The National Opera Studio (NOS) has announced the names of the 12 young artists and two emerging artists who will be joining the music training college’s Young Artists 2020-21 programme.
The free nine-month programme helps young performers develop their singing skills and technique. They will explore one or two roles in depth, be exposed to unfamiliar works and songs, and tackle contemporary music and stagecraft.
At the core of the training are three residencies with NOS’s partner companies. These residencies are directed and conducted by experienced international professionals who are chosen for their ability to teach as well as produce an inspiring programme. In 2017-18, for example, trainees worked Opera North, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera.
This year’s Young Artists comprise eight singers: soprano Monica McGhee, mezzo-sopranos Arlene Belli and Judith Le Breuilly, tenors Philip Clieve and Monwabisi Lindi, baritones Jolyon Loy and Jevan McAuley and bass Thomas Hopkinson. Additionally four répétiteurs will take part: Marlowe Fitzpatrick, Nadia Kisseleva, Aeron Preston and Maria Tataru.
As part of NOS’s commitment to increasing diversity on UK opera stages, the Emerging Artist positions are provided especially for two singers from under-represented backgrounds who show significant talent and will benefit from a year of bespoke NOS training. This year’s successful applicants are mezzo-soprano Molly Barker and bass-baritone Neil Balfour.
Uniquely, the studio is also welcoming back several 2019-20 Young Artists for additional coaching, which they missed out on during lockdown. This includes mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Lynch, who will become an Associate Artist for 2020-21. She will be offered an enhanced programme of coaching so that she can fully benefit from her NOS training.
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National Opera Studio’s Young Artists 2020-21 will benefit from nine months of free training.