International opportunities for singers

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In 2012, the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival (JIMF) initiated a vocal Masterclass/Scholarship Programme to support young South African vocal talents. Professor Josef Protschka from the Musikhochschule in Cologne, Germany came to South Africa to give a Masterclass, run in conjunction with UNISA.

At the end of the course, he chose three students: Siyabonga Maqungo, Nombuso Ndlandla and Andiswa Makana who have recently arrived in Germany for an academic year's intensive study at the Cologne Music College, with full funding provided through a donation from a foundation based in Germany.

In February 2014, Professor Protschka will be offering a Masterclass for South African singers - this time in conjunction with the University of Pretoria. The Masterclass will run from 3-8 February 2014 at the University of Pretoria.

Prospective candidates are asked to forward their applications to gro.lavitsef-trazom-nioj@bc. The application should include a CV and an audio recording (preferably mp3 files). The recording should include the following repertoire: one work each from the Baroque and Classical periods (preferably Mozart), a 19th Century opera aria, a 20th Century opera aria, plus a lied of the candidate's own choice.

Eight candidates will be accepted as active participants. The deadline for submission of application materials is 20 December 2013. Selected candidates are responsible for organising their own travel to and accommodation in Pretoria, but there is no charge for the Masterclass.

One student will be chosen for an academic year's study with Professor Protschka at the Music College in Cologne. The Apollo Music Trust will cover the expenses of that year of study.

For more, contact Richard Cock at the Apollo Music Trust on moc.acirfai@kcocr or phone +28 (0) 11 447 9264.