The joy of performance – Felicitas’ story
We asked some of our scholars, studying at our partner Royal Schools, to share their feelings about performance and provide some tips. This week we hear from Felicitas…
What’s your name and where are you from?
My name is Felicitas Wrede and I am a classical singer from Germany.
Where are you studying? Is there a specific area of music you are most interested in?
I am currently studying at the Royal College of Music in London. I am mostly interested in opera, because it requires combining acting and singing on stage, but I am also very invested in expanding my song and concert repertoire. As a classical singer, I think it is important to keep your mind open towards all the great qualities and challenges that a variety of repertoire has to offer. It can also help to keep the voice flexible and enables you to be exposed to a wider range of performance opportunities.
How does performing make you feel and what's your most inspiring performance environment?
Performing is like flying or feeling a wave of elation rushing through me. My ideal performance environment is when all the people working together on the project are completely invested and create an environment that invites the audience to be a part of what is happening on stage.
What makes a great musical performer?
An invitation to relax and let everything go, to open the mind to new ideas and totally capture the audience. There are some important things in preparation for this: the basics (having fully studied, memorised the score and technically worked through everything), plus studying the background of each piece (information about the composer, the poet, the reason for the creation), and then finding all the clues in the composition that brings the piece to life. Following that, it is the artists job to express these ideas and start a conversation with the audience through the musical phrases. Since everyone is perceiving art differently, it should never be the goal to convince the audience of this one perspective, but to let them find their own interpretation of it.
How do you prepare for a performance?
The most important thing is time. If possible, I start to prepare for a big performance at least six weeks in advance. This gives me time to try out the pieces in rehearsals and study a lot of detail. Then there is also the opportunity to set the piece aside and let it rest, so that I can start it again with a fresh view. In the ideal case there is also a possibility to perform the concert programme in a less pressurised context.
How do you deal with nerves?
When the day of the performance is coming up and I have to deal with nerves or anxiety, I try to relax my breathing and focus on what I have prepared. I remind myself that I know exactly what I want to do with the pieces: technically, musically and in terms of the interpretation. This gives me the confidence to be able to do it. And then the last thing before starting the performance, is to step right through the anxiety and enjoy the thrilling feeling of the adrenaline.
Performance Grades are available for a wide range of instrumental and singing subjects, including jazz and musical theatre.
