CONTINUO FELLOW
PROGRAM
The Continuo Fellow Program seeks to mentor and develop the next generation of Australian-based harpsichord and continuo players, addressing a severe shortfall in training in this area. It is a specialised skill that is grown only with hands-on experience and exposure to rehearsals and performances, with specific instruction and mentorship by expert performers. This program seeks to develop and nourish stylish and effective performances and collaborations with other instrumentalists and vocalists.
The Continuo Fellow Program is generously supported by Norman Gillespie.
If you wish to support the program, you can make a donation via our website here.
In February 2024, Sydney born singer and harpsichord player, Liam Green, was selected as the next Continuo Fellow, following the inaugural recipient Andrei Hadap.
The two-year engagement creates opportunities for Liam to engage with and learn from Artistic Director and harpsichordist/conductor Erin Helyard, Orchestra of the Antipodes continuo players and principal singers and other historically-informed specialists engaged for Pinchgut Opera productions.
LtoR: Artistic Director Erin Helyard, Liam Green, and Pinchgut Chairman Norman Gillespie.
CONTINUO FELLOW 2024
LIAM GREEN
“I am thrilled to be working with Pinchgut Opera as their incoming continuo scholar! I have always admired the work of this incredible company, and I cannot imagine a better place to hone my skills - musical, interpersonal and everything in between. As a singer and harpsichordist, I believe that tasteful continuo playing is far more than just a set of chords, and I’m excited to be uncovering the secrets of this artform under the guidance of Erin Helyard and the wonderful singers engaged for this year. I am very grateful to Pinchgut for offering me the position and to Norman Gillespie, who has made this enriching experience possible.”
- Liam Green
“Liam is one of the most talented and multi-skilled young musicians I know, equally proficient as a keyboardist and vocalist. His skills as a singer give him a unique perspective on the skills needed for this type of accompaniment. He has a natural intelligence and aptitude for early music and also for improvisation; it is a great pleasure to announce Liam as new Continuo Fellow.”
- Erin Helyard
ABOUT THE CONTINUO FELLOW PROGRAM
'Keyboard instruments were ubiquitous in all repertoires of the 17th- and 18th-century and learning how to play continuo, or the art of improvised accompaniment in this repertoire, is an essential part of performance practice. Pinchgut's Continuo Fellow Program seeks to support a new generation of keyboardists in this highly specialised skill through mentorship, tuition, and practical experience.'
- Erin Helyard
Learning how to read and realise the figures is only one aspect to continuo playing.
Beginning in 2021, the Pinchgut Opera Continuo Fellow Program is envisaged as a two-year undertaking, with new participants either being invited to participate or being selected by application. The program comes with a stipend and creates opportunities to engage with and learn from Artistic Director and harpsichordist/conductor Erin Helyard, Orchestra of the Antipodes continuo players (eg theorbo, harp, and bowed bass), principal singers, and other historically-informed specialists engaged for Pinchgut operas and/or concerts.
The participant will develop musical skills and experience throughout the year with which they can then utilise to further develop their career and will maintain connections with Pinchgut Opera for future seasons and other potential performance opportunities. The Continuo Participant will participate for two years with a review after 12 months and with a possibility of extension. Developmental opportunities over the two years includes:
Mentorship with Erin Helyard
One-on-one sessions with Erin Helyard focussing on harpsichord playing within ensembles, developing and honing the skills required for a keyboard continuo player and repetiteur, realising and figuring a score, and the process of repertoire preparation for productions and concerts.Coaching sessions with Pinchgut Opera singers and players
Up to eight sessions a year with principal singers and/or Orchestra of the Antipodes continuo players mostly structured around Pinchgut Opera rehearsals for our operas and concerts.Pinchgut Opera Rehearsals
The participant will be invited to observe Erin direct both concert and opera rehearsals and may be invited to play during some rehearsals as identified by Erin, depending on level of preparation.Performance Opportunities
As Pinchgut Opera develops our Learning & Engagement Program and potential regional touring, the participant could be engaged to perform and even direct smaller scale concerts and/or fundraising events.
PAST CONTINUO FELLOW
Andrei Hadap is enjoying great success since completing the Program. His knowledge of figured bass has led directly into his PhD work on French pianist/composers of the Paris Conversatoire and how they used improvising to compose. In 2023 Andrei won the Hendersons Travelling Scholarship to go to an Improvisation Workshop in Perugia, Italy. Andrei was also only one of seven who was accepted into the 2023 Historical Piano Summer Academy, related to his improvisation skills which were further developed during his time as the Pinchgut Continuo Fellow.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CONTINUO FELLOW PROGRAM
To apply via Pinchgut Opera’s website all year round.
Applicants will usually be a few years into tertiary or advanced study or indeed may have already begun a professional career. They should demonstrate clear potential for a career as a harpsichordist or continuo player and should already have gained some experience or study in figured bass and performing 17th- and/or 18th-century music.
Application requirements:
- Applicant must have clear evidence of harpsichord playing and/or continuo playing prior to application.
- Include a cover letter addressing why you are interested in the program and the criteria above.
- Include a headshot and biography that includes all music education and training and professional performance experience.
- Include two or more referees who we can speak to about harpsichord and continuo playing experience.
Application process:
- Applications will be received via info@pinchgutopera.com.au and forwarded to the Artistic Director for review.
- All applicants are welcome to apply for an audition via Pinchgut’s website.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work and perform, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation – the first storytellers and singers of songs.
We pay our respects to their elders past and present.
CONTACT
PO Box 291, Strawberry Hills, NSW, 2012, Australia
Ticketing and Customer Service 02 9037 3444
ticketing@pinchgutopera.com.au
info@pinchgutopera.com.au
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