Published Monday 19 November 2018
It is with great pleasure that I share the exciting news that Samling has been granted a new name and is to be known from now on as Samling Institute for Young Artists.
The charity has grown from nothing to become one of the most respected names in classical vocal training and, after almost twenty-three years, we felt the time was right to bear a name that better reflects the work we do and our national and international reach.
The new name – since only an organisation operating at the highest level can become an institute – is a powerful endorsement of Samling’s work with singers and piano accompanists at the start of their careers through our Artist Programme and our thriving Academy for younger singers. I believe the change of name, following declarations of support from senior figures in music and education, will enable the charity to go from strength to strength.
Samling was founded in 1996 with the hope that we could play a part in nurturing young professional artists at the start of their careers. We now have over 300 Samling Artists, many of whom appear on all the major operatic and concert stages around the world.
In 2012 the Samling family grew with the introduction of Samling Academy, founded specifically to address the lack of opportunity for talented young singers in the North East of England. I am happy to say we are playing a leading role in nurturing and developing a culture of classical singing in the region.
Over the years we have provided myriad performance opportunities, including fully staged operas with our Samling Artists and more recently biennial opera productions with our Academy. Our regular public masterclasses and concerts bring together some of the greatest artists internationally with rising stars in classical music. Along the way we have enjoyed collaborating with Southbank Sinfonia, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Dunedin Consort, as well as Durham and Newcastle universities and Sage Gateshead, our Academy partners.
We will continue to forge ahead with our plans for the future as an Institute inspiring musical excellence in young people, building upon the success of both the Artist Programme and our Academy. Whether you have been with us from the beginning, or are fairly new to Samling, I would like to thank you for everything you’ve done to help us come this far. With your on-going support, our future is looking bright indeed.
With all good wishes
Karon Wright
Artistic and Executive Director