Audition Workshop NEUE STIMMEN 2009 in Detmold
At the invitation of Bertelsmann Stiftung, seven young singers participated in a five-day NEUE STIMMEN audition workshop held at Detmold College of Music from July 11 to 15, 2009.
In intensive individual and group sessions, the participants worked with John Norris, Jörg Fallheier and Manuel Lange on the interpretation and musical performance of an operatic aria and learned more about how to present themselves to best advantage in an audition situation. The workshop also included an advisory session with Boris Orlob of the Boris Orlob Management agency, which offered practical tips on preparing professional application materials, dealing with agencies, contract law, theater practices and other subjects of interest for a professional singing career.
Over the past few years, it has become increasingly evident as early as the preliminary rounds of the NEUE STIMMEN competition that many young singers are inadequately prepared for the practical demands of their chosen profession. This is largely because the requirements of the job market have increased dramatically over the past ten years, while music schools have not always been able to adjust accordingly. Because music schools are expected to cover such a wide range of material, they are often unable to devote sufficient attention to preparing students for theater engagements and acquainting them with important aspects of the job market. A study conducted by the Institute for Research on Musical Ability at the University of Paderborn as well as numerous discussions with voice instructors, professors and agents have clearly shown that there is an urgent need for action in this area.
The dates of the next NEUE STIMMEN audition workshop and the conditions for participation will be announced on our website early in 2010.
