The National Opera Studio is just down the road from me in Wandsworth - well a 15-20 minute bus ride door to door. So its relative distance from central London is not an issue for me. But for others it is - nevertheless there was a splendid turn out in Wandsworth yesterday evening for an excellent and fascinating evening of French song, curated by the distinguished authority on all art song matters Iain Burnside.
The benefit to budding opera singers of having opportunities for detailed work on the song repertory is firmly understood now and needs no further advocacy from me. It is particularly gratifying that the NOS pursues the French repertoire so seriously, and it is here that the benefits of working on mélodie are so striking.
With groups of songs by Debussy, Honegger, Fauré, Chabrier, Ibert, Messiaen, Bizet and Poulenc, there were few notable stones unturned. And there was distinguished work showing much understanding of the importance of this repertoire from the young opera singers. Chosen as they are from the very best talent around nationally and internationally, the vocal quality was exceptional throughout. And there were particularly striking contributions in this magical but elusive repertoire from Matthew Durkan, Katharine Crompton, Roisín Walsh and Gyula Nagy. But there were revelations from all, and it is truly pleasing that the NOS director, Kathryn Harries, displays such passionate commitment to the French musical landscape.
There was an intriguing partner for the evening, the Rimbaud & Verlaine Foundation - they could become a valuable player in the noble mission of promoting knowledge and understanding of French poetry and song. This is an excellent start!
This evening I will be at the scenes programme of the Royal Academy Opera..........another opportunity to keep an eye and ear on the abundant emerging talent.
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