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Home , Alexander Lazarev, Paul Mealor, Scottish Opera, Walter Weller

Young artistS singing competition Our Goal

Opera Festival Scotland is an exciting new organisation which aims to educate and inspire, making accessible for all. While encouraging and developing local talent, one of the goals of Opera Festival Scotland is to discover new and upcoming tal- ent.

We are delighted to announce the premier of our Young Art- ists Singing Competition to be held in the north-eastern city of Dundee, Scotland, on 25th September 2021.

It is our hope that this new competition will appeal to young singers who are at the beginning their musical careers.

Accompanied by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Young Artists Singing Competition offers young singers a fantas- tic opportunity to perform with a world-class orchestra.

In front of an experienced judging panel and a live audience, the competition will provide crucial experience which will assist them in building their future careers in music.

We look forward to welcoming you to Dundee next year!

2 Royal Scottish National Orchestra

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is one of ly to the United States of America, China, and Europe’s leading symphony orchestras. Formed across Europe. in 1891 as the Scottish Orchestra, the company became the Scottish National Orchestra in 1950, The RSNO has a worldwide reputation for the and was awarded Royal Patronage by Her Maj- quality of its recordings, receiving two Diapason esty The Queen in 1977. d’Or de l’année awards for Symphonic Music (Denève/Roussel 2007; Denève/Debussy 2012) Many renowned conductors have contributed and eight GRAMMY Awards nominations. Over to its success, including Sir , Wal- 200 releases are available, including Thomas ter Susskind, Sir Alexander Gibson, Neeme Järvi, Søndergård conducting Strauss (Ein Heldenle- , and Stéphane ben, Der Rosenkavalier Suite) on Linn Records, the Denève. Throughout its life, the Orchestra has complete symphonies of Sibelius (Gibson), Prokof- worked with some of the world’s most respected iev (Järvi), Glazunov (Serebrier), Nielsen and Mar- conductors and soloists – among them Gustav tinů (Thomson), Roussel (Denève) and the major Holst, Richard Strauss, Artur Rubinstein, Aaron Co- orchestral works of Debussy (Denève). The RSNO pland, Luciano Pavarotti and Elmer Bernstein. has also recorded numerous film soundtracks, in- cluding Batman, The Great Escape, Back to the The Orchestra’s artistic team is led by Danish con- Future, Alien and many more. ductor Thomas Søndergård, who was appointed RSNO Music Director in 2018, having previously The RSNO’s pioneering learning and engagement held the position of Principal Guest Conductor. programme, Music for Life, aims to engage the Hong Kong-born conductor Elim Chan succeeds people of Scotland with music across key stages Søndergård as Principal Guest Conductor. Jun- of life: Early Years, Nurseries and Schools, Teenag- ping Qian completes the artistic team in the role ers and Students, Families, Accessing Lives, Work- of Assistant Conductor. ing Lives and Retired and Later Life.

The RSNO performs across Scotland and appears The team is committed to placing the Orchestra regularly at the Edinburgh International Festival, at the centre of Scottish communities via com- the BBC Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall and munity workshops and annual residencies across the St Magnus Festival, Orkney. The Orchestra the length and breadth of the country. also regularly tours internationally, most recent-

3 JOHN FREDERICK HUDSON

John Frederick has both performed in the BBC John Frederick also served as the Director of Mu- Proms as well as assisted Simon Halsey in the sic for the Choir of King’s College, Aberdeen and preparation for Verdi’s Requiem with Marin Alsop, as organist to the . and for Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 with Donald Runnicles. As a pianist, John Frederick has performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Cas- John Frederick has also performed at the Spo- tle and recently performed for His Royal Highness leto Festival, American’s premiere Internation- the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace for a al Performing Arts Festival, as well as serving as private event celebrating the 10th anniversary répétiteur and chorus manager for Joseph Flum- of Dumfries House. As a répétiteur, he regularly merfelt and Joe Miller for the festivals’ coaches singers, accompanies for symphonic and and major choral-orchestral works, including the opera choruses, collaborates in chamber music, North American premiere of Phillip Glass’ Kepler. and also specializes in early music ensembles. Additionally, John Frederick was awarded a full scholarship as a conducting fellow at multiple The music of John Frederick Hudson has been Oregon Bach Festivals, firstly with Helmuth Rilling performed by various ensembles throughout the and secondly with Matthew Halls. John Freder- world including in New York, London, across the ick has also conducted the UK premiere of Jake UK and other countries in Europe. In addition, his Heggie’s To Hell and Back, a chamber opera, with music has been presented at both the American Competition finalists will have the pleasure of working with our Spectrum Contemporary Music Ensemble, which Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the British conductor, John Frederick Hudson. As a conductor, John Fred- he founded and served as principal conductor. Choral Directors Association (BCDA). With his PhD erick has studied with nationally acclaimed conductors such as focus being in opera composition, John Frederick James Jordan, Gary Graden, Joe Miller, Amanda Quist, Jerry His further musical involvement includes his Scot- composed and conducted the world premiere of Blackstone, Matthew Halls, Andrew Megill, and Charles Bruffy. tish conducting debut with the Con Anima Choir Demimondaine, a modern chamber opera in col- He has also performed under significant conductors such as and Orchestra in Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem laboration with librettist James K Mitchell. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Sir Simon Rattle, Gustavo Dudamel, with English soprano, Judith Howarth. He served Andris Nelsons, Daniel Barenboim, Alan Gilbert and Esa-Pekka as musical director and conductor for the Aber- Salonen. deen Opera Society in a production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. During his time in Scotland,

4 PANEL MEMBERS

Heralded as a “singing actress of near genius” (Sunday Times) seen as Liù in Puccini’s Turandot in the film The Life of David who “has such natural grace and emotional eloquence that Gale and performing Verdi’s La Traviata in Woody Allen’s film she cannot fail to touch the heart” (Independent), soprano Match Point. Kelly made her directorial debut with Mozart’s Janis Kelly originated the title role of Rufus Wainwright’s Pri- Così fan tutte at Grange Park Opera‚ where she has since ma Donna at the Manchester International Festival. At the directed Iolanthe as the inaugural production of the Com- opera’s debut, the Financial Times summed: “In the Cal- pany’s new theatre. Janis Kelly studied at the Royal Scottish las-like title role, Janis Kelly gives the performance of her life.” Academy of Music & Drama in her native ‚ at the Most recent and future appearances include Marcellina Le Royal College of Music in London and with Elisabeth Grüm- Nozze di Figaro ()‚ Mrs Lovett Swee- mer in Paris. She is also a regular tutor and directs the annu- ney Todd ()‚ Mrs Nixon Nixon in China al opera scenes at Oxenfood International Summer School, (Metropolitan Opera‚ New York and Omroep Muziek)‚ Lady as well as giving masterclasses globally with the Spheres of Janis Kelly Billows Albert Herring (Los Angeles Opera)‚ Hazel George in Singing Remote convention from Glasgow University. Several the World Premiere of Philip Glass’ The Perfect American (Te- of Janis’ students now sing internationally, including Sarah- INTERNATIONAL SOPRANO atro Real‚ Madrid and English National Opera). Janis can be Jane Brandon, Rosie Aldridge and Soraya Mafi.

Michelle trained as a singer at the Guildhall School of Mu- ment in the training of artists and arts professionals. In 2015- sic and Drama. She began her career at Scottish Opera as 16, she was awarded the Creative Scotland Fellowship of the Assistant Company Manager. Michelle then held the role of Clore Leadership Programme, mentored by Vikki Heywood. Artists’ Manager, collaborating with the Music Director on the In March 2017, she joined ENO as Head of Casting. casting, management and contracting of guest singers and conductors for both small- and main-scale productions, as well as for education projects, fundraising events and outside engagements. In January 2016, she became Head of Cast- ing, contributing to Scottish Opera’s strategic planning and programming, and coordinating Scottish Opera’s involve- Michelle Williams Head of Casting English National Opera

5 PANEL MEMBERS

Julia Lagahuzere was previously Deputy Casting Director era de Limoges. Julia is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Opera National de Paris in the two theatres of Opera de of Music and Drama in London and Sussex University, a mu- Bastille and Palais Garnier. She is currently artistic consul- sicology scholarship recipient at the University of California, tant to the Queen Sonja International Music Competition in Berkeley, and holds a Masters degree in Opera and Visual Oslo, Norway. Julia has a passion for finding and helping to Performing Arts from King’s College London, in collaboration nurture young talent and established a concert series in or- with the BBC Proms. der to strengthen relations between the QSMIC and the top international young artists programs; notably in collabora- tion with the in . She has previously worked at the San Francisco Opera, Scottish Opera and Op- Julia Lagahuzere Co-founder & General Director Opera for Peace

Sarah-Jane trained as soprano at the Royal College of Mu- ington Opera; Opera Holland Park; Reisopera; Edinburgh In- sic and then went straight on to the English National Opera ternational Festival. Young Artists’ Programme where she performed leading roles such as Pamina and 1st Lady, Die Zauberflöte; Romilda Xe- In 2013 Sarah-Jane left the opera stage to pursue a career rxes; Contessa Le Nozze di Figaro; Angel Jephtha; Crobyle in artistic management with Scottish Opera where she is cur- in Massenet’s Thaïs, High Priestess Aida; 1st Flower Maiden rently the Head of Casting and Head of the singer’s Emerging Parsifal; Dunyasha in Prokofiev’s War and Peace for the BBC Artist programme. She has been Director of Les Azuriales Op- Proms. She appeared in these and other roles such as Mi- era Young Artists’ Programme since 2012. chaela Carmen; Miss Jessel Turn of the Screw; Fiordiligi Cosi fan Tutte; Tatyana Onegin; for Welsh National Opera; Gars- Sarah-Jane Davies Head of Casting Scottish Opera

6 PANEL MEMBERS

Linda Ormiston, born in Motherwell, graduated in Maths and students in operatic scenes and is regular tutor at the Ox- Music from Glasgow University. She then pursued a musi- enfoord International Summer School. She also teaches on cal path at the RSAMD (now Royal Conservatoire of Scot- the Music Theatre Course at The Dance School of Scotland land) and the London Opera Centre and after a year with in Glasgow and examines and directs scenes at the RWCMD English Opera for All, she joined Scottish Opera for whom in Cardiff. She adjudicates and gives workshops and mas- she performed more than 25 roles. Linda has sung with En- ter classes all over Britain, Ireland and in Holland. In summer glish National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Opera North, 2019, she directed two operas at the Nürnberg Hochschule Opera Northern Ireland, Buxton Festival Opera and at Glyn- in . She is also much in demand as an after-dinner debourne. Performances have taken her to opera houses and speaker. She was awarded the OBE for services to opera and concerts halls all over Europe, Canada, the USA and Japan, has an honorary Doctorate of Music from St. Andrews Uni- including three years at the prestigious Salzburg Festival in versity. Linda Ormiston Austria. Linda now teaches at the RCS, where she also directs OBE

Paul Mealor has been described as ‘the most important com- voted the nation’s favourite living composer during the UK poser to have emerged in Welsh choral music since William Classic FM Hall of Fame. Since January 2003 he has taught Mathias‘ (New York Times, 2001). Mealor topped the Classical in the Music Department at the University of Aberdeen where Charts for six weeks with his bestselling album, A Tender Light he is Professor of Composition. Mealor was catapulted to in November 2011. He also broke records by being the first international stardom in April 2011, when 2.5 billion people classical composer to hold both the classical and pop chart heard his Motet, Ubi caritas, performed by the choirs of West- No 1’s at the same time in December 2011, securing the UK minster Abbey and Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal at the Royal Christmas No 1 with his piece for The Choir and Wedding Ceremony of His Royal Highness Prince William and , Wherever You Are, nominated for Best British Catherine Middleton (now TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cam- Single in the 2012 BRIT Awards. In April of 2012 Mealor was bridge) at . Paul Mealor Composer

7 GUIDELINES & PRIZES

1) Opera Festival Scotland’s Young Artists Singing Competition 7) Please also include a proposal for your pro- amenities. welcomes singers to participate who are between the ages of gramme of aria selections you would perform in 21 and 30 as of September 25th, 2021, who are currently study- the final. This should be a balanced programme 11) Opera Festival Scotland is GDPR compliant ing music or recently graduated in vocal/ music/opera studies. of 20 minutes in total. The final programme and all personal information provided will not be should consist of repertoire written for voice and used for parties outside of Opera Festival Scot- 2) A fee of £35 covers all application administration costs, and orchestra and works from the application should land. Please see our GDPR Statement for further a headshot style photograph is required. Photographic ID will not be repeated. information. be required from finalists. 8) 4 finalists will be selected by the panel and 12) Opera Festival Scotland reserves the right to 3) Singers of any voice type and background and legally abid- will perform at the Caird Hall on Saturday 25th allow any stage of the competition to be record- ing in the UK or Europe may apply. September 2021. Finalists will be accompanied ed, broadcast or televised and to be used for Op- by The Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Final- era Festival Scotland marketing purposes. 4) Singers are asked to submit high quality video recordings ists will therefore need to be available in Dundee along with their application form to be considered for the final. between Wednesday 22nd September and Sat- 13) Opera Festival Scotland reserves the right to The application programme should last from 9 to 12 minutes urday 25th September 2021 for a rehearsal with accept or refuse any application. and should consist of two contrasting operatic arias from two the conductor and the orchestra before the final different operas and in two different languages. Ideally the on Saturday 25th September 2021. 14) Application forms will be available and ac- recordings should be within the last year but, because of the cepted via our website from 1st January 2021. The Covid-19 outbreak, we will accept videos recorded from the last 9) The final decision of the Jury will not be open closing date for applications is March 31st 2021. 2 years. It is acceptable to include recordings made at opera to discussion or correspondence. Panel members performances or concerts, as long as we can hear you and see and Opera Festival Scotland Board members Prizes you clearly. may not be contacted to discuss competitional outcomes. The winner of the Young Artists Singing Competi- 5) Arias may be selected from composers who lived between tion will receive the Opera Festival Scotland tro- 1680 and 1930. 10) Accommodation (bed and breakfast) will be phy, a lunchtime recital performance arranged by provided for each finalist, along with transport to English National Opera, a masterclass with Pro- 6) Chosen repertoire should be sung from memory, and in the and from rehearsals. Finalists are responsible for fessor Kamal Khan (www.kamalkhan.com) and a original language and key. arranging their travel to and from Scotland and £1500 career grant. should expect to cover the cost of other food and

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If you have any questions regarding our Young Artist Singing Competi- tion, please contact [email protected]

For further information on our festival programme, please visit www.operafestivalscotland.co.uk @operafestscotland