Lotte Betts-Dean
Australia, Mezzo-Soprano
2018 Scholar
Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music
Royal Academy of Music London
2021 Britten-Pears Young Artist
2019 Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform, Winner
2020 ROSL Competition Overseas Prize
Audrey Strange Singer’s Prize
Winner, Inaugural New Elizabethan Award
‘‘It was wonderful to be part of such a unique study experience in such a beautiful part of the world. Having space and calm allowed us all to work at our best and focus on making music and learning from each other. It is easy in London to be constantly running from one commitment to another. This week taught me to remember to take a step back and delve deeper into the music. I loved working with Imogen and Wolfgang together and thoroughly enjoyed working on one of my all-time favourite works, Debussy’s Chansons de Bilitis. Singing anything with Imogen at the piano is nothing short of an honour! It is a more intense week of study than previous masterclasses I have attended, with two performances to prepare for in a short time and multiple thorough work sessions every day, but there is enough repose within that time to just enjoy each other’s company, music making and the location. I especially appreciated the presence of Wolfgang’s wife Eva with whom we had some illuminating sessions focusing on only the text. It was a week that I will hold dear for many reasons, musical and otherwise. I am grateful to everyone involved. Thank you for this utterly one-of-a-kind experience.’