The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Music – Trentino Music Festival

Wow! What an incredible and busy week I have had in Italy whilst participating in the Music Academy International.

I have attended and performed in many master classes, at one I received a great wealth of knowledge and advice from the amazing opera singer Deborah Voigt.  I learnt some great vocal technique tips from Jean-Michelle Charbonnet and I discovered the poise available in the legato line from Mitchell Piper and exercises in how to achieve this.

Before arriving here in Italy I had been selected by the tutors to perform in two operas “The Magic Flute” by Mozart, and “Suor Angelica” by Puccini.  So I was thrilled to be approached whilst studying here and asked to also learn the role of Gretel from “Hänsel and Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck and so I thought that if I work my little butt off I might get a chance of performing at least the first act :).  So you can guess what I’ll be doing in my free time!

Yesterday I was translating the score word for word over my first English Breakfast tea here in Italy, hehe!  It was certainly a treat to indulge myself in a home comfort whilst studying this beautiful music!

I will try to take lots of pictures of the rehearsal process as we begin staging, to be a part of the process of putting together an opera over a few weeks is an exciting challenge and one that I know will be so much fun as I have the pleasure to be working with amazing Staff who have incredible imaginations and enthusiastic students who have come here from all over the world to be part of this amazing opportunity.

Being here in Italy reminds me that it is good to be around people who motivate us to be better and help to bring out the best potential in all of us. I would also like to thank ‘The Hope Scott Trust’ for a grant to help with the flight, transfer and travel insurance I’m very grateful for the award which has helped me to participate in this fabulous opportunity.