Jane Eaglen masterclass

Posted by Jamie Munn on Thursday 11 November 2010

It may seem a bit odd to give a review of a masterclass, but Jane Eaglen is one of those singers whose pearls of wisdom are worth mentioning.

Eaglen is a dramatic soprano, known throughout the world for her interpretations of Wagner’s great soprano roles, singing with the world’s most prestigious opera houses, such as the Metropolitan Opera, la Scala, Covent Garden and the Deutsche Oper in Berlin, as well as in concert with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors. It was, however, in Glasgow with Scottish Opera, that she burst onto the international operatic stage, with her performances of Donna Anna, Tosca and Norma.

It is, indeed, a great coup that the RSAMD has managed to secure her as their first International Fellow in Voice, and whilst the Alexander Gibson Opera Studio wasn’t full to the brim, far more students and members of the public turned out than would usually do so for such events.

Four singers from the RSAMD’s opera programme (Natalie Montakhab, Ellen Pritchard, Jemma Brown and Nick Morris), were showcased during the public masterclass, but Eaglen had already been working with more of the students the previous day. She will return to do so – important, as both the outgoing and incumbent vocal department heads pointed out, for the continuity that a singer needs in order to flourish.

The tips and pointers that Eaglen was imparting on the students, were by no means revolutionary, but she did so in such as way, with such ease, humour and clarity, that the audible differences in performance were evident from the outset. She reminded of the importance of the voice, how it needs to be looked after, tweaked and managed to obtain the best of what these talented young singers have to offer.

We can only hope that Jane follows in the footsteps of the RSAMD’s other International Fellows and present a concert later in the season, so that Glasgow audiences can once again hear the beauty and power for which her voice has become renowned.

JM

Tags: City Centre, Classical, Opera, Singer