This spring, the Vocal Department welcomed guest artists from around the world.

A broad range of international talent from across the industry shared their expertise with Vocal Studies students in virtual sessions this spring term as part of the conservatoire’s masterclass programme.

Over the course of a month, the department hosted masterclasses with sought-after dramatic soprano Susan Bullock CBE, coloratura soprano Sandra Dugdale, mezzo-sopranos Yvonne Howard and Anna Stéphany, British baritones David Kempster and Roderick Williams and rising-star American countertenor Patrick Terry.

Reflecting on her sessions with TL sopranos, Sandra Dugdale comments –

“I enjoyed working with the students very much. They were all very well-prepared, receptive, keen to learn, and of a high standard.”

On working with our students, David Kempster comments –

“It was a joy to work with such a great group of talented and enthusiastic singers from Trinity Laban. […] We were able to do great work, which I hope all the students found both rewarding and insightful.”

Yvonne Howard says –

“It was really good to meet and work with so many of the next generation of Mezzo Sopranos at Trinity Laban. All were really well prepared musically and that made my job easy and enjoyable and the level of concentration and responsiveness to suggestions made, and the willingness to try new things was highly rewarding. Thank you all.”

Masters’ student Victoria Mulley comments –

“I loved taking part in Susan Bullock’s soprano masterclass. Her practical, insightful and friendly advice was really valuable. It was very exciting to work with a singer who has had such a diverse and successful career. I was particularly glad to work with her on an aria from Peter Grimes, as Ellen Orford is a role she has performed many times.”

Countertenor Alessandro Romano, a third-year undergraduate, comments –

“I really enjoyed working with Patrick Terry. He was very attentive to detail and gave me valuable feedback. He suggested different approaches on technique and how to maintain a good legato. A big thank you to Trinity Laban for giving us this opportunity.”

Garreth Romain, a second year Postgraduate Artist Diploma student, adds –

“I would happily work with Patrick Terry again as he is a lovely man that provides helpful, constructive feedback that I can take forward.”

TL vocalists also benefitted from the expertise of Morag McLaren, who returned to deliver an inspiring session on Emotional Expression in Singing. The versatile performer has worked with Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera North and performed the role of Carlotta in West End smash-hit Phantom of the Opera.

Find out more about studying voice at Trinity Laban.

‘U.Me: The Musical’ features lyrics, music and book by Theo Jamieson 

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the BBC have commissioned alum Theo Jamieson to write an original musical for radio and podcast listening that captures the collective experience of an extraordinary year. 

Composer and lyricist Theo studied BMus (hons) in composition at Trinity Laban. Since graduating in 2012 he has worked as the Musical Director for several West End hits including Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre) and Funny Girl (The Savoy Theatre). 

His latest show centres on the international love story of two young people on opposite sides of the world who meet online and discover a true connection, finding hope and joy amidst the unfolding crisis. The book is written by Theo in collaboration with Simon Pitts. 

In the BBC press release, Theo commented –  

“The BBC wanted to do a radio musical in response to the Covid pandemic, a romance in this moment we are in that would get the blood pumping and raise goosebumps. When all guns are blazing on a musical, nothing generates that much energy and that much feeling. It’s a big challenge, but actually the feeling of responding and delivering something to the public in a short amount of time is actually really fun. It’s fantastic as an artist.” 

Following a five-month creation and rehearsal process, the show is set to premiere globally at 20.00 BST, 12 May 2021 on BBC World Service and BBC Sounds.  

Discover more about Composition at Trinity Laban. 

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Image: Theo Jamieson (courtesy Curtis Brown)

Third-year undergraduate student Noelia Cotuna has been selected for the prestigious Karajan Academy 2019-21.

Founded 40 years ago by celebrated conductor Herbert von Karajan and funded by private donors, the Academy is an exclusive training programme which helps talented young instrumentalists prepare for a professional career.

Noelia, who is studying for her Bachelor of Music at Trinity Laban with Head of Harp Studies Gabriella Dall’Olio, was made aware of and encouraged to apply for the scheme in 2018 when she participated in a masterclass at the Conservatoire with the Orchestra’s principal harpist Marie-Pierre Langlamet. The renowned French musician frequently visits Trinity Laban to work with the Harp Department.

As a Karajan Academy student, Noelia will be mentored by Marie-Pierre over the next two years, receiving two hours of one-to-one tuition every week, as well as benefiting from chamber music, audition preparation and orchestral work.

Most excitingly, Noelia will also get the opportunity to play with the Berliner Philharmoniker whenever the repertoire demands a second harpist.

On being selected, the young harpist comments, “I am honoured to be joining the Berliner Philharmoniker’s Karajan Academy. It’s an incredible opportunity.” 

Earlier this year, Noelia was named the winner of Trinity Laban Soloists’ Competition 2019, one of the most popular and prestigious competitions in the Conservatoire’s musical calendar.

“Trinity Laban is such a supportive environment,” the 19-year-old undergraduate explains. “They don’t impose who you have to be. The teachers do everything they can to help you thrive.”

As the competition’s winner, Noelia will reprise her performance of Harp Concerto in C minor – a work composed in 1901 by early 20th-century French virtuoso harpist Henriette Renié – with Polish conductor Ewa Strusińska and the Trinity Laban Symphony Orchestra at Cadogan Hall on 28 June.

Noelia comments, “Renié is my favourite composer, and this is my favourite concerto. It is rarely performed so I hope to help people discover more about her, what she contributed to the harp. It’s important to remember her as a composer as well as performer.”

As part of Venus Blazing, Trinity Laban’s year-long commitment to programming work by women, the concert also includes two intense and complex works by Lili Boulanger, whilst Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique rounds off the evening’s spectacular feast of French music.

To book tickets, visit the Cadogan Hall website.

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Image credit: JK Photography