Two British singers join Vienna Opera studio
NewsSuch is the enfeebled state of opera training in post-Brexit Britain that many young talents seek pre-professional training back in the European Union.
Two singers are among a dozen who have been selected from 700 applicants for the Vienna State Opera’s finishing school.
Here’s the full list:
• Jenni Hietala , soprano (Finland)
• Miriam Kutrowatz , soprano (Austria)
• Alma Neuhaus , mezzo-soprano (US)
• Daria Sushkova , mezzo-soprano (Russia)
• Ted Black , tenor (Britain)
• Agustín Gómez , tenor (Argentina)
• Katleho Mokhoabane , tenor (South Africa)
• Lukas Schmidt , tenor (Germany)
• Nikita Ivasechko , baritone (Ukraine) → scholarship holder of the Czerwenka private foundation
• Jack Lee , baritone (UK)
• Jusung Gabriel Park , bass-baritone (South Korea) → Fellow WCN (World Culture Networks)
• Stephano Park , Bass (South Korea)
photo: Vienna Opera/Michael Arivony
Surely you mean, “Such is the formidable standard of operatic training in the UK that, even post-Brexit, Continental Young Artist Programmes are still falling over themselves to take UK singers.”
Nonsense. Vocal training in the UK continues to be of a high standard. If you want dismally-trained singers, try France, proud founder member of the Common Market and its subsequent mutations.
I wish Ted, Jack and, indeed, the other ten singers, every success. Congratulations!
Dear Norman. May I humbly suggest you misunderstand what is going on here? This is not an “Opera Studio”. This is a NEW YAP. Young Artist Programme, set up by the new management team at the Wienerstaatsoper. This isn’t “Pre-Professional” it is very much professional. Most large and successful Opera Houses have a YAP. It is a useful and important link between education and career… The young artists are trained, gain experience on stage and are remunerated…. Usually… In my experience.
Thank you, John.
Please name in the article also the artistic direction of Michael Kraus. He has been leading young talents and fighting for them since Opernstudio is founded.
All the best