Description:
One of the most terrifying events we ever face as singers is our first audition or live performance. Suddenly we have to stand on our own in unfamiliar surroundings and deliver with no help from teachers, friends and family. This practical workshop is designed for anyone preparing to audition or perform. It will focus on presentation and interpretation, stage presence, managing nerves, breathing and simple tips to make any audition an opportunity to shine rather than an occasion to be dreaded. Participants will be accompanied, and will have the chance to perform to a small, informal audience at the end of each class. Individual tuition and coaching support is also available, please contact Art Sawa for details.

Clare Lesser studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, Birmingham University and Birmingham Conservatoire. Then, at the University of Sussex, she completed groundbreaking research on the music of B.A. Zimmermann. She specializes in the performance of 20th and 21st century music, and has collaborated with many composers on new works, giving over fifty premieres. She has recorded Lieder by Wolfgang Rihm, chamber music by Richard Emsley, the works for solo soprano and soprano with instrumental trio by Michael Finnissy, and many other contemporary classics. She has performed throughout Europe, including at the Edinburgh and Avignon International Festivals. She was nominated for the Royal Philharmonic Society Singing Award in 2003.