Albert Herring

This summer I took part in Samling Academy’s first opera production – Albert Herring. I was truly privileged to be able to take part in this, performing alongside not only some of the North East’s most talented young classical singers but working too alongside Samling scholars James Baillieu, Johnny Herford and Miranda Wright (who is also my teacher).

One thing that I absolutely love is watching how my fellow singers progress. Normally this happens every couple of months or more when I perhaps see them in a masterclass or concert and notice some improvement, but in the case of this project it was amazing to see just how far everyone developed in the space of two weeks. I will miss everyone a lot and can’t wait for October which is the next Samling Academy course when I will see most of them again.

Personally I had my own problems to deal with, taking care of a delicate voice after several weeks of coughing and though I coped and got through it fine it has made me realise that perhaps I should be taking better care of myself in general to prevent these things happening.

I’m sure I’ll think of more things about this experience in the future – it was such a big project that there is a lot to talk about – but I will leave it there for now.