12.02.2013
Neil Shicoff to Conduct Master Classes
Famous American tenor Neil Shicoff has always emphasized that for him, the Mikhailovsky Theatre is much more than just another tour venue: he considers himself a member of the team, deeply connected to the company. On his current visit to St. Petersburg, this remarkable singer will not only appear on stage in two distinctly different roles, but also teach a master class for his young colleagues.
The maestro himself has full command of the secrets of vocal mastery, demonstrating a range which extends from pure bel canto to the sharply expressive music of the twentieth century. The company’s young opera soloists are hoping to pick up a great deal from this well-known master: advanced techniques, nuances of intonation, and the subtleties of various musical styles. The maestro’s involvement will be invaluable both in working on the current repertoire and in training performers for new parts, with a special emphasis on Mozart — critically important in light of the impending première of the concert performance of Don Giovanni in April.
Seven master class sessions are scheduled, and will take place on 18 and 19 February. Naturally, Shicoff will work first and foremost with tenors: Fyodor Ataskevich, Suren Maksutov, and Evgeny Akhmedov will all participate in his class. Female singers will also have a chance to take part. Shicoff is planning to work with Maria Litke (they will appear on stage as father and daughter in La Juive on 17 February), as well as young lyric coloratura sopranos. Due to certain similarities between the tenor and soprano voice types, there is a common basis of technique on which high-pitched vocalists draw in their performances. In the past, Shicoff has coached many young singers; he made a considerable contribution to the international success of Tatiana Ryaguzova and Dmitriy Golovnin.
The maestro himself has full command of the secrets of vocal mastery, demonstrating a range which extends from pure bel canto to the sharply expressive music of the twentieth century. The company’s young opera soloists are hoping to pick up a great deal from this well-known master: advanced techniques, nuances of intonation, and the subtleties of various musical styles. The maestro’s involvement will be invaluable both in working on the current repertoire and in training performers for new parts, with a special emphasis on Mozart — critically important in light of the impending première of the concert performance of Don Giovanni in April.
Seven master class sessions are scheduled, and will take place on 18 and 19 February. Naturally, Shicoff will work first and foremost with tenors: Fyodor Ataskevich, Suren Maksutov, and Evgeny Akhmedov will all participate in his class. Female singers will also have a chance to take part. Shicoff is planning to work with Maria Litke (they will appear on stage as father and daughter in La Juive on 17 February), as well as young lyric coloratura sopranos. Due to certain similarities between the tenor and soprano voice types, there is a common basis of technique on which high-pitched vocalists draw in their performances. In the past, Shicoff has coached many young singers; he made a considerable contribution to the international success of Tatiana Ryaguzova and Dmitriy Golovnin.
