A talented group of Emerging Artists joins Scottish Opera for the 2024/25 Season: soprano Kira Kaplan, mezzo-soprano Chloe Harris, baritone Ross Cumming (returning for a second Season), bass-baritone Edward Jowle, repetiteurs José Javier Ucendo Malo (also returning) and Meghan Rhoades, and costume trainee Beatrix Booth.
The Scottish Opera Emerging Artists programme, launched in 2009, offers young talent a period of full-time work with the Company to help launch their careers. They have opportunities to perform with Scottish Opera in live productions throughout the Season as well as work in-house with staff and visiting coaches to develop their skills.
The Emerging Artists singers perform in a number of this Season’s productions and tours, and in recitals at the University of St Andrews and University of Glasgow. They are supported by Scottish Opera’s Emerging Artist Benefactors, and Elizabeth Salvesen.
Initially set up to nurture outstanding young singers, the programme also includes positions for a repetiteur and a costume trainee. Previous Emerging Artists include soprano Jennifer France, baritone Ben McAteer, repetiteur Jonathon Swinard, and composers Gareth Williams and Lliam Paterson.
Fiona MacSherry, Head of Music at Scottish Opera said: ‘I am delighted to welcome our new Emerging Artist repetiteur, Meghan Rhoades. Meghan will be joining Javier Ucendo who returns for a second year.
‘They have interesting and challenging repertoire to tackle this season. Javier is currently working on Don Pasquale. Meghan will start with The Puccini Collection, and then it’s all hands on deck as they are both involved in the incredibly complicated The Makropulos Affair. Thereafter, Meghan will work on The Strauss Collection. At the end of the Season, we will all be involved in The Merry Widow, Trial by Jury and A Matter of Misconduct! An exciting year ahead for their development!’
Sarah-Jane Davies, Head of Casting at Scottish Opera, said: ‘I am thrilled to welcome Kira Kaplan, Chloe Harris and Edward Jowle to our Emerging Artist programme, along with Ross Cumming, who is returning for a second Season. Audiences have already seen them in our specially created production of Albert Herring, alongside former Emerging Artist, Glen Cunningham, with another performance in Edinburgh to come.
‘Kira, Ross and Edward are currently involved in Don Pasquale covering roles and appearing in Access performances. They all have the wonderful opportunity to be in the cast of the double-bill of Trial by Jury and the world premiere of A Matter of Misconduct! Kira, Chloe and Ross will be going on the road with Opera Highlights next year, so they have many interesting projects ahead of them this Season.’
Lorna Price, Head of Costume at Scottish Opera said: ‘Beatrix Booth was the successful Costume Emerging Artist for the 2024/25 Season. Bea originally trained in Fashion Design and applied for the position last season; we invited her to come and complete a couple of weeks of work experience with us as we were interested in her application, and wanted to help her move forward in her pursuit of a career in the Costume Industry.
‘Upon our recommendation, Bea then went on to study at the Northern College of Costume in York to gain training in making bespoke historical costumes. Bea reapplied for the EA position this year and we were very happy with her progress. Her skills and knowledge of historical dress and costume techniques had much improved, and we are confident that she will gain greatly from the Scottish Opera training programme. We look forward to working with Bea over the next 12 months.’
