University News Last updated 11 March
Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Performance graduate Henry Reavey will hone his skills as a répétiteur on the Young Artists’ Programme at the National Opera Studio.
This annual programme, delivered in collaboration with six opera companies, accepts a maximum of 12 singers and four répétiteurs each year. The course, which is nine months long, is designed to provide young artists with all the necessary skills to progress their careers.
Henry will commence the course in August 2025. The programme will develop his operatic repertoire, refine his skills as a répétiteur and teach him to replicate the sound of an orchestra with his playing.
The application process was highly competitive. To secure his place, Henry made his mark in two auditions in which he had to prepare scenes from contrasting operas with multiple characters, play the piano reduction, sight read and sign in the vocal lines.
Henry described the auditions as, “challenging, testing every aspect of being a répétiteur”. To best highlight his skill, he chose the Act IV Finale from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and the opening scenes of Strauss’ Salome in the first round of auditions, and a Mozart recitative and Verdi duet were selected by the Studio for the second.
Henry said: “I am excited for my year at the National Opera Studio. One of the most exciting aspects of the programme is the opportunity to work and perform at national opera houses in the UK on residencies. Not only will it be exciting to be involved in projects at these top opera houses, but it will also be a great way to make more connections as I seek to embark on a career.
“Beyond the Studio, I plan to audition for répétiteur work within the UK and seek out the connections I have made already and the new ones I will build in my year at the Studio. My time at RBC helped me to grow so much as a pianist and musician, and I have many fond memories of performances and projects I was a part of.”
Senior Lecturer in Keyboard Daniel Browell said: “Henry is a great example of how our course allows a student to explore different strands of the music profession, when perhaps they don’t quite know how to make the transition into professional life. It became clear that Henry’s obvious affinity for working with singers and love of the repertoire meant that the skills of répétiteur beckoned. Working with Head of Vocal Studies Paul Wingfield and his team in the Vocal Department, after a grounding in piano performance, we are delighted to see his potential realised. We are thrilled for Henry and his success.”