Curated by renowned mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught

Drogheda Classical Music invites applications from singers to participate in the second edition of Celebrating the Voice, a programme of masterclasses designed to equip classical singers with the tools they need to succeed in a challenging industry. 

Led by the internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught, the classes will take place in St. Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda from Thursday, 26 to Sunday 29 January 2023. 

This is the only independent venture of its kind in Ireland, and offers the opportunity for singers to learn performance skills, audition techniques, financial skills, caring for vocal health, along with industry insights and tools. The events of the weekend are open to the public. 

Whether you are a professional singer, a member of your Iocal choir, or you simply wish to improve your voice, you are welcome to observe all sessions of Celebrating the Voice.

Participating singers will present a varied programme of songs from all over the world in a recital of art songs on Saturday evening. This concert will also feature a performance by internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Angela Brower, whose voice has been described by the New York Times as “plush, full sound, yet also youthful brightness”.

Celebrating the Voice will draw to a spectacular close on Sunday evening in an Opera Gala. This celebratory concert will feature arias which the singers have worked on in the masterclasses, and will include pianists Dearbhla Collins and Morgane Fauchois-Prado at two pianos, and a special performance by Tara Erraught.

Celebrating the Voice presents a splendid panel of expert guests. 

Joining Tara Erraught will be: Pianist and Artistic Advisor Dearbhla Collins; opera and recital singer Angela Brower; Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, Dr Paul Kwak from New York; Morgane Fauchois-Prado, pianist and language coach; Andreas Massow, Senior Arts Manager and former casting director at Bayerische Staatsoper, Jonathan Friend, Artistic Adviser at New York’s Metropolitan Opera; Gaby Smyth, financial and tax consultant specialising in literary, music, film and theatre, and Liz Nolan, presenter and broadcaster at RTÉ lyric fm.

Singers who have completed an undergraduate degree in vocal studies, or who are pursuing a Masters’ degree, a career in opera or concert recital can now apply for a place on Celebrating the Voice.

Applications for Celebrating the Voice can be made online at: www.droghedaclassicalmusic.com. The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 14 December 2022.

All events take place in St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda unless otherwise stated. Individual Concert Tickets are €20 (€18 conc.) with a Weekend Ticket for €50.  Masterclasses and talks can be purchased in advance. 

Booking through Droichead Arts Centre on 041 9833946 or www.droichead.com with further information available from www.droghedaclassicalmusic.com 

The Series is funded by the Arts Council and Louth County Council and run in partnership with Droichead Arts Centre with sponsorship from WhitelightEvents and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.