The Master Class conducted by Carlo Rizzi (Music Director of Welsh National Opera, 2004-2007) at Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD) on Sunday 21st October was a resounding success. The concert hall was full to capacity and all listened with rapt attention as Maestro Rizzi, added perfection to already near perfect performances by five students of GSMD's Opera Course.

Daire Halpin, soprano, sang Adele’s ‘audition’ aria from Die Fledermaus
Lukas Kargl, baritone, sang ‘Avant de quitter ces lieux’ from Faust
Sarah Power, soprano, sang ‘Deh vieni, non tardar’ from Le nozze di Figaro
Amar Muchhala, tenor, sang the ‘Povero Ernesto’ recitative and aria from Don Pasquale
Lisa Wilson, soprano, sang ‘Come scoglio’ from Cosi fan Tutte

Ana-Maria Dafova-Leather, Robert Gurvitz, Anne Larlee and Qin Wencheng accompanied them on the piano.

Maestro Rizzi listened attentively to each singer and then worked through their chosen piece giving much advice on breathing, vowel sounds and production and all aspects of their performance. He was kind, generous and humorous, setting the singers at their ease and giving them the benefit of his ideas and experience, with many amusing asides to the audience.

He was always friendly and courteous to the accompanists, often turning pages for them, mostly at the right point (‘Everyone makes mistakes’, he said)

The afternoon was a delight for the audience and a very good experience for the young singers. British Friends extends warmest thanks to Carlo Rizzi for giving so generously of his time and for providing such wonderful entertainment.