A fascinating opportunity to experience legendary musicians working with some of the outstanding voices of a new generation.
Saturday 16 June
New Theatre Cardiff
11am: Brigitte Fassbaender with Juhan Tralla and Anna Viktorova
Håkan Hagegård with Jacques Imbrailo and Owen Gilhooly
Accompanist Phillip Thomas
3pm: Helmut Deutsch with Evelina Dobraceva and Helena Juntunen
John Fisher with Luciano Botelho and Julia Griniuk
Accompanist: Simon Lepper
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Weston Gallery, Anthony Hopkins Centre
12.30pm: Gundula Janowitz with Sandra Janusaite
3pm: Robert Lloyd with Ante Jerkunica
Accompanist: LlÅ·r Williams
The concept is so simple and effective. A singer in the early stages of their career offers a performance, with piano accompaniment, to a far more experienced artist - the 'master' - who will probably have sung the same aria many times in their own career.
As we look on, we notice the performance alter and improve as the singer responds to suggestions, criticism and direction.
Normally the jury are set apart from the competitors, but here they are able to get involved in the performance. They may interrupt the singer; they may suggest a different approach. Sometimes the judges are quite candid, but always positive and encouraging.
Master classes took place both in the New Theatre and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2007. They were open to all contestants who were not singing in the final.
The master classes at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama were presented as part of the Junior Music and Access activity and also included a session with a student.