Wendy Silvester, Author at The StageAgent ShowStopper

http://www.wendysilvester.co.uk/

Wendy Silvester is a classical mezzo-soprano, singing teacher, and freelance writer based in the UK. Her operatic repertoire includes Zita / La Principessa (Gianni Schicchi / Suor Angelica), Erda (Das Rheingold), Ulrica (Un ballo in maschera), Olga Olsen (Street Scene), Filipyevna (Eugene Onegin), Signora Guidotti (I due timidi), Fidalma (Il matrimonio segreto), and Florence (Albert Herring). On the concert platform Wendy has performed with Bolton Symphony Orchestra, St. Mary's, Maldon and the Pegasus Baroque Orchestra, as well as supporting various charities including MIND - the mental health charity, and The Stroke Association. Wendy's teaching studio has been going since 2010, and she has taken a wide range of students on their individual journeys with their voices. Wendy is also the Opera Guide Writer for StageAgent.com.

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5 min

I want to sing opera! Where do I start? (Part One)

You’ve found yourself dreaming of being on the opera stage, singing the world’s most beautiful music, irresistibly drawn to the glamour and fame of the title ‘opera singer’, but you’ve never had a voice lesson in your life, and now you’re lost. Check out our latest blog post for top tips on getting into the opera world.

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5 min

Who wears the pants? A brief look at cross-dressing in opera

Historically, cross-dressing in the theater is fairly common-place, and in opera, this is no different. In our latest blog post, we take a look at the tradition of cross-dressing in opera, how it changed during the reign of the castrati, and the prevailing practice of ‘pants’ roles. Enjoy!

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5 min

Big Women of Opera: Celebrating female opera creators

For centuries, the world of opera creation has been very much a boys’ club and it can seem that even in 2019 very little has changed. However, our latest blog post takes a look at at some of the creative roles that women take on in opera, featuring three female opera creators: a composer, a conductor, and a director. Happy reading!

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6 min

Opera

Opera Newbies: Where Do I Start?

Perhaps over the festive season you had the chance to catch an opera. You may have been given tickets by a friend, or just fancied a bit of a special night out. Or maybe your new year’s resolutions include something along the lines of ‘I should see more theater’, or ‘involve myself in more cultural activities’ or even, perhaps, ‘go to the opera’, well this is the post for you. If you’re an opera newbie, the vast amount of schedules, houses, and works, can be a little bit overwhelming, and you want to make sure you’re going to enjoy what you’re going to see.

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7 min

Opera

Preparing an Operatic Role: Part Two

Successfully performing an operatic role requires a ton of work and planning before you step foot on stage. Enjoy part two in our series on preparing an operatic role. Study one opera singer’s journey as she gets ready to perform the role of Fidalma in Il matrimonio segreto. Learn how to perform character research, memorize your lines and other expert tips.

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Monologues from Plays

Scenes from Plays

Theatre Characters

Playwrights & Composers

Wendy Silvester

I want to sing opera! Where do I start? (Part One)

Who wears the pants? A brief look at cross-dressing in opera

Big Women of Opera: Celebrating female opera creators

Opera Newbies: Where Do I Start?

Preparing an Operatic Role: Part Two