A Devon opera company has something to sing out load about, after internationally famous tenor José Cura agreed to become its new patron. New Devon Opera, currently enjoying its second full season, approached the Argentinian-born singer about the role - and he said 'yes' straight away. And he will also be leading a clasterclass with around a dozen singers. That will take place in Devon in the spring of 2007, with the singers then performing in a special concert. Ivybridge-based New Devon Opera is a professional touring company but is a not-for-profit charity. So it uses professional performers, but financially is reliant on ticket sales and donations - although there are plans to apply for Arts Council funding. In 2005 - its first season - the company performed The Magic Flute at venues across Devon.
 | | Jose Cura |
This summer, the chosen opera is Rossini's The Barber of Seville, with venues at Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, Exmouth and Chudleigh. The company auditions for the roles and this year, three of the principal singers are from Devon. Other performers are from elsewhere in the South West and London, while the community chorus is selected from local groups. Chair of New Devon Opera, Linda Hughes, explains how she managed to sign up José Cura as Patron: "I was speaking to him at the Royal Opera House and I asked him. And he said yes! "We're thrilled. He's a mega international star." The singer, now based in Madrid, was only too happy to oblige when asked to become Patron. He said: "I truly hope that New Devon Opera enjoys economic success which will allow the company to develop in a strong and confident way." And it gets better, because the tenor is coming to Devon to lead a masterclass with a group of singers who successfully audition for places. Applications must be submitted by 30th November 2006 and is open to singers nationally. Anthony Legge, Director of Opera at the Royal Academy, will head a team which will draw up a short-list of some 25 singers.
 | | Audiences have loved The Barber of Seville |
Auditions will be held in London on 24-26 April 2007, and the 25 or so selected singers will be heard by José Cura. He will choose 10-12 singers and work with them in late April and early May 2007. Then, on 6th May, the public will be able to watch him hold a masterclass with the singers at a venue in South Devon which has yet to be named. Finally, on 7th May, the singers will give a public concert of their work and José Cura will select a winner. Over the same weekend, 5-6 May, Anthony Legge is running a repetiteur course in Devon. Cura himself will not be singing at the events in South Devon. "He's giving us seven days of his time, which is fantastic," said Linda. "We're advertising nationally and locally and I've contacted major agents and opera companies, so I've had some names from them. "If we can make this successful, we think we can get him here to do it as an even bigger national event." Starting from scratch has been hard work for New Devon Opera, and Linda is hoping the company can build on the start it has made. "So far things have gone well. We are developing an audience base - we have a mailing list of around 400 people - and the reception we have received at shows is fantastic. "Next year, we are doing Tosca and we've been invited to perform in Buckinghamshire for that. "We need to be able to show what we can do in order to get grants - what we're doing is a risk and it's an expensive business. "We're taking it step by step. But we are building on the start we've made." * To apply for a place in the masterclass, contact New Devon Opera on 01626 365861. | 
