Time masterclass: 11:45-13:00
Language Masterclass: Dutch/English
Masterclass
Throughout the entire trajectory, Claron McFadden teaches two highly talented master’s students how to improvise, moving from variations on existing songs (such as Britten), through spontaneous rhythmic impulses, to improvisations based on self-composed material. During the masterclass on 18 April 2026, the two students will engage in instant composition: creating and singing their own musical compositions on the spot, in collaboration with the pianist.
Claron McFadden encourages them to take freedom, engage the whole body, and explore their expressive possibilities. She delves into personal interpretation and vocal technique, demonstrating how improvisation and expression reinforce one another. The masterclass is accompanied on piano by Daan Boertien.
Talents
Claron McFadden is giving the masterclass to two master’s students: the Greek-Cypriot mezzo-soprano Diamanto Christoforidou at Codarts in Rotterdam, and the Dutch bass-baritone Wessel van der Ham, studying at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
Claron McFadden
Claron McFadden is an American-Dutch soprano known for her openness, intensity, and great versatility. She studied voice at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree. In 1982 she moved to Amsterdam to study baroque music at the Sweelinck Conservatory with Max van Egmond. This period proved formative: McFadden immediately felt at home and developed a strong affinity with both early and contemporary music.
In 1985 she made her operatic debut at the Holland Festival, marking the beginning of an international career. As a soloist she has worked with ensembles and musicians such as Michel van der Aa and Frans Brüggen. She has also appeared in productions by, among others, La Scala, De Nederlandse Opera, and the Bayerische Staatsoper.
McFadden moves effortlessly between stylistic periods, from Bach to Louis Andriessen. Her musical background in church music, choir, gospel, jazz, and funk forms the basis for this versatility. In addition to the classical repertoire, she regularly performs with jazz musicians such as Eric Vloeimans and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. In 2006 she received the Amsterdam Prize for the Arts, and since 2017 she has been a member of the Akademie van Kunsten of the KNAW.
Information
More information on Claron McFadden
Photography portrait Claron McFadden: © Sabine Rovers
