I heard a lot of exciting buzz about this new program. Any NFCS'ers attend? How was it?

I have heard exceedingly good things about this program and about Wendy herself. Apparently she is a wonderful person and the program is completely helpful and worthwhile.

All second hand information mind you.



Hella Tenor

Wendy's been running her New Brunswick program for nearly a decade, now. I have also heard fantastic things!!!

But there was a new program in St John's, Newfoundland this summer. I mostly just know that Jennie Matthews was meant to coach for it. Was wondering who went and how it was?

And I'm not even blond!

Hella Tenor

I attended this summer, and the buzz was correct. It was an amazing program, and St. John's is the coolest city. Having the most bars per capita in the world doesn't hurt! I got to work with Elizabeth Turnbull, and though I was intimidated at first, I learned a ton. It was the first year, so a few issues, but overall I thought it rocked. I performed a lot, and the coachings and lessons were great. They had a great IPA guy named Stephen Leigh who not only taught IPA, but Italian history, cultural background, etc. Really interesting way to approach it, for sure. Elizabeth Turnbull and Cheryl Hickman did a masterclass that was hilarious... information that you wish people would tell you, but somehow never do.

I am definitely going back next year (if I get in!), b/c they are doing two full productions with orchestra. SWEET! Rape of Lucretia and Albert Herring. And I want to work with Cynthia Hoffmann who is at Juilliard and JUDITH FORST!!! The faculty next year is just off the charts.... I just checked the website and it's Judith Yan, Tyrone Paterson, Judith Forst, Cynthia Hoffmann, Peter Strummer, Rob Herriot, Cheryl Hickman, Elizabeth Turnbull, just to name a few. JUDITH FRICKING FORST! OMG. Cannot wait.

Opera on the Avalon was simply one of the best times of my life. I am hoping to return next year as well to study with Beth, and because I would LUV to do Albert Herring. Not to mention the faculty looks stunning. Here's a link to the web site. www.operaontheavalon.com.

Quite the spread of response between here and some other folks I've spoken with personally.

Clearly a somewhat divisive experience... I heard that it was 16 yr olds right up to singers in their 30's who are establishing careers. I can't help but thing that sounds like an awful lot to bit off, but I wasn't there.

I think I'll watch this one for a while!