Opera singing masterclass with Gerald Finley (The Royal Opera)

Bass-baritone Gerald Finley coaches Jette Parker Young Artist Programme members Germán E. Alcántara and Blaise Malaba as part of a Royal Opera Masterclass, accompanied on piano by David Gowland.
Gerald Finley made his Royal Opera debut in 1989 in Don Carlo and since then has gone on to sing a number of major roles with the Company including in Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro and La Traviata.
Finley was born in Montreal, Canada and began singing as a chorister in Ottawa. He was encouraged by his great uncle William McKie, former organist of Westminster Abbey. He completed his musical studies at King’s College, Cambridge, the Royal College of Music and the National Opera Studio. He performs regularly for the world’s major opera houses and has created a number of roles, including Doctor Oppenheimer (Adams’s Doctor Atomic) and Harry Heegan (Turnage’s The Silver Tassie). In 2012 he sang his first Hans Sachs (Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg) for Glyndebourne Festival to great acclaim. In 2017 he made a role debut as the title role in Reimann’s Lear, and in 2019 made his role debut as Bluebeard (Duke Bluebeard’s Castle). He gives regular concerts and recitals, frequently touring Europe and North America with pianist Julius Drake.
Finley has won several awards for his performances on CD and DVD, including a Grammy for Best Opera Recording 2012 (Dr Atomic at the Metropolitan Opera, New York), made many CDs of Lieder and song, and has appeared on films including Channel 4’s Owen Wingrave. He is a Visiting Professor and Fellow of the RCM. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2014, and that year climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Help Musicians UK.
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[@Danteoverseer]

For an amateur poor in Brazil this is the closest I'll ever get to learn a bit about opera singing. Thank you so much for the class.

[@eduardomattoso7774]

Se tu quiser a gente pode compartilhar e conversar juntos pra aprender mais sobre.

[@Fatabuna]

Blaise Malaba's transformation into the king is amazing. When he's being himself, he has a beautiful, radiant smile, and looks like a happy, lovable, big boy. When he's in character, he becomes dark, powerful, and almost terrifying, and he's totally convincing as a merciless ruler. A truly gifted actor. German Alcantara puts so much feeling and expression into his singing, that you get what he's saying, even if you don't understand the words. Both are already incredibly good singers at such a young age, and I'm looking forward to seeing them grow and mature.

[@lesleywilbourne7823]

What fabulous young singers and Gerald Finley is an excellent teacher providing these young men with techniques and tips that would have otherwise taken them years to learn. Thoroughly enjoying this and I have to say I enjoy both young men singing but I would love to bathe in Blaise’s beautiful deep sound for ever ❤

[@cbfbaritone]

As an aspiring opera singer, it is so fabulous to watch Gerald Finley, who I adore, work with these fabulous singers. Thank you Gerald, Thank you ROH for putting this together. It is a much appreciated joy.

[@lesleywilbourne7823]

Great masterclass Gerald Finley has the knack of turning really good singers into even better singers 👏👏👏 It’s not just singing a song, it’s an understanding of the role, an understanding of the techniques needed to project the voice. I love the way he gets these young men to think about their character and then expands their knowledge - which comes from his long-standing solo career. Insights like this are worth their weight in gold - giving young artists like this the tools and understanding which could take them years to reach had they not had this intervention.

[@advocate1563]

So wonderful to hear Gerald talking about the relationship between larynx and diaphragm. Far too many singers do not develop the connection, nor understand that the diaphragm is the workhorse. A real body connection and trust in parts integration is key. Thank you all.

[@ОльгаК-ъ1г]

Thanks for posting this master class! Mr. Finley is amazing voice teacher!

[@moniquebuzatto2]

1:03:00 On that note, cheers from Brazil! ♥ I have to say it's fantastic, as an opera admirer, to see a talented black singer having this precious chance to improve his skills with ROH. In São Paulo, where I attend the operas, it's not common to see talented black people doing/singing classical music. Blaise is certainly an ispiration to a number of young boys. Kudos to Germán, as well! He can sing beautifully, but his interpretation is a joy to watch =)

[@barbaralemere5183]

Great class by Mr. Finley. Both of the singers are very talented. Hope to see them on stage soon. Kudos to ROH for this program. More, more, more! 😚 😃😄😁

[@donalflynn8421]

So interesting to get an insight into the emotional development of the Count throughout this aria as evidenced in the music and knowledge of contemporary cultural conditions

[@alanafrazer]

Wow, amazing voice!

[@broede85]

good program again, however, the sound is way too quiet. I have turned my sound system upon heighest heigh, anyway, it is barely hearable.

[@retgrimes]

Gerald Finley is so knowledgeable and honest. No finger-pointing or lecturing from him!

[@driveopera2541]

Teaching requires SO MUCH time!

[@alanyoung448]

Remarkable baritone, dramatic, controlled , steady and beautiful tone .He should go far. The bass 's voice is a fine one but he needs to steady that uneven vibrato,.A really good teacher should be able to sort this problem for him.

[@hazelaxu]

i feel educated

[@DudeFromDust]

How much does the ROH program cost?

[@philiplawford9899]

It does not cost the singers anything. The programme is supported by Mrs Jette Parker's charity

[@DudeFromDust]

@@philiplawford9899 thanks!

[@AfroPoli]

@@DudeFromDust You'll probably end up with an infamous charlatan teacher who currently works with the ROH, and that's probably gonna cost you your voice.

[@jancedricmicheler6122]

👏

[@scoottoujourspret743]

hai gia vinta la causa Finley is the best singer for that

[@holateof5983]

No comments

[@jedandiamante629]

asking for basic tips

[@OMundoSegundoUmaSagitariana]

Gerald Finley has a PHD on Englishplaining. This is a significant problem not just in arts, but other fields too. Being a native English speaker does not make a person miraculously competent on anything. Highly patronising and self indulgent.

[@Greenberri16]

Have you ever heard Gerald Finley sing? And does being at the top of his field and Extremely we’ll respected amongst his professional piers perhaps give him some permission to speak with authority?

[@avajie]

@@Greenberri16 Not to mention, this is his JOB here. He has been brought in to TEACH a masterclass. Everyone here has consented to being “explained to.”

[@Fatabuna]

I can only assume that you recently learned the word "Englishplaining" and wanted to use it in a sentence. I don't see a patronising and self-indulgent person. I see a respectful and gentle teacher, who is careful not to hurt a fragile ego of a young artist, who praises the good bits and builds on them, and who shares great advice stemming from an incredible career of 30+ years and a world of experience.