“The year-long course at City Lit was an excellent opportunity for me to explore my abilities as a singer and actor, and it took me from the level of ‘enthusiastic student’ to ‘beginning professional’. Through the expert guidance of Colin Baldy and Peter Crockford I had the opportunity to explore repertoire which I hadn’t previously considered and as a result started to build my identity as an artist. The classes are exceptionally well organized. There was always a supportive atmosphere where I felt safe to try things out in front of my colleagues. The course was tailored to each student, so I was challenged and stretched because I needed it and greatly benefitted from it. The ensemble work got progressively more difficult from September to June, building on what we had learned in the previous term. Sessions covered everything from rehearsing scenes, ballroom dancing, baroque movement, stage make-up, recitative, languages and diction, through to teaching us to trust our colleagues and to be vulnerable and honest on stage. It is difficult to express just how much was packed into these lessons. Above all it was immense fun, with lots of laughs.
Since completing this course I have successfully auditioned and gained roles in fully staged productions with five different companies, and an unconditional place to study on a Masters in Opera Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. I have also directed my first production, and have been booked to direct another next year. I was also very lucky to be able to continue my work with Colin Baldy in Scheggino, Italy. The summer school focussed on excerpts of Le Nozze di Figaro and other Italian repertoire with expert coaches Nicoletta Conti and Andrea Cappelleri. It offered the opportunity to study and perform in beautiful surroundings and to gain a much deeper understanding of the nuances of Italian opera. I can highly recommend this course to everyone considering it, whatever stage you’re at. It is simply excellent.” Wendy Silvester, 2015 Graduate. http://www.wendysilvester.co.uk
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying on City Lit’s Opera Course. Both director, Colin Baldy, and musical director, Peter Crockford, were truly committed to the work they did with us and I benefitted enormously from their experience and enthusiasm. The quality of coaching was excellent. I looked forward to every Sunday and Monday rehearsal, everyone formed a great bond and our sessions together were filled with good humour.
I would highly recommend the course to any advanced singers who are looking to gain further experience and confidence on stage, or who wish to add some Repertoire to their C.V. ” Lucy Elston, 2015 Graduate (went on to post-graduate studies at Trinity-Laban).