World-renowned Opera Star Teaches Master Class
October 26, 2009
Opera star Barbara Dever addresses Rowan voice majors
For starry-eyed hopefuls to the world of big-time opera, this was a dream come true.
Mezzo Soprano Barbara Dever, long-time star of the New York Metropolitan Opera and co-star to such operatic legends as Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo, held a master class for Rowan University voice majors October 21 in Boyd Recital Hall.
Robust, lively and personable, Dever, who lives in nearby Pitman, not only filled the hall with her own voice and presence, she coached students on how they can too. Welcoming a half dozen Rowan voice majors up onto the stage, she watched and listened as the students sang, periodically stopped their performances to instruct, and hugged each singer when they were through.
Addressing several dozen students, Dever said as they pursue a career in music they must constantly hone and refine their presence, their polish and their performance.
Dever listens as senior Siiyara
Nelson performs
Dever, who received an honorary doctorate during Rowan’s 2009 commencement ceremony, is a bona fide diva – a celebrated opera star – who has performed the world over.
“Trust those around you – your teachers, your mentors,” she said. “Whatever your most artistic level is today, hopefully there will be more of that tomorrow.”
Dever urged students to listen to and watch the world’ great performers for inspiration and insight on how to become great themselves.
“Try to discern what is that wonderful thing in their performances that is coming through,” she said.
Senior Siiyara Nelson, 22, performed Adieu Notre Petite Table from the French opera “Manon,” and said Dever’s instruction on focusing the sound of her voice was particularly helpful.
Dever advises Nelson on perfecting her performance.
“It’s something I can translate to my opera and my jazz,” said Nelson, a vocal performance major from Willingboro.
Sophomore Corrie-Rose Recchia, who sang In uomini, in soldati from Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” said Dever’s feedback for vocal and dramatic effect was invaluable.
“She taught me about getting into character and it was amazing,” said Recchia, 20, a vocal performance major from Ocean Township. “It was a great experience.”
