Continuo Fellow Program

Liam Green

Continuo Fellow 2024

In February 2024, Sydney born singer and harpsichord player, Liam Green, was selected as the next Continuo Fellow, following the inaugural recipient Andrei Hadap.

The two-year engagement creates opportunities for Liam to engage with and learn from Artistic Director and harpsichordist/conductor Erin Helyard, Orchestra of the Antipodes continuo players and principal singers and other historically-informed specialists engaged for Pinchgut Opera productions.

“I am thrilled to be working with Pinchgut Opera as their incoming continuo scholar! I have always admired the work of this incredible company, and I cannot imagine a better place to hone my skills - musical, interpersonal and everything in between. As a singer and harpsichordist, I believe that tasteful continuo playing is far more than just a set of chords, and I’m excited to be uncovering the secrets of this artform under the guidance of Erin Helyard and the wonderful singers engaged for this year. I am very grateful to Pinchgut for offering me the position and to Norman Gillespie, who has made this enriching experience possible.”

Liam Green

“Liam is one of the most talented and multi-skilled young musicians I know, equally proficient as a keyboardist and vocalist. His skills as a singer give him a unique perspective on the skills needed for this type of accompaniment. He has a natural intelligence and aptitude for early music and also for improvisation; it is a great pleasure to announce Liam as new Continuo Fellow.”

Erin Helyard

About the Program

"Keyboard instruments were ubiquitous in all repertoires of the 17th- and 18th-century and learning how to play continuo, or the art of improvised accompaniment in this repertoire, is an essential part of performance practice. Pinchgut's Continuo Fellow Program seeks to support a new generation of keyboardists in this highly specialised skill through mentorship, tuition, and practical experience."

Erin Helyard

Learning how to read and realise the figures is only one aspect to continuo playing.

Beginning in 2021, the Pinchgut Opera Continuo Fellow Program is envisaged as a two-year undertaking, with new participants either being invited to participate or being selected by application. The program comes with a stipend and creates opportunities to engage with and learn from Artistic Director and harpsichordist/conductor Erin Helyard, Orchestra of the Antipodes continuo players (eg theorbo, harp, and bowed bass), principal singers, and other historically-informed specialists engaged for Pinchgut operas and/or concerts.

The participant will develop musical skills and experience throughout the year with which they can then utilise to further develop their career and will maintain connections with Pinchgut Opera for future seasons and other potential performance opportunities. The Continuo Participant will participate for two years with a review after 12 months and with a possibility of extension. Developmental opportunities over the two years includes:

• Mentorship with Erin Helyard
  One-on-one sessions with Erin Helyard focussing on harpsichord playing within ensembles, developing and honing the skills required for a keyboard continuo player and repetiteur, realising and figuring a score, and the process of repertoire preparation for productions and concerts.
• Coaching sessions with Pinchgut Opera singers and players
  Up to eight sessions a year with principal singers and/or Orchestra of the Antipodes continuo players mostly structured around Pinchgut Opera rehearsals for our operas and concerts.
• Pinchgut Opera Rehearsals
  The participant will be invited to observe Erin direct both concert and opera rehearsals and may be invited to play during some rehearsals as identified by Erin, depending on level of preparation.
• Performance Opportunities
  As Pinchgut Opera develops our Learning & Engagement Program and potential regional touring, the participant could be engaged to perform and even direct smaller scale concerts and/or fundraising events.