RCM singers selected as Jette Parker Young Artists

Tuesday 26 January 2016

RCM singers Angela Simkin and Simon Shibambu have been selected for The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Young Artists programme.

The pair were chosen for the prestigious two-year programme following three rounds of auditions, including one on the main stage at Covent Garden in front of a panel including Antonio Pappano and Kasper Holten.  They beat off competition from more than 400 applicants from 50 countries.

British mezzo-soprano Angela Simkin graduated from the RCM last year after studying with Tim Evans Jones and Dinah Harris as an Ian Evans Lombe Scholar. South African bass Simon Shibambu currently studies at the RCM with Graeme Broadbent as an ABRSM scholar supported by the OMT and Minerva Trust. Both have appeared to great acclaim in numerous RCM International Opera School productions.

The Jette Parker Young Artists Programme supports the artistic development of young professional singers, conductors, directors and répétiteurs at the start of their careers. During their two-year placement, Young Artists work on productions for The Royal Opera singing small roles, covering larger roles or joining the music or directing staff.