On 14 March 2024, American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato gave masterclasses to students of the Dutch National Opera Academy. DNOA is a two-year master's programme for talented young opera singers and focuses on the integration of singing and acting. The programme is a collaboration between the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Royal Conservatoire The Hague. AVROTROS Klassiek was there and broadcast the masterclasses. Watch all masterclasses now and learn with the students.
Master class Sterre Decru
In the first masterclass, DiDonato works with Sterre Decru. The Belgian mezzo-soprano sings Disprezzata regina from Claudio Monteverdi's opera L'incoronazione di Poppea.
‘Joyce DiDonato is such a superstar,’ says Decru. 'She is a great role model for a lot of singers. It's someone you see in big concert halls and hear on CDs but where you never think: I'll be next to that one day.'
Masterclass Samantha Faina
In the second masterclass, DiDonato works with Samantha Faina. The Italian soprano sings Giunse alfin il momento - Deh vieni non tardar from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart' s Le nozze di Figaro.
‘When I started studying opera as a teenager, I used to watch Joyce DiDonato's master classes on YouTube,’ Faina says. 'I thought, maybe one day I can sing for her. And now that's happening. So I was overjoyed that I got to sing for her.'
Master class Rommie Rochell
In the third masterclass, DiDonato works with Rommie Rochell. The Israeli mezzo-soprano sings Cruda sorte! Amor tiranno! from Gioachino Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri.
'The biggest lesson I learnt in this master class from Joyce DiDonato? ‘She said at one point, “just shut up and sing,”’ says Rochell. It's an attitude she could benefit from. 'Because sometimes a crazy process plays out in your head. That's a battle. Sometimes you just have to shut up and sing.'
Q&A Joyce DiDonato
Finally, there was a Q&A with Joyce DiDonato. To a composer in the audience, DiDonato gives the advice: ‘Ask yourself first: what do you want the audience to feel at the end of the piece?’ She explains that this is how she composes her concerts. 'How do I want people to walk out of the theatre? What should they take home with them? I want to make you think.'
DiDonato believes classical music can change the world. ‘It will change people's lives and you have to know you have that power.’
Are you interested in the Dutch National Opera Academy? For information about the programme, visit the DNOA website or check the calendar for upcoming performances.
