Finding my voice in Berlin.
Written by Aleise Bright (Core Artist - Mezzo-Soprano)
I had known about the Dramatic Opera Programme in Berlin for several years. A few of my colleagues had taken part and had spoken about how valuable the experience had been, not only musically, but personally. They talked about the intensity of the work, the people they had met and, most importantly, how much they had grown as singers.
I had thought about applying for a while, but, as singers often do, I had a good deal of umming and erring before finally deciding to go for it. I recorded two arias for my audition and sent the video to the programme directors on a Friday in March.
By Monday morning, I had an email telling me I had been accepted. It was all rather sudden!
I was cast as Roßweiße (Rossweisse) in Richard Wagner’s Der Walküre and was also asked to study the role of Fricka, purely for my own development. I was delighted to also be accepted into the Lieder component of the programme, although at that point I had no idea just how much I would come to enjoy that part of the experience.
There was a lot to do before I even got on the plane! I downloaded the learning materials, booked my flights and accommodation and settled into a fairly serious period of preparation. During June and July we had online sessions covering vocal health, German pronunciation and character development. I also set up my private studio so I could spend as much time as possible getting the music into my voice.
And then, suddenly, I was in Berlin!
“Hojotoho!”
On the first day of the programme, the Valkyries were called for rehearsal at 4:30pm. As the Valkyries only appear in Act III, this was our first opportunity to sing together as a group. We were randomly assigned to sing different roles, swapping around as necessary. In many ways, it was a test of how well we had actually learnt our music. Thankfully I had done my preparation with Philippa Safey, one of Melbourne’s wonderful repetiteurs, and that preparation proved invaluable.
Before the rehearsal, we Valkyries decided we should have a quick practice together. Then came the moment. The first time I sang “Hojotoho!” with a group of such incredible singers was thrilling.
I actually cried.
There was something extraordinary about hearing all those voices around me and finally being able to let go and sing. For the first time, I felt that I could really use my full voice without holding anything back. I loved it.
Of course, the excitement of that first rehearsal was quickly followed by the reality of the work ahead.
Three and a Half Weeks of Wagner
For the next three and a half weeks, we rehearsed the music and production for the performance. It was an intense schedule, and there was very little opportunity to switch off completely.
Alongside the opera rehearsals, we had individual singing lessons focusing on our own repertoire, as well as opera coaching and Lieder coaching. Each part of the programme demanded something different from us as singers.
Unexpectedly, Lieder became my favourite part!
Each singer was paired with a pianist, and the level of musicianship was extraordinary. I had the opportunity to introduce my Lieder coach to the music of Isabel Mundry. When he first looked at the score, he wasn't quite sure what to expect or how it would sound once we put it together. That was part of what made the experience so exciting.
Working with another musician to discover a piece together, rather than simply presenting something that had already been worked out, was incredibly rewarding.
By the end, I think he enjoyed the music as much as I did!
Photo of pianist and organist D.J. Cleavinger (left) with Aleise.
More Than Just Singing
It is difficult to explain exactly what the programme has meant to me. I arrived in Berlin feeling nervous, shy and, if I'm honest, quite unsure of myself. I knew I had prepared the music, but preparation and confidence are two very different things.
Over the course of those weeks, something changed. Being surrounded by singers who were incredibly talented, hardworking and supportive pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. The staff were professional and encouraging, and there was a real sense that everyone wanted each other to succeed.
I found myself becoming more confident, not just in my singing, but in my decisions, my musical instincts and my ability to stand in a room full of talented people and believe that I belonged there. That, for me, was perhaps the most valuable part of the entire experience.
“I went to Berlin to sing Wagner.
I came home with a renewed sense of confidence in myself as a performer.”
Photo by Dasha Buben, performance of Der Walküre Dramatic Voices Program Berlin
The programme was demanding, exhilarating, exhausting and, at times, completely overwhelming. But it was also one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a singer. And somewhere between the rehearsals, the coaching, the Lieder, the nerves and all those “Hojotoho!” cries, I think I found a little more of my voice.
Aleise and Danaë Killian (Core Artist - Piano) will perform a selection songs from Benjamin Britten’s A Charm of Lullabies in our upcoming performance:
To Love and Grief
7pm Sunday 15 November
Church of All Nations, Carlton Naarm
