Andrew Conley, music graduate of Auckland University, wrote at our invitation about life in London at the Royal College of Music. He remarked that his mother, in particular, thought it was time that he wrote to us and we are grateful to her...
Hello again from a very wintry UK. A new year, new challenges, new expectations, new goals, and looking forward to a new (married) life! This is going to be a big year, and likely a hard one, as my fiancée Amber and I try to keep our heads above water while I study. It’s going to be a fantastic year, with our wedding in April, and the chance to see friends and family during a period of pure celebration.
Amber and I spent Christmas in New Zealand this year, and we finalised wedding arrangements. It was great to be home, but the weather certainly didn’t give us a warm welcome!
New Year was spent in Prague, and what a stunning city, the beauty of the place is overwhelming. We even found the house that Mozart lived in during his time in Prague, known as Bertramka, and we visited the historic theatre in which the premiere of Don Giovanni took place. The narrow streets, cobbled lanes, beautiful bridges and gothic spires give the city a distinct silhouette and shape, and hint at the way much of the rest of Europe may have been, had the bombs of the Second World War not scarred and destroyed so much of it.
I’m getting back to study; I feel refreshed, revived. The course at the Royal College is going very well. I am in my first year of study at the International Opera School and I am thrilled with the standard of professors, conductors, directors and repetiteurs here.
Last month I played Junius in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia at the RCM. The rehearsal period was tough, but I think we all got a lot out of the experience. The opera itself is a gut-wrenching affair, and the subject matter is of course pretty hard going, so it’s not surprising that there were a few tears along the way. The assessment panel was very happy with my work, giving me a high mark, with distinction, and commenting very positively on my progress.
I am currently trying to raise funds to support my final year at the RCM (2005/06); it is difficult to apply through many of the British institutions, as many of them disqualify a student who has been in the UK for less than 3 years (which includes me). I am trying hard to find work, but I’m going to need some help in order to stay at the college.
The next big things on my plate are an upcoming opera scene and Guglielmo in Così fan tutte at the RCM, which comes up in a few months. Next Thursday, the International Opera School at the RCM is putting on its first round of scenes, and I will be playing Papageno in a scene from the end of The Magic Flute. This is a role that I feel particularly suited to, so I am glad to be given the chance to try it out in the college environment. John Copley is directing the scenes.
I have also entered the Royal Overseas League Competitions, and the first round of these is at the end of February. Today I auditioned for British Youth Opera at their studio in Putney; it went well.
Amber and I make it to Covent Garden to see the opera as often as possible. Judging by the pile of bright red programmes, we have been to eleven operas and one ballet. Highlights among these have been the buzzing opening night of Sweeney Todd, Juan Diego Florez in Don Pasquale (absolutely stunning), Sir Thomas Allen in Così fan tutte, a sumptuous Der Rosenkavalier starring Felicity Lott as the Marschallin, and Jose Cura and Denyce Graves thrilling as Samson and Delilah. It’s an amazing place, and I love it.
I am cycling to college every day now, even in the cold, as I can be there within 30 minutes, and while it keeps me fit, it also means I save money on travel. It’s also very pretty riding through Hyde Park on still, clear mornings.
If anyone wishes to contact me, my website is www.andrewconley.com where I am attempting to keep a regular journal as well. My deepest thanks to all of my sponsors in New Zealand, and look forward to seeing more familiar faces in the pages of the Opera News.
