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In this month's In Conversation With... we are joined by the wonderful Peter Savidge, celebrated baritone, professor at the Royal College of Music and one of our mentors! In this edition, Peter gives his advice to young singers as well as his thoughts on the industry at present and discusses what qualities he admires in singers.
Why did you want to join SR as a mentor?
When things go wrong, the singing profession can be a very lonely place to be. There are ladders to climb but also so many unexpected snakes down which to slide. I would have been grateful at times during my performing career to be able to reach out for independent and ‘without prejudice’ support, which is what SR provides.
What are your thoughts on the singing profession at the moment?
It’s a worrying time for young singers, established ones too. Economic and political uncertainty are widespread. But unlike many artistic professions threatened by the development of AI, live performance will survive and may even flourish.
What advice do you have for young singers?
Detailed preparation is all. There are so many online shortcuts enticing the student nowadays. I had a student who, instead of watching YouTube clips of singers on his phone, had his sound perception totally changed by discovering vinyl. Patience was never more needed than now. I would encourage young singers to widen their knowledge of their art and to educate themselves as broadly as possible. Go to the theatre and concert hall. Watch actors. Don’t be narrow in your musical tastes. Versatility will open doors!
Who is your favourite singer and why?
Impossible question! So many different aspects to admire and rarely gathered together in one artist - beauty of tone, imagination, story-telling, technical prowess, stamina, clarity. In the end, I’m looking for honesty, the power to move, emotional truth unencumbered by obvious technique, and sometimes those qualities can be glimpsed at moments in colleagues’ onstage performances, which is wonderful.
What is your most memorable moment on stage?
Götterdämmerung Act 2 Scene 4 - playing Gunther in the false wedding scene. The ultimate impostor syndrome moment. Accepting the deafening, thrilling acclamation of the chorus and deserving none of it.
What one piece of music would you keep on repeat?
Hélène Grimaud playing the Bach-Busoni Chaconne.
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In this month's In Conversation With... we are joined by our mentor and renowned mezzo-soprano, Marta Fontanals-Simmons. In this edition, Marta reflects on her work with new opera productions, gives her thoughts on preparation and collaboration and looks back on her most memorable moments on stage.
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