WAAPA's International Art Song Academy: Learning From The Best

Accompanist and coach par excellence Dr Graham Johnson returns to the WAAPA International Art Song Academy 2017 to lead a week of master classes on the songs of Hugo Wolf and Franz Schubert.

The Academy commences at the beginning of July and culminates in a Gala Concert at Perth’s Government House Ballroom on 16 July.

Now in its fourth year, the WAAPA International Art Song Academy (WIASA) offers young singers and pianists an outstanding opportunity to develop their training and performance of art song through the mentorship and guidance of internationally renowned visiting artists.

WIASA participants will be guided by the wisdom, insight and musicianship of two of Britain’s finest exponents of art song: Dr Graham Johnson OBE and Dennis O’Neill CBE, Master Teachers who are renowned for their excellence as performers and pedagogues.

In 2017 WAAPA are delighted to welcome internationally renowned tenor Dennis O’Neill CBE, who will lend his expertise in the performance of Italian songs: Verdi, Donizetti, Bellini and more. Born in Wales, Dennis O'Neill has enjoyed a long career as one of the world’s leading operatic tenors appearing in principal roles with all the major opera companies of the world. Asa recitalist he appeared throughout Britain, Europe, North and South America, Russia and Australia.

Specialising in the stage works of Verdi, he sang twenty-one Verdi roles and was awarded the 2005 Verdi Medal by the Amici di Verdi in recognition of his work. Dennis O’Neill is now the Director of the Cardiff International Academy of Voice, Wales.

Singers and pianists are invited to apply to be active participants. Teachers, students and music lovers of all kinds are welcome to attend as observers.

During the week-long Art Song Academy there will be two performances that the general public can attend: the Participant Showcase and the Gala Concert. The showcase will be a fun and relaxed variety evening of songs and arias performed by singers and pianists, and the gala will put the spotlight on selected performers from the academy.

The WIASA takes place from 11-16 July, the showcase plays on 15 July and the gala is on at Government House Ballroom on 16 July.