Catch-up with Imogen
Tuning In traced an eight month journey: from my relocation to Berlin to chase the dream of being a working opera singer, to gratefully winning full-time work at Meininger Staatstheater in Thüringen, Germany.
Two years on, I am delighted to write again from Meiningen where I have been based since May 2018 as a soprano in the opera chorus with a soloist component to my contract.
CAREER PROGRESS
I am thrilled to have sung onstage in almost 150 performances across 23 different operatic or musical theater productions and concerts. For those interested in an overview, New Zealand Opera posted an article on my recent career progress.![A selection of casual working attire. A selection of casual working attire.](/resources/files/jpg916/img_20200430_061324_2-formatkey-jpg-w245.jpg)
Given the current COVID-19 climate, the public commemoration of ANZAC day in Berlin this year was unable to proceed as planned. I was honoured to record a hymn for the New Zealand and Australian Embassies in Germany.
WORKING IN GERMAN
![Meininger Staatstheater Photo: Meininger Staatstheater](/resources/files/jpg913/f.-meininger-staatstheater.-meininger-staatstheater1-formatkey-jpg-w983.jpg)
The first rehearsal of an opera may involve working with a new conductor, a new stage director, new colleagues and a new production concept. Adapting to so many things at once can feel overwhelming!
My strategy is to pay close attention to body language and focus on ‘the gist’ to quickly ascertain the general ideas important to each interaction. Regardless of whether I understand every single word, I can then piece together these impressions to form the bigger picture.
I will never forget the experience of going through a rehearsal process in German for the first time. This was a production of Piraten von Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan, translated from English to German. With German vocabulary and new repertoire running constantly through my mind, I barely slept, but it was an honour to join the chorus of daughters to share much giggling and sung chattering!
LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH IMMERSION
![Various books for German study at home. Various books for German study at home.](/resources/files/jpg916/img_20200430_064252559-formatkey-jpg-w245.jpg)
This poses a challenge in terms of achieving an ‘even’ development as language skills and vocabulary tend to advance proportionately to how frequently we use them.
Returning to formal study (when one has the time and resources to) is worth considering at any point in a language learning journey. I’m also very fortunate to have such generous and patient friends and colleagues – thanks, Meininger Staatstheater!
![One of many favourite spots within the Thüringer Wald Photo: One of many favourite spots within the Thüringer Wald. Credit: Imogen Thirlwall.](/resources/files/jpg913/g.-forest.-forest1-formatkey-jpg-w983.jpg)
![Celebrating the Thüringer Wald through artistic expression Photo: Celebrating the Thüringer Wald through artistic expression. Credit: Imogen Thirlwall.](/resources/files/jpg913/h.-imogen-thirlwall---painting-of-forest1-formatkey-jpg-w245.jpg)
Alles Leid und Schmerzen stillst,
Den, der doppelt elend ist,
Doppelt mit Entzückung füllst,
Ach, ich bin des Treibens müde!
Was soll all der Schmerz und Lust?
Süsser Friede,
Komm, ach komm in meine Brust!
You who come from heaven,
Soothing all pain and sorrow,
Filling the doubly wretched
Doubly with delight,
Ah, I am weary of this restlessness!
What use is all this joy and pain?
Sweet peace!
Come, ah come into my breast!