When I was a little girl, I had plans. Big plans, that lit up my dreams in a technicolour blaze, short on probability, but fizzing like a meteor. First up was to marry Luke Skywalker - true love sorted, I was set for a one-way ticket to a galaxy far, far away. And then - even bigger - I was going to be an opera singer. Inspired by the record sleeves from my uncle's LP collection, with their images of these plumey, bejewelled divas waxing forth, pelted with roses by the adoring crowds… this was the career for me.
Why settle for less?
Obviously, that’s not what happened. Mark Hamill continues to evade my clutches, and as for that opera career? Nah. These days, I’m lucky enough to broadcast and to celebrate some of my peers from my conservatory years, singers who’ve gone on to win acclaim on the Irish and world stages. And believe you me, it took them a lot more than dreams to get there. In order to establish a career in opera today, a singer has to have an arsenal of supports and resources: a clearly worked out strategy, in terms of vocal and business development, plus an unshakeable base line of self-belief, resilience and stamina.
Despite Ireland’s historical lack of infrastructure in terms of opera training, an astonishing array of stars have emerged from these shores: the latest generation includes Celine Byrne, Sinéad Campbell-Wallace, Paula Murrihy, Gavan Ring, Robin Tritschler, Dean Power and many others.
Watch: Mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught talks to Liz Nolan in 2015
For a long time, the success of Irish singers relied on the skills of individual teachers: exceptional artists, many of whom have lived the reality of that opera dream. Hour after hour, they sit at pianos in small, chilly rooms, taking student after student. An object lesson in generosity, these teachers continue to impart their wealth of experience and art, plus recourse to that all-important little black book of contacts, to give their students the best possible start. Chief among these great pedagogues was Dr. Veronica Dunne, "Ronnie" to one and all, the diva of Covent Garden who helped launch the careers of any number of pre-eminent Irish singers.
Today, it’s the turn of Tara Erraught: one of the most sought-after mezzo sopranos on the international opera stage, Tara is at the pinnacle of a dazzling career. She’s also chosen to follow in the footsteps of her beloved teacher Ronnie, with her trailblazing initiative, Celebrating the Voice. Held in partnership with Drogheda Classical Music, this comprises an immersive four day course of workshops, discussion and concerts, geared towards emerging classical singers. From the historic setting of St. Peter’s Church, Drogheda, Celebrating the Voice is set to return at the end of January - its second outing, to follow a hugely successful maiden voyage in 2020. And such is Tara’s star power, she’s brought a panel from the world’s most prestigious opera houses to work with eight specially chosen young singers.
For any opera nerd, this event reads like, say, Bill Gates dropping by to fix your computer, or Margaret Atwood asking to join your book club... it's an unprecedented gathering of international movers and shakers, all convened at this Irish port town. Working with eight specially selected young singers will be: Jonathan Friend, Artistic Advisor to New York's Metropolitan Opera: head of casting at the Bayerische Staatsoper, Andreas Massow: Gaby Smyth, top consultant in accounting, tax and business for the arts sector, and chair of Irish National Opera: pianists Morgane Fauchois, coach for the Paris National Opera, and Dearbhla Collins, Executive Director of the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition: Dr. Paul Kwak, consultant laryngologist for the Metropolitan Opera, New York: and internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Angela Brower.
Wow, you say, sounds impressive. So, what happens during those four days? Good news is, audiences are welcome throughout the weekend; singing teachers and students, choral conductors and vocal enthusiasts can observe the various aspects of voice production, vocal health care, advice on auditions and portfolio, tax and business management, and more.
Vocal masterclasses will be given by Tara Erraught and Angela Brower, divas who regularly feature on the world’s most exalted stages, along with coaching from song pianists Dearbhla Collins and Morgane Fauchois. Gaby Smyth is a revered figure on the Irish arts scene: advising actors, musicians and entertainers on tax and finance management, both at home and abroad. His lectures on this aspect of a singer’s career will be balanced by a conversation with Andreas Massow from the Bavarian State Opera, who’ll offer his insights on the casting process, and what directors are looking for during the audition process.
Dr. Paul Kwak makes a welcome return to Celebrating the Voice: a top laryngologist at NYU Voice Center, Paul is also a distinguished collaborative pianist, and performs with singers regularly. His tips on vocal health and care for performers - singers, actors, lecturers - deliver a roadmap for practical use in a performer’s working life. Elsewhere, opera legend Jonathan Friend takes a hard look at the industry today: what’s expected from singers, how to build a portfolio and present oneself as an artist.
As well as opera, Celebrating the Voice features a strong focus on Lieder, or art song: the 'caviar’ of vocal literature, Lieder is regarded as a kind of Everest for singers, the ultimate test in technical and interpretative skill, where it’s just you, a pianist... and that’s it. Nowhere to hide, no safety nets, nothing. It’s an intense, transformative prospect for performer and audience alike, a distilled blend of verse and music, piano and voice, into one super-charged miniature. If you can pull off Lieder, frankly, you can pull off anything. Tara Erraught is widely acknowledged as one of the top Lieder recitalists on the European stage, and her song workshops lead towards a special Liederabend (Song Evening) recital on Saturday 28th January. The weekend culminates in a special Opera Gala the following night, as participants showcase their skills and learning.
Watch: Tara Erraught sings at The Kennedy Centre in New York in 2021
You don’t sing? Opera not your jam? No matter. The skills and learning on offer at this event are transferable across a range of professions and disciplines. This gathering of leading industry experts offers an unprecedented insight into the performing arts world, and how the system works. To observe masterclasses, panel discussions, lectures, workshops, and the fabulous concerts of Celebrating The Voice with Tara Erraught, go here. And while I won’t be singing, I’m set to moderate and compere at the weekend. Who knows? With so much star power set to land in Drogheda, maybe even Luke Skywalker will drop by.
Celebrating the Voice with Tara Erraught and Drogheda Classical Music takes place at St. Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda, from Thursday 26th- Sunday 29th January, 2023 - find out more here.
