Samling Masterclass Preview

Marchmont House, near Duns 30th November

 Preview: Samling Masterclass, with Barbara Frittoli

The Samling Institute for Young Artists, based in the North East of England, provides training for young singers from 14-21 though the Samling Academy  and also intensive one week training courses for professional singers and accompanists at the beginning of their careers through the Samling Artist Programme.  I first became aware of their work when I attended a masterclass and concert at the Sage Gateshead shortly before lockdown in 2020 and was impressed by the talent of these young people and also the wonderful guidance that they received in musical techniques and in acting.

More recently Samling have established a regular base at Marchmont House in the Scottish Borders where a week-long course later this month will be followed by a public masterclass on Saturday 30th November at 1.30pm. Italian soprano, Barbara Frittoli, who has a distinguished world-wide operatic career will work with eight rising stars, alongside the Shakespearean actor James Garnon, and pianist Caroline Dowdle.

I  remember Barbara Frittoli’s appearances at the Edinburgh International Festival in the early 2000s, when she was an impressive Elettra in ‘Idomeneo’, conducted by Charles Mackerras, an Usher Hall concert performance which was later recorded.  She also sang in ‘Maria Stuarda’ in 2002.  Barbara Frittoli has long been involved in educational projects with young singers, and Artistic and Executive Director of Samling Institute, Karon Wright said: ‘We are delighted that Barbara Frittoli is joining us for the first time. Alongside her supreme artistry and her immense stage experience at the very top of the profession, she brings a passion for sharing her art with the next generation. The audience at our masterclass is in for a rare treat to see how she will enable our eight young artists reach new heights in performance.”

There have always been great singers who could act, but the last twenty years have seen great improvements in the education of singers in acting skills. James Garnon, with experience in the Royal Shakespeare Company and at the Globe, was one of the tutors at the Sage Masterclass in 2020 and provided imaginative and witty encouragement for the singers.  Particularly memorable was his advice to the young man singing Bottom’s aria in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to remember that his character’s encounter with Tytania was the most erotic experience of his life!

Pianist Caroline Dowdle regularly works with singers on the Samling Artists programme and is the Music Director of the Samling Academy for younger singers.  She’s been involved with the Royal Opera House’s Jette Parker programme and is Head of Opera at the Verbier Festival’s Atelier Lyrique.

Marchmont House is an eighteenth century mansion in the Scottish Borders, recently beautifully restored. The ticket price of £25 includes tea and home-made cakes with the artists and leaders in the interval. Bus transport from Berwick-upon-Tweed Railway Station is available for an additional charge. 

For tickets and further information, contact:  https://www.samling.org.uk/events/samling-in-masterclass-november-2024/