None
Friday, 31 March 2017

The next generation of opera stars from The University of Western Australia will be offered the opportunity to get real world experience within a professional opera house as part of a new agreement with West Australian Opera (WAO).

A Masters of Music (Opera Performance) will be offered to students who will work in collaboration with WAO and use their performances as part of the degree while being mentored by experienced staff from both organisations.

With every opera season, leading international artists and directors will run workshops at UWA as well as mentorship programs for students to participate in WAO performances, both in Perth and regional WA.

UWA students will be invited to attend dress and production rehearsals as well as meet with artists to discuss the art form, singing and the industry.

Head of the UWA Music School Professor Alan Lourens said the partnership would provide students with a valuable insight into the professionalism required to succeed in the industry.

“The breadth of the agreement offers both undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to experience a professional opera company and has exciting benefits for both organisations,” Professor Lourens said.

“We are thrilled to be entering into this educational partnership with one of Western Australia’s flagship arts organisations.”

General Manager of West Australian Opera Carolyn Chard said that UWA students had already experienced the benefits of the partnership after participating in the 50th Gala performance of Opera in the Park, alongside the state opera chorus and international soloists.

“One benefit is the ability to work with both the performers and audiences of the future,” Ms Chard said.

“These students were mentored throughout the process and enjoyed an incredible learning opportunity in front of a crowd of 20 thousand people.

“Additionally, visiting directors and artists will work with UWA students through the ‘Distinguished Artist Lecture Series’ and will learn from creatives featuring in operas like ‘Tosca’, The Merry Widow’ and ‘Lucia di Lammermoor.”

Former artistic director of WAO Dr Richard Mills will deliver this year’s Callaway Lecture and has the distinction of being the first person invited back to present one of the most prestigious events on the School of Music calendar.

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager)        (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716

Tags

Channels
University News
Groups
UWA Forward