Training, travelling and trouser roles. Young artist Ruth talks about her journey at WAO
Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Ruth Burke, who is about to make her principal role debut as Kate Pinkerton in MADAMA BUTTERFLY, reflects on her journey through masterclasses, mainstage performances, and international study. In this blog, she shares how these experiences have shaped her as a singer and helped her discover her unique strengths.
"Over the past year and half as a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist with West Australian Opera, I have experienced profound artistic and personal growth. One of the highlights has been participating in the masterclasses offered by WAO, working with renowned Australian guest artists such as Paul O’Neill and Emma Matthews AM as well as WAO’s Artistic Director Chris van Tuinen. These sessions have helped me to deepen my interpretive insight, allowing me to connect more authentically to the music and text. I am also fortunate to have a lovely group of young artist colleagues and I have learnt so much from watching them grow throughout the masterclasses as well. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform as a principal artist with WAO, and am looking forward to performing the role of Kate Pinkerton in MADAMA BUTTERFLY. I also have thoroughly enjoyed the Italian lessons which the Italian Consulate of Perth has provided for the young artists.
Late last year, with the help of WAO, I embarked on a four-month journey through Germany, Austria, Sweden, the UK, and Ireland. Immersing myself in these rich musical cultures allowed me to hear world-class performances and expand my artistic horizons and network. In Austria, I was very fortunate to participate in three, week-long intensive courses with Stimme, Leib und Seele. These intensives focused on audition preparation, movement and role studies, and I was thrilled to do a full role study of Der Komponist from Richard Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos, working with conductor Jennifer Condon, and baritone Jochen Schmeckenbecker, two experts in the German operatic repertoire.
Der Komponist, is a trouser role; a role where a male character is played by a woman, typically a mezzo-soprano. Personally, these are my favourite roles and they have become somewhat of a specialty for me. My physical build, personality and vocal colour lends itself well to the young male characters and I absolutely love the music for these roles. I also enjoy the fun of putting on a pair of pants and maybe a fake moustache! Recently, I had the pleasure of playing the Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus with WASO, which was definitely highlight of my career so far.
Other highlights of my trip included a month-long German language intensive in Berlin with the Goethe institute and lessons with my teacher in Sweden. This teacher has become a transformative force in my development and working with him has unlocked new dimensions in my voice, helping me discover a more honest, authentic sound.
Alongside my singing, I continue to work as a Pilates instructor, specialising in movement for singers. I have been deepening my understanding of the biomechanics and physiology of the singing body, particularly through my work at Create Physiotherapy with Jenny Nash, a leading expert in this field. This work has given me powerful tools not only for my own practice but also for supporting other singers in achieving functional freedom, alignment, and strength. I find immense satisfaction in helping colleagues discover how physical awareness can transform their vocal performance and overall well-being.
I am proud to be a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist with West Australian Opera and I am looking forward to continue building on the experiences that I have had and to bring my unique voice and perspective to the next stages of my career."
Thank you to The Bendat Family Foundation for supporting our young artists. You can assist artists like Ruth take the next step in their careers and shape their future - donate here.
Masterclasses for Wesfarmers Arts Young Artists are supported by Cathy Bardon & Bob Cassie and Dr Chris & Mrs Vimala Whitaker.
