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Each training module was centred around intensive and high-level vocal coaching and repertoire development with outstanding vocal coaches such as internationally renowned opera singer and teacher, Kathryn Harries (who accepted the role as Programme Director and Principal Coach), Sharolyn Kimmorley, Terence Dennis and Catherine Norton. In addition, the singers were privileged to work with leading international language coaches, Teresa Desmarchelier (focusing on sung Italian and French) and Catrin Johnsson (German). Leading US opera director and teacher Chuck Hudson provided a five-day intensive acting and movement workshop, focusing on preparing the young singers for auditions and competitions.

In addition to the musical and artistic development, The Programme also provided working sessions with experts on essential business and personal development skills such as fund raising; media training; self-management; budgeting; marketing and social media; CV writing; stress management and motivational training; psychometric testing; personal grooming and presentation; business behaviours; finding and managing mentors.

The first four modules explored a particular aspect of the singer’s craft – repertoire development, the language of singing, acting and movement, and the business of singing. The fifth and final module concentrated on putting all of the skills together - and polishing them.

The singers worked hard during the modules, often doing three or four coaching sessions every day, in addition to the group workshop sessions. They understood and appreciated the opportunity they were given to work intensively with leading tutors. Although we don’t claim all the credit for the substantial improvement that we noticed in each singer’s performance skills over the course of the year, there is no doubt that the work they have done during The Programme has contributed to their confidence, technical and artistic skills and an impressive string of successful auditions, competitions and achievements. It has been a truly life-changing experience for the singers.

Kathryn Harries commenting at the conclusion of the 5th module said “this programme has been an unqualified success and more than fulfilled its brief – it has been a privilege working with such gifted young singers on this excellent and far-seeing project. To be so well equipped with the tools necessary to survive, never mind prosper, is invaluable at this stage in any singers’ development. I, and my colleagues, have been very careful that we should not give these young artists false hope because it is a difficult and demanding profession. However, despite there being a perceived reduction in work opportunities world-wide for singers and musicians, there really is work out there for people with exceptional voices, outstanding musicianship and artistry, who arrive thoroughly prepared, whose languages are top notch and who maintain an amiable, professional and engaged attitude. Being a good colleague has never been more important.”

“I was curious to see how far the first six Kiri Programme scholars had come since I worked with them ten months ago. I can truly say that I was astonished by the huge journeys they have all made. Their vocal techniques, their individual expressiveness and their all-round self-confidence have developed to such a degree that they have totally justified the tremendous investment made in them. We went on to work for seven consecutive days with great focus and intent on all sides and – again – the progress was remarkable. They are a very intelligent, determined and diligent group of people who ask all the right questions and who take on board everything that they are offered.”

Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation deputy chair, Diana Fenwick, says The Programme prepares to enter its second year with optimism and a sense of achievement. “We would like to thank the generous individuals and trusts that have made continuing commitments to help ensure the best possible results. They see the Foundation’s programme as a credible vehicle for investment in the future of our young singers.”

Every year the group of young singers will have different challenges and needs, and for that reason The Programme can’t be run from a cast iron template. It will have to adapt and develop around the needs of the singers we have before us.

Plans are nearly completed for 2017-18 Kiri Programme. The selected singers will be announced in the next few weeks.