University News Last updated 31 October
Head of Vocal and Operatic Studies Professor Paul Wingfield enjoys putting on high quality opera that reaches beyond RBC and into our local communities.
What are the core skills or areas of expertise that you bring to RBC?
I trained at the Royal Ballet and Opera, formerly the Royal Opera House, as a conductor and repetiteur, and continue to work regularly as a conductor across the UK. This work often brings me into contact with singers from other conservatoires as well as our own. I believe that the students stand to benefit from a current knowledge of the opera industry, and I hope I can bring this to them.
What have been your highlights since you started at RBC?
There are too many to count! I always enjoy putting on the operas. It’s hard work and a real team effort but I enjoy working with the students as colleagues during these periods. I also enjoy receiving a regular influx of good news from those who have recently graduated. Whether that’s a quarter of students in the Genesis Sixteen scheme coming from RBC, a third of students from the National Opera Studio’s new Academy coming from RBC, or students leading in senior arts administration roles at companies like Garsington Opera, the impact RBC singers are making seems to be ever-increasing.
What have been the most challenging issues that you’ve had to discuss and take a view on so far?
I think the challenge of this unique department is to provide a well-rounded singer’s education for all abilities and voice types. It is a challenge that I have enjoyed over the past eight years, and my priority has been to ensure that all students within the department feel known and valued.
What are your ambitions for RBC?
I am excited to continue to refine our offering here at RBC and would very much like to work with more collaborative student pianists who might support our singers. I hope that we’ll continue to put on high quality opera, which reaches beyond RBC and into our local communities.
What do you to outside of the role when you are not working?
I have a young family, so a lot of my time is devoted to play! In rare quiet moments I enjoy cooking!