In Opera & Classical Singing

The MasterClass is an opportunity to receive expert tuition in a kinder, interactive, professional environment from a highly esteemed member of the profession.

The concept of a ‘master class’ can be traced directly back to the celebrated pianist and composer Franz Liszt, who is credited for developing the format in the late 1900s. Masterclasses have gone on to become a staple of classical music education in the ensuing decades.
In simple terms, a masterclass is a dynamic learning session that features students of an advanced level of ability, together in one room, each performing a particular piece and being guided in their performance by a master musician. The student is then usually expected to play the piece again, in light of the Master’s comments.
The value of the masterclass format is that all students present can benefit from the Master’s comments on each piece. Masterclasses for singing tend to focus on the finer details of attack, tone, phrasing, and emotion.
Just as master craftsmen pass on their knowledge from generation to generation by taking on young apprentices, great musicians ensure that their knowledge will not be lost by passing it on to a new generation of artists. Classical music continues to grow, develop, evolve and thrive through this unbroken chain of the master/student relationship.

Notable Masters

The MasterClass has featured notable teachers and performers including Lisa Gasteen AO, Jeffrey Black, David Harper, Emma Matthews, Linnhe Robertson, Barbara Frittoli, Catrin Johnsson, Noëmi Terracini-Nadelmann and, in 2022 Graham Pushee and Nicole Dorigo. The success of the MasterClass is rooted in the very high quality and reputation of the Master and accompanist.
By opening our MasterClass to the public, we provide a rare educational opportunity to members of the public, schoolchildren and their teachers.

Archives
2024 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME
IN 2024, THE ASC WAS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME ACCLAIMED SOPRANO NATALIE AROYAN.

Featuring our 2024 Finalists in a public MasterClass with Natalie Aroyan, and accompanist Bradley Gilchrist.

The 12th ASC MasterClass was held at the Opera Centre, at 480 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010. The MasterClass featured Natalie working with each of the 5 Finalists. Natalie guided the Finalists through the intricate art of performance. She emphasized the importance of emotional connection, encouraging the singers to fully inhabit their characters. The session culminated in individual performances, where she provided personalized feedback, inspiring each singer to embrace their individuality while honing their technical skills.

2023 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME
The 2023 MasterClass was cancelled.

2022 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME
IN 2019, THE ASC WAS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME ACCLAIMED COUNTERTENOR AND ARTIST MANAGER, GRAHAM PUSHEE, AND LAUDED LANGUAGE COACH, NICOLE DORIGO AS OUR ‘MAESTRI'.

Featuring our 2022 Finalists in a public MasterClass with Graham Pushee and Nicole Dorigo, and accompanist Bradley Gilchrist.

The 11th ASC MasterClass saw us in a new venue, The Church, provided by sponsor Phoenix Central Park / the Neilson Family. The MasterClass featured two maestri working with each of the 5 Finalists. Graham mentored the Finalists on the text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, and Nicole mentored each of the Finalists on performing classical and opera songs in Italian and German. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Maestri works with one person at a time.

2019 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME
In 2019, the ASC was delighted to welcome acclaimed opera and classical singing performer, Noëmi Nadelmann as our ‘Master’.

Featuring our 2019 Finalists in a public MasterClass with Noëmi Nadelmann and accompanist David Harper.

The tenth ASC MasterClass will provide the opportunity for 5 selected Finalists to receive one-on-one expert tuition from a seasoned professional performer. Each singer will perform parts of the two arias they've selected to present at the Finals concert, and be mentored on text, technical, language, the emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Master works with one singer at a time.

2018 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

Featuring our 2018 Finalists in a public MasterClass with Linnhe Robertson and accompanist David Harper.

Our MasterClass is an opportunity for 5 selected Finalists to receive one-on-one expert tuition from a seasoned professional performer. Each singer will perform part of an aria and be mentored on text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Master works with one person at a time.

2017 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

In its eighth year, our MasterClass is an opportunity for 5 selected Finalists to receive one-on-one expert tuition from a seasoned professional performer.

Each singer will perform part of an aria and be mentored on text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Master works with one person at a time.

The MasterClass provides an intimate and unique window of experience into this most wonderful of artforms.

2016 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

Featuring our 2016 Finalists in a public MasterClass with Barbara Fritolli and accompanist David Harper.

Approximately 2.5 hours.

Now in its seventh year, our MasterClass is an opportunity for 5 selected Finalists to receive one-on-one expert tuition from a seasoned professional performer. Each singer will perform part of an aria and be mentored on text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Master works with one person at a time.

The MasterClass provides an intimate and unique window of experience into this most wonderful of art forms.

2015 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

Featuring our 2015 Finalists in a public MasterClass with Linnhe Robertson and accompanist David Harper.

Approximately 2.5 hours.

Now in its sixth year, our MasterClass is an opportunity for 5 selected Finalists to receive one-on-one expert tuition from a seasoned professional performer. Each singer will perform part of an aria and be mentored on text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Master works with one person at a time.

The MasterClass provides an intimate and unique window of experience into this most wonderful of art forms.

2014 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

Featuring our 2014 Finalists in a public MasterClass with baritone Jeffrey Black and accompanist David Harper.

Approximately 2.5 hours.

Now in its fifth year, our MasterClass is the opportunity for the five selected Finalists to receive one-on-one expert tuition from a seasoned professional performer. Each singer will perform part of an aria and be mentored on text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Master works with one person at a time. The MasterClass provides an intimate and unique window of experience into this most wonderful of art forms.

2013 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

Featuring our 2013 Finalists in a public MasterClass with soprano Emma Matthews and accompanist David Harper.

Approximately 2.5 hours.

Now in its fourth year, our MasterClass is the opportunity for 5 selected Finalists to receive one-on-one expert tuition from a seasoned professional performer. Each singer will perform part of an aria and be mentored on text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Master works with one person at a time. The MasterClass provides an intimate and unique opportunity to experience this most wonderful of art forms.

2012 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

Featuring our 2012 Finalists in a public MasterClass with baritone Jeffrey Black and accompanist David Harper.

Approximately 2.5 hours.

Now in its third year, our MasterClass is the opportunity for 5 selected Finalists to receive one-on-one expert tuition from a seasoned professional performer. Each singer will perform part of an aria and be mentored on text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and fellow Finalists watch and listen as the Master works with one person at a time. The MasterClass provides an intimate and unique window of experience into this most wonderful of art forms.

2011 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

Featuring our 2011 Finalists in a public MasterClass with Bernadette Cullen, one of Australia's foremost mezzo sopranos.

Approximately 2.5 hours.

The singers will perform part of their aria and will be mentored on text, technical and emotional aspects of their performance, technique and lyrical interpretation. The audience and the singers watch and listen as the Master works with one person at a time. The singer may then have the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skills. Aspiring opera singers and their teachers consider the MasterClass to be one of the most effective means of development.

2010 MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME
INAUGURAL MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

"Imagine having Lisa Gasteen individually mentor you on the technical and emotional aspects of your performance with David Harper as your accompanist, because that’s what these young singers are about to experience."

Richard Bonynge AO, CBE

Lisa Gasteen AO, National Adjudicator and internationally acclaimed soprano will personally mentor these young singers who will also have the privilege to be accompanied by the renown répétiteur and vocal coach, David Harper. After obtaining valuable insights into their performances from participating in the MasterClass, these five talented singers will take that advice Finals Concert of the Australian Singing Competition.