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Bass Simon Dryer returns to the internationally respected opera house for his second season as a Studio Artist.

Trinity Laban vocal graduate Simon Dyer is continuing his residency on the highly competitive Florida Grand Opera Studio programme for the 2018-19 season.

During his first year as a Studio Artist (2017-18), the talented young bass performed the roles of Raimondo in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and 2nd Soldier in Strauss’ Salome, getting the opportunity to work with world-renowned industry professionals in mainstage productions.

“The program at Florida Grand Opera has been a challenging and exciting new chapter to my professional development,” Simon comments. “Right off the bat was thrown into a cast of established singers who pushed me to explore just how far I could go as a young performer.”

Founded in 1984 and led by Artistic Directors Siana Soviero and Bernard Uzan, the Florida Grand Opera (FGO) Studio has gained worldwide recognition as a leading young artist development programme. Based in Miami, it provides emerging vocal talent with comprehensive and individualised development opportunities to help them develop successful operatic careers.

This year Simon will perform as Colline in Puccini’s La bohème, Antonio in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, and, unusually, the countertenor role of Calavera #3 in Robert Xavier Rodríguez’scontemporary opera Frida.

“Taking on a countertenor role for the first time does not faze me, as so often at Trinity Laban I was asked to explore my boundaries as performer and musician. Studying at Trinity Laban has left me uniquely adaptable in a world where classical performance can often be perceived as so rigid.”

Simon will also continue to participate in recitals and outreach events, and receive specialised training in voice, acting, movement, language, repertoire development and style.

Prior to joining FGO, Simon completed his undergraduate training at Trinity Laban, graduating in 2013, before moving on to Boston Conservatory. He was an Emerging Artist at Boston Lyric Opera, and also participated in summer training programs at the Glimmerglass Festival and Santa Fe Opera.

During his undergraduate studies at Trinity Laban Simon regularly performed with Blackheath Halls Community Opera, and sang with the Chamber Choir and Old Royal Naval College Trinity Laban Chapel Choir.

 

To find out more about studying at Trinity Laban, visit our vocal pages.

 Image credit: Nile Scott Shots