By Patrick Owston – Samling Academy singer.
As a first-time participant on the Samling Academy programme – and with the Samling Academy concert at the Sage Gateshead quickly approaching – I cannot describe my excitement for what looks to be yet another incredible weekend of singing and learning. Since taking part in the Academy ‘Development Weekend’ back in March, my thought processes when approaching a piece of music have completely changed. The Samling Academy Leaders have so far been brilliant in helping me to realise the true meaning of the pieces I perform, allowing me to really bring a piece to life and actually perform it, rather than simply singing it through.
The workshop format of the weekends has meant that I have also had the chance to listen to, and work with, many other young singers who often have tips of their own. Although brief, the 20 minute slots that each singer is allocated per session allow the Leaders to completely transform a piece. Being able to hear this happening in my own performance and in the performance of others is a really rewarding experience and I look forward to hearing the finished product at the concert this coming Sunday. Samling has given me a renewed enthusiasm and passion for performance and, looking forward, I can’t wait to see what the future will hold.
Tickets for the Samling Academy Concert 2016 have sold out, but please contact Sage Gateshead if you would like to join their waiting list.