Cream of local talent at voice masterclass
IF you have ever wondered how some of the world’s most renowned opera singers achieve their incredible sound, now is your chance to learn the secrets behind their success.
Music fans have a chance this month to watch international mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught teach a masterclass, featuring a host of local singing talent.
Tara, who hails from Dundalk, will hone the vocal skills of Drogheda sopranos Amie Dyer and Hannah O’Brien, as well as Ardee tenor James McCreanor and Skerries singer Aebh Kelly.
The workshop is part of a weekend of events focussed on Celebrating the Voice, as part of Drogheda Classical Music 2019/20.
From Friday 31st January to Sunday 2nd February, Tara becomes guest Artistic Director for has programmed concerts, masterclasses, a talk by New York-based laryngeal consultant surgeon plus a yoga workshop led by qualified yoga instructor and speech and language therapist.
More local talent will be on display, as the musical genius of pianist Dearbhla Collins will accompany the masterclass.
Soprano Hannah O’Brien says she is looking forward to learning from such an amazing role model.
“Tara is one of the most exciting performers in the world at the moment, and she is from our neck of the woods,” says Hannah (25), who is completing her Masters in the Royal Irish Adademy of Music. “It will show how we work, and that we don’t just sing – we need to understand what we sing – and how we use our voices.”
Hannah appeared last week in an opera with Amie and James, and says even though they have all been studying for years, there is always more to learn.
“I have never worked with Tara before, but her technique is impeccable.”
Fellow Drogheda soprano Amie Dyer, also studying in the Dublin academy, says she is a little nervous to be learning in public!
“I don’t know what to expect, and it is quite daunting to have an audience,” she says with a giggle.
“Tara is amazing, and I am looking forward to hearing how her techniques allow us to use our voice in a safe and healthy way.”
Amie has recently accepted a place on a Masters Course in Glasgow and will be leaving Drogheda’s shores very shortly.