Samling Institute for Young Artists invites you to an intimate afternoon of music-making in the company of celebrated French soprano Véronique Gens and her musical partner pianist Susan Manoff. They will work with six singers and two pianists to show you how great artists craft and refine their performances and they will share their extensive experience of song and opera with you. Shakespearean actor James Garnon completes the leadership team, using playful stage techniques to bring new insights to text and music. You’ll hear each singer perform, followed by short a coaching session that will show you how professional musicians elevate a performance to the very highest level. This masterclass comes at the end of the Samling Artist Programme, an intensive weeklong residency for early-career singers and pianists, followed by performance and professional development opportunities. The eight artists you’ll hear at this event join a global family of over 420 Samling Artists many of whom have subsequently forged impressive international careers. Frequently our Samling Artists tell us that their experience with us is often the most enduring, formative and transformative training they have received. The ticket price includes tea and home made cakes with the artists and leaders during the interval in the beautiful public rooms at Marchmont House. Return transport from Berwick-upon-Tweed station to Marchmont House can be booked with your ticket at a cost of £10.