Read the original article: www.roh.org.uk
Following a rigorous audition process, five new singers have been selected to join the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme in September 2014.
Australian soprano Lauren Fagan, Australian baritone Samuel Johnson, British bass James Platt, Australian tenor Samuel Sakker and Ukrainian baritone Yuriy Yurchuk were selected from over 390 applicants in 58 countries to join the Programme.
The audition process comprised three rounds; the 12 finalists passed two panel auditions and a one-to-one coaching session with JPYA Artistic Director David Gowland, before singing on the Main Stage in front of a panel that included Music Director Antonio Pappano and Director of The Royal Opera Kasper Holten.
The Jette Parker Young Artists work as salaried members of The Royal Opera for a two-year period, during which time they perform in a variety of main stage productions, concerts and recitals, as well as covering lead roles. They also receive coaching in all opera disciplines, including role interpretation, language and stagecraft. Former Jette Parker Young Artists include Marina Poplavskaya, Elisabeth Meister and Matthew Rose. At the end each year, their work is showcased in a JPYA Summer Performance.