GIFTED young singer Lettice Lamb has accepted a coveted place at the North East’s esteemed Samling Academy.
The 17 year old, from Newcastle, who is a music scholar at Dame Allan’s Schools where she is studying for her A Levels, successfully auditioned for one of just 20 spots on the Academy programme.
The talented mezzo-soprano, who is currently working towards her Grade 8 singing exam, will be coached by world-class vocal and performance experts and given the opportunity to perform in concerts at various venues, including the Sage Gateshead.
Lettice, who from an early age has sung in various choirs at both school and church, said: “When the Samling Academy offered me a place I was extremely happy. I feel so grateful to be able to have this opportunity to work with some amazing people and improve my skills.”
In Year 12 at Dame Allan’s Sixth Form, Lettice is taking A Level Music alongside History and Biology. She has been awarded ‘Young Musician of the Year’ accolades at the independent school for the last two years.
“I’ve sung my whole life and absolutely love it,” said Lettice. “I’ve been involved in various choirs and performed in many services, concerts, musicals and productions. Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to sing a solo at the Schools’ Jubilee Concert for the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Lucy Winskell.”
Lettice’s singing teacher Gail Davies-Fidler encouraged her to apply for a place at the Samling Academy, a programme set up by the Samling Institute for Young Artists.
She prepared three pieces for the audition, including one in a foreign language, and, on the day, sang ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’ – Christine’s song to her father in The Phantom of the Opera – and ‘Pie Jesu’ from Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem.
Chris Foster, Director of Music at Dame Allan’s Schools, in Fenham, said: “Lettice is heavily involved in music and singing at school, as well as dancing and performing, and it’s credit to her hard work and dedication, coupled with her innate talent, that she has already experienced great success.
“Lettice has done particularly well to get into the Samling Academy at such a young age and we look forward to watching her continued development throughout the year.”
Lettice will start training at the Samling Academy, which is open to young people aged between 14 and 21 who live or study in the North East, in October. Through a series of masterclasses, she will be taught a wide range of skills required for classical singing, including vocal technique, acting, movement and singing in foreign languages.
The Samling Institute for Young Artists was established in 1996 and has benefitted hundreds of young singers and pianists, many of whom have gone on to forge impressive international careers.