An innovative symposium, which took place at Leeds Conservatoire, explored in detail the crossover between opera and musical theatre and how the two genres can learn from one another.
Lesley Garrett CBE at Leeds Conservatoire. Photo credit throughout: Ian Hodgson
Hosted collaboratively by the conservatoire, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and Revere Arts, the event followed on from previous roundtable discussions initiated by Royal Central, led by Lesley Garrett CBE, Britain’s best-known soprano with a successful career spanning over 30 years.
The symposium started with a masterclass and workshop for students on musical theatre and classical courses at Leeds Conservatoire and Royal Central. Led by Lesley Garrett CBE, who is also a Leeds Conservatoire Patron, the session saw emerging talent from both institutions perform, as Lesley listened, and receive expert advice.
Pictured left to right: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama CEO and Principal Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, Lesley Garrett CBE, Leeds Conservatoire Principal Professor Joe Wilson
Students then joined professionals and educators, from across opera and musical theatre, to discuss how these worlds can learn from one another - exploring vocal technique and teaching, barriers to access for audiences and performers, perception of opera and musical theatre and developing new writing across both genres.
A range of speakers shared thoughts on cross-genre collaboration to spark conversation. These were Lesley Garrett CBE, Hannah Griffiths of Opera Europa, Royal Central’s CEO and Principal Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, plus Leeds Conservatoire Principal Professor Joe Wilson.
Reflecting on the day’s proceedings, Professor Wilson shared the following:
“To see people from across opera and musical theatre come together at the conservatoire to discuss removing barriers, rethinking perceptions, training the next generation, and encouraging new collaborative writing was inspiring.
“In addition, having someone of Lesley’s calibre, with a longstanding career in the industry, impart their wisdom and give practical advice was an invaluable experience for students. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”
Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE commented:
“Royal Central and I started a conversation with Lesley, asking the question of the relationship between opera and musical theatre. It was a delight and hugely insightful to bring that question to life with a meeting of our students, colleagues from the sector and those from Leeds Conservatoire. Leeds Conservatoire is the ideal partner both for our shared questioning, values and our student talent - and we look forward to continuing this work in the future, bringing musical theatre and opera to life.”
