderful time in Tel Aviv, it was very exciting. We had a master
class or performance every night and most nights were sold out. In
addition to scenes, master classes and concerts, there were 3 entire
operas produced during the summer course. I participated in two
scenes, a public master class with Joan Dornemann, sang 'Befreit' in
the song concert and was also asked to sing in the final gala
concert with orchestra at the Opera House, for this I learnt a new
piece of music overnight for the first orchestral rehearsal the next
day!
The teachers
were excellent and I learnt very quickly to insist on who I wanted
in regards to teachers and coaches, I received a voice lesson every
second day with Cesar Ulloa. My daily schedule varied: As I was in
two scenes I usually had a rehearsal from 9 - 1 and then another
from 2 - 5 followed by concerts or master classes in the evenings
from 8pm some of which I performed in and some I watched. Whenever
I had free time I was able to watch other rehearsals as the IVAI has
an open door policy in regards to all lessons, coachings and
rehearsals.
I sang the
role of La Contessa in a staged scene from le nozze di Figaro which
was conducted by Paul Nadler who is a regular conductor at the New
York Metropolitan Opera (he had just conducted some of the
performances of Traviata with Renée Fleming). Most of the teachers
and coaches were from the New York Metropolitan Opera or from the
Julliard and Manhattan schools of music. During the month I also
received coaching from Lucy Arner, Robert Cowart, Hemdi Kfir, Jorge
Parodi, David Rosenmeyer, Paul Sperry, Howard Watkins, Claude
Webster and William Woodruff. Needless to say I learnt a lot!
The school was
in a park which was in the industrial side of town and the hotel was
very close to the beach, it took about 1\2 hr by private bus from
the hotel to the school which was provided by IVAI every morning,
returning in the afternoon. Due to the large number of participants
(around 150 teachers and students) there were no practice rooms
available, warming up was usually done in the bathroom! The quality
and level of singers varied from beginners to professionals, the age
range seemed to be around 19 to mid 30's. Which created a very
stimulating environment for all.
We were given
tickets to watch the Israel Opera's production of Puccini's 'La
fancuilla del West' in their beautiful new opera house. While in
Tel Aviv I was also able to watch the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
perform Orff's Carmina Burana with the Prague Philharmonic Choir
directed by Maestro Zubin Mehta. (I was with a couple of American
tenors and they managed to lie their way into a very sold out
concert!) It was an unforgettable concert also featuring
Prokofiev's Piano concerto no. 2 played by an incredible pianist,
Yefim Bronfman.
Thank you for
the opportunity of going to Tel Aviv, it is one of the best
experiences I have had. I made fantastic contacts, great friends
and gained valuable learning experiences on and off stage. I had a
great time getting to know the other singers and now have many
places to stay all over the world, especially in New York.
Joan Dornemann
has recently offered me a full scholarship to attend 'le stage d'or'
in Burgundy, France, a one week course in July 2005 that the
International Vocal Arts Institute offers, by invitation only for
professional singers, with Gabriel Bacquier, Diana Soviero and Joan
Dornemann. We will work on full roles, audition arias and melodies
repertoire. Following this I hope to return to Tel Aviv.
Thank you
again for this wonderful experience.
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