2 minute read
The greatest gain: even more fun in singing
At the end of 2022, Aaike Nortier, a Classical Music student at the ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle, was the youngest participant in the Lions European Music Competition (LEMC). She took the experiences and knowledge from her studies to Croatia, where she made it to the final! From an early age Aaike has loved classical music. And she wants to learn as much as she can. “Singing opera is what I like doing the most”, she says. “And what better place to learn about opera than studying Classical Music?”
A valuable experience
It’s evident from her participation in the Lions European Music Competition (LEMC) that she’s willing to fight hard to make opera singing her profession. LEMC is a competition for European classical musicians. In Croatia, where the competition is held, she reached the final with her teacher, soprano Claudia Pattaca, at her side. Aaike: “I promised myself not to have any expectations.” The focus was not on winning, but on the experience”. She even wrote a blog about te experience for magazine Place de l’Opera!
A glimpse of the future
The whole adventure has made her a lot more confident. Aaike is proud of how she presented herself and went home with a Special Award of the Jury.
In the Classical Music course, students are trained as independent musicians and entrepreneurs. What this exactly entails is often hard to imagine. It’s easier for Aaike now: Because I had the opportunity, also supported by ArtEZ, to make myself seen in Croatia, I got a glimpse of what the future might be like after I graduate.”
Photos: Majanka Fotografie and Adelaide Rosina Fotografie
