Wilin 2009 Spring Intensive

Unique Opportunity for Indigenous Singers

The Wilin Centre announces its second annual Spring Intensive Course for Indigenous singers who have experience or show promise in the area of classical vocal music.

The Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development in partnership with Short Black Productions is pleased to present the 2009 Spring Intensive Course as part of its ongoing Indigenous Talent Identification Programme.

The 2009 Spring Intensive coincides with the creation of Pecan Summer, Australia’s first Indigenous opera by written and composed by Deborah Cheetham.

This year the Spring Intensive Programme will run from the 14th to 24th of September at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne and then on tour in Moama/Shepparton. Up to 8 places will be made available to Indigenous singers who show promise in the genre of classical vocal music.

Students will spend ten days working with a team of professionals who lead the field in their area of expertise including; Deborah Cheetham - Indigenous soprano and creator of Pecan Summer; Anna Connolly - Soprano and Head of Voice at the VCA; Stephen Grant – Bass Baritone, Director e21 and lecturer of voice at the VCA; Dr. David Kram - internationally acclaimed conductor and head of opera at the VCA. Guest staff for our 2008 programme includes Jonathon Welch - Australian of the Year (Local Hero), Tenor and Founding Director of The Choir of Hard Knocks; Mezzo Soprano Linda Barcan; Lyric Mezzo Karen Cummings; Choreographer Steven McTaggart and Melbourne based vocal coaches Dean Skye-Lucas and Toni Lalich and Yorta Yorta language coach Mark Thompson.

Entry is by audition. Applicants may audition in person at the national workshops or submit their audition by CD, DVD, MP3 or You Tube link. The deadline for postal applications 3rd August 2009.

Workshops and Audition and Applications dates

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with the on going development and ultimate staging of this ground-breaking production.

For applications forms and further information email Deborah Cheetham at cheed@unimelb.edu.au or call on 03 9685 9327