Anna Heywood

‘Prior to Glyndebourne Academy I was having weekly singing lessons and attending the Scottish Opera Connect chorus. I was also a part of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus and several choirs in school. I did both my singing and violin grade 8 before I applied to Glyndebourne Academy and had experience with the Junior Conservatoire at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for a few years.’

‘Having always dreamed about visiting Glyndebourne I jumped at the chance to audition. For me, Glyndebourne was an amazing, almost magical place that I only dreamed about going to, let alone sing at. Living in Scotland, it’s hard for me to travel down south due to commitments with school, university and work, so being able to attend Glyndebourne Academy was an incredible, life-changing opportunity.’

‘I took away many things from my Glyndebourne Academy experience. I learned a lot about how the music, text and characterisation all come together in one aria. Musically, I learned the importance of vocal health and the need for a solid singing technique. Regarding the text, Italian is a tricky language and it is important to fully understand what you are singing so that you can translate this into acting and characterisation. Overall, one of the most important things I learned was confidence. I feel a lot more secure and comfortable as a performer and this has purely come about due to the lovely and safe environment the Academy possesses.’

‘The programme has been a life changing experience. I have been challenged and inspired in so many different ways. I have also met incredible people along the way who share my passion for music. I would highly recommend Glyndebourne Academy to those with an opera career in mind. It has given me a flavour of what working with a professional company would be like and has fuelled me with a desire to continue striving towards my goals.’