One of the world’s foremost baritones Christopher Purves brings his commanding stage presence and impeccable musicianship to Marchmont House in a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of classical music. In this afternoon of insight, discovery and playfulness he will be joined by Samling Masterclass regular Simon Lepper, who is Assistant Head of Keyboard at the Royal College of Music, as they guide eight young artists through a lively mixture of song and opera at the start of promising international careers.
This public event comes at the end of an intensive residential week here at Marchmont, during which they have been challenged and stretched to take their artistry to new levels, making this a masterclass like no other.
Don’t miss this chance to hear beautiful music performed by some of the most talented singers of the next generation.
Kate Calder, Edinburgh Music Review
1.30 – 4.45 Six twenty-minute masterclasses, with a 30 minute interval. Ticket includes tea, coffee and home-made cakes served during the interval.
Return transport from Berwick-upon-Tweed station is available at an additional charge and can be booked with your ticket. Provisional times (subject to confirmation of train schedules) are Depart Berwick-Upon-Tweed railway station 12.30 (Meeting trains arriving 12.25 from Edinburgh and 12.21 from Newcastle) but please note, this service is available to anyone looking to come from Berwick-Upon-Tweed, and not just those travelling by train
The return service connects with trains leaving 17.43 to Edinburgh and 17.50 to Newcastle
Previous Samling Artist Programme masterclasses at Marchmont.
Above: Simon Lepper with Samling Artists Madeline Boreham and Francesca Lauri.
Below: Samling Artist Andrea Manuel, Samling Artist Programme, November 2024.
Jessica Lawley, soprano
Angelina Dorlin-Barlow, mezzo-soprano
Lea Shaw, mezzo-soprano
Matthias Daehling, counter-tenor
Charles Cunliffe, baritone
Joshua McCullough, bass
George Ireland, piano
Harry Rylance, piano
With staff pianist Samling Artist, Ella O’Neill
Christopher Purves enjoys an illustrious and versatile career on stages across the world, excelling in repertoire from Bach and Handel to heavyweight operatic roles in Verdi and Wagner. Roles this year include the title role of Sweeney Todd at Komische Oper Berlin; Wotan in Wagner’s Das Rheingold at Opéra de Monte-Carlo and this summer he returns to Glyndebourne as Saul in Barrie Kosky’s acclaimed staging of Handel’s oratorio.
Pianist Simon Lepper has appeared in concerts and on award-winning recordings with some of the world’s most exciting singers, including a recent recital disc with baritone Christopher Purves. He is Assistant Head of Keyboard at the Royal College of Music and has given masterclasses across Europe. He regularly appears on BBC Radio 3 and since 2003 has been one of the official accompanists for the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition.
Ella O’Neill, Samling Artist Staff Pianist
Ella O’Neill won the Accompanist’s Prize at the 2019 Kathleen Ferrier Awards. In 2024 she released her debut album ‘Awakenings’ with tenor Laurence Kilsby. Recital venues have included Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, Snape Maltings, Cadogan Hall, the Royal Opera House Crush Room, Opera Holland Park, Heidelberger Frühling, Oxford International Song, Leeds Lieder and Brighton Festival and live appearances on BBC Radio 3. Ella studied at the Royal College of Music where she is now a staff pianist.
ABOUT SAMLING INSTITUTE
Samling Institute for Young Artists Northumberland-based Samling Institute for Young Artists is widely recognised as a leading global authority in the training of young voices. Since 1996, we have nurtured and inspired hundreds of young singers and pianists setting them on the road to success through programmes led by world-renowned opera singers, conductors, song specialists, accompanists, coaches and actors.
Samling Artist Programme provides intensive residential masterclass weeks, performance and professional development opportunities to early-career singers and piano accompanists. It offers a crucial bridge at what for many can be a difficult and insecure period between formal education and professional life. There are now over 400 Samling Artists, from every continent, many of whom have subsequently forged impressive international careers. Frequently our Samling Artists tell us that their experience with us is often the most enduring, formative and transformative training they have received.
Our cancellation period is 14 days in advance.
We will happily offer a refund or a credit for a later date before then, please do get in touch.
Should we cancel the event for any reason you will receive a complete refund.
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