After working in arts administration in her native Australia, Victoria Ely took the plunge to follow her dreams and pursue as a career in choral conducting. We caught up with her about her experiences of the MA in Choral Conducting.
What made you want to pursue a career as a choral conductor?
After my undergraduate degree I took on various arts management jobs but after a few years I took stock and tried to work out what it was that I really wanted to do with my life. I had started working as an accompanist with children’s choirs as an undergraduate, and I was first introduced to conducting through that. I decided that it was the conducting and the choral music that I really loved.
Why did you choose RWCMD?
I had been considering going to the USA for further study but then, during a choral conducting summer school, I met Simon Halsey, who suggested I look at the course at RWCMD. I can honestly say that coming here was the best decision I ever made.
I’ve had experiences that I never would have dreamed of. The teaching here is second to none and we’ve had masterclasses with great people from around the world.
You have a different outlook after a few years of working – I think you really appreciate it and you know these experiences are hard to come by.
What did you enjoy about the course?
The course here has a great mix – not just sacred repertoire, but secular works for small ensembles, chamber ensembles, and symphonic works across different genres. There’s also College chorus, which gives me hands-on experience as a chorus master, working weekly with trainee professional singers. I’ve also worked with a large chorus on big projects like Verdi’s Requiem and Mahler II.
I feel really respected and trusted to do these things. Having been in the workforce for a few years before coming here, I wanted to be treated like a professional. At the same time, that feeling of being supported and cared for is really special – even the Principal knows my name!
Victoria is pictured conducting the Severn Trent Choir.
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