Jette Parker Young Artists past and present perform on Main Stage
Production of Il viaggio a Reims celebrates 10th Anniversary Summer Performance.
Jette Parker Young Artists take to the main stage tonight (19 July) in a special gala concert to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Young Artists’ first summer performance in 2002.
Former Young Artists will join existing members of the programme on the main stage in a concert performance of Rossini’s comic opera Il viaggio a Reims, a work distinguished by its demanding vocals and quirky cast of characters. The piece provides the perfect showcase for the rising stars.
The Former Young Artists returning for the occasion are Daniele Rustioni (2008/9), Marina Poplavskaya (2005/7), Ailish Tynan (2002/4), Kai Rüütel (2009/11), Edgaras Montvidas (2001/3), Jacques Imbrailo (2006/8), Kostas Smoriginas (2007/9), Lukas Jakobski (2009/11) and Matthew Rose (2003/5).
The programme, which has welcomed singers, music staff and stage directors from 27 nationalities since its inception in 2001, is designed to nurture and support gifted artists at the start of their career. Artists work as salaried members of The Royal Opera for two years and receive training in all aspects of performance.
Find out more about a day in the life of a Jette Parker Young Artist with Madeleine Pierard, who will be singing the role of La Contessa di Folleville in tonight’s performance.
Places on the programme are hotly contested, and only half a dozen artists are accepted each year.
Artistic Director David explains:
“ I have been involved with the Programme since before it started as I was on the panel for the auditions for the very first intake. I am incredibly proud of the status it has achieved over the years, all the 75 Young Artists who have been through the Programme, and its many successful Linbury and summer performances.”
The new intake for the 2012/13 season includes singers Dušica Bijelić, David Butt Philip, Michel de Souza and Ashley Riches; conductor/répétiteurs Michele Gamba and Paul Wingfield; and ballet pianist Helen Nicholas.
Find out more about the programme from former Young Artists. You can also listen to a performance by former Young Artists Kai Rüütel and Edgaras Montvidas on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune.
