A rising star Edward Laurenson reports on his first term at the Guildhall School of Music Over recent years this magazine has profiled a number of rising opera stars who have been selected for the Freemasons Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist Programme. One of these was Edward Laurenson whose profile appeared in the September 2012 issue. He has now completed his first term at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music in London.
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dward completed a Bachelor of Commerce double majoring in Information Systems and Operations and Supply Chain Management and an Honours Degree in the latter at the University of Auckland. While a student at Auckland Grammar Edward sang with the Barbershop Chorus and Quartet, played the saxophone with the Concert Band, and sang in his first production, as Marius in Les Miserables. He went on to sing in a subsequent range of productions and enjoyed success in several vocal competitions. Edward has written about his first term in London and the following is a summary of his comments. ‘The first few weeks in London were hectic as they were packed with induction lectures, international student events and meetings, career advice, various registrations, talks, tours, rehearsals and even auditions! I began to wonder whether I needed accommodation, as it felt like I was effectively living at the school. The layout of the school took me a while to navigate, as it is quite a uniquely structured facility. I found myself constantly asking for directions from other students, only to find most of them equally uncertain. By walking to and from school instead
The Barbican Centre with the Guildhall School of Music on the right.
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of taking the bus, I was able to cover the monthly cost of a gym membership by using the funds I had budgeted for my transportation. I think this feels like a ‘chop your own wood and it will warm you twice’ scenario. I am definitely much fitter because of it, and know all the little shortcuts around the Barbican! During the orientation time I met many talented musicians and was able to make numerous new friends from all around the world. Many of them are very accomplished in their respective disciplines. I am learning so much from them and have the greatest respect for their work ethic and dedication. The quality of teaching at the Guildhall has been excellent. The faculty takes a holistic approach when training their students in performance. The faculty consists of world-leading specialists from each of the areas involved in putting together a truly first-class performance. The intercommunication within the faculty is evident. It is clear that they focus on working as a team to ensure the students are developing all the aspects required to prepare and deliver a strong and well-rounded performance, rather than one entirely based on voice. I have been fortunate in having a number of opportunities throughout the
Edward Laurenson.
first term, both inside and outside the school. Highlights have been performing in Verdi’s Requiem at the Barbican; being selected to sing in a Master class in front of the school with Amanda Roocroft; and performing the role of Guglielmo in the Act I finale from Mozart’s ‘Così fan tutte’ at the Guildhall’s Open Day. I was invited to perform at West Green House, an 18th-century country house at West Green in Hartley Wintney in the English county of Hampshire. The house is famous for its fabulous gardens and summer season of opera. The setting was stunning and I was able to learn so much over the intense weekend of public and private Master classes. I will be returning to New Zealand in April to perform the role of the Baritone Soloist in the German Requiem by Brahms at the Auckland Town Hall on 12 April. I am very much looking forward to this opportunity, as the Soprano Soloist will be Patricia Wright, somebody whom I greatly admire. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every one of my sponsors. Your generous support has given me this incredible opportunity to advance my operatic singing career; without this it would not be possible for me to stay in London and study at such a wonderful institution like the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.’ WBro Morris Robertson