Although this is a tough ask, especially in front of an audience hanging on every word and phrase, Hartliep is able to ensure her young students immediately bring their A-game even if their aria is very new to them.
For soprano Emma Jones, singing an aria from Turandot learned just four days before, it was a testing vocal journey but truly beautiful.
“You see,” Hartliep said, clapping her hands, “you are a wonderful young singer.”
With each singer, Hartliep was barely seated before she was up again to demonstrate how changes in phrasing and breathing would help but, above all, students should know what they were singing.
“How your mood is ... angry, flirtatious, sad ...”
When Hartliep demonstrated her complete understanding of the music and the aria, her superb voice was a joy to hear.
From feeling vengeful to flirtatious to cold anger and rejection, each aria took on a new life under Hartliep’s direction.
Each student was glowing as they left the stage and Hartliep was beaming with pleasure and clapping her hands.
Adding to the success of this special evening was one of Australia’s finest accompanists and vocal coaches, Sharolyn Kimmorley. Working with Hartliep, they were a glorious team.
The chosen four students were all fabulous and eager to sing.
Their faces said it all in their final bow.
