Enjoy these pictures from our masterclass with Renée Fleming!
See the article in the Huffington Post about it HERE
Photos by Christopher Hall and Steve Sherman as noted
See the article in the Huffington Post about it HERE
Photos by Christopher Hall and Steve Sherman as noted
Photo by Steve Sherman
The masterclass participants! From left: Vera, Nia, Renée Fleming, Stephan, Lindsey
Choristers from our Concert Chorus and Young Men attended the special event.
Photo by Steve Sherman
Concert Chorister Vera with Renée Fleming after singing her set.
Concert Chorister Lindsey singing "Lied der Mignon" by Franz Schubert
Several weeks before the Renee Fleming Master Class,
Francisco sat down with Vera, Stephan, and I, three of the four participants,
to explain the requirements of participation. We would practice every day. We
would know our songs backward and forward, every translation, every note, all
the history and background. We would be ready.
Over the next fifteen days, as I researched and practiced
my pieces, I was guided and helped through every step of the process by YPC's
tireless staff. When the day of the Master Class came, as I looked down at my
shoes and took a deep breath to begin, I felt only anticipation, not nerves.
YPC made sure I was prepared, and I felt ready.
Singing for Renee Fleming was one of the most wonderful
experiences I've ever had. Ms. Fleming was full of kindness and grace; she
complimented each of the singers as well as critiquing us, and she gave
instructions and ideas in a warm, balanced way. Her practical suggestions gave
me a new look at how to practice my songs: she showed me that by singing
through each piece on a hum, a lip trill, or the nonsense word
"nang," I could make my sound more clean and more resonant. I've seen
this to be very helpful as I've been practicing since the class.
I was at first incredibly intimidated by the thought of
singing to my peers, but I knew as soon as I walked to center stage that I was
facing a kind audience. I left the evening very encouraged by my friends and by
Ms. Fleming.
YPC says at the beginning of each year that the staff is
ready and excited to help choristers with everything from SAT prep to college
auditions. This year, as a senior, I've learned that firsthand: the staff at
YPC has helped me immeasurably with college audition prep, college interviews,
and leading up to this Master Class. There is no way I could have done it
without them. Similarly, Renee Fleming
is described as a kind, warmhearted person, even while being so excellent at
her craft and so famous for her work; and having the opportunity to work with
her was everything I could have expected and more. I am so very grateful for
the experience.
-Lindsey, 17, Concert Chorus
Young Men Chorister Stephan singing "Knocks Me Off My Feet" by Stevie Wonder
