What is the SWAP’ra Retreat?

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An inspiring residential course, providing intensive support, training and skills development for parents who have given birth, facing barriers to returning to singing careers in the opera industry.

 

Following the success of our 2023 SWAP'ra Retreat at Glyndebourne, the SWAP'ra Retreat at Snape Maltings is a five-day programme co-hosted by SWAP’ra and Britten Pears Arts, which will be held March 3rd-7th 2025.

 

The SWAP’ra Retreat supports a small, intimate group of singers who have recently given birth to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing, rebuild confidence so they feel able to promote themselves for future professional opportunities, and to connect with a friendly, safe and non-judgmental community

 

We work to achieve these outcomes through a carefully curated programme of activity, including:

 

• Sessions with a performance psychology coach

• Group yoga sessions focused on core strength rehabilitation 

• Individual vocal coaching sessions

• Informal discussions with peers who understand the precise pressures and obstacles faced by fellow opera parents

• Masterclasses led by industry experts

• Professional recordings of two audition arias that can be used to support attendees’ return to auditions and professional engagements

• Vocal wellbeing and triage session

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How much DOES it cost to attend?

 

Places on the course are free of charge for all artists attending the retreat, with suitable accommodation for participants, young children and one partner/grandparent/caregiver.

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Who is eligible?

 

The SWAP’ra retreat is open to applications from opera singers who:

 

• are based full-time in the UK

• have given birth in the past 0 to 4 years (four years and under at 03/03/2025)*

• were in the final stages of opera training with a demonstrably promising future career, or had already established a professional career in opera before the birth of their most recent child/children

• can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to a career in opera

• will feel ready to record two unedited opera arias, off copy, by March 7th 2025

• are available for the entirety of the course

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*our intention in the future is to hold a separate course for parents and carers of children in a broader age range, for those who have taken a significant career break to raise children. 

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