Testimonials

"With Divas & Scholars Lucy has created a platform for opera singers to showcase the instrument she most admires - the operatic voice.  Her impressive opera highlights events are of the highest calibre, enjoyable and informative."

Florian Leonhard, violin maker and dealer

I've been to several D&S events at the Club at The Ivy.  They are a treat for both opera aficionados and aspirers.  Besides the selection of arias, the talks and rehearsal demonstrations given by the artists, directors and musicians whom Lucy selects are a joy and informative.  She is an excellent curator.

Martin Loat, Ivy Club member

As a speaker and as an audience member, I'm a big fan of Divas & Scholars.  Such memorable evenings - convivial and informative.  A great way to meet fellow opera enthusiasts.

Christopher Luscombe

Many alumni and students of the conservatoire have valued the performance opportunities offered in London by Divas & Scholars over the last few years.

Stefan Janski

Former Head of Opera, Royal Northern College of Music

Thank you for organising a brilliant day on Donizetti yesterday. Both speakers in the morning session were excellent with focussed presentations that ensured one learnt a good deal not just about Donizetti but about bel canto operas in general. Then the masterclass after lunch was wonderful with well chosen arias and great presentation. I enjoyed it all and was fascinated to understand WHY I like Donizetti better than Rossini. – I will certainly focus on this when listening to Donizetti in future. I look forward to hearing more from Nelly Miricioiu on Tuesday evening.

Mr Nairn Glen

Our young singers hugely enoy and appreciate taking part in Divas and Scholars masterclasses – all performance opportunities help them and it is important for them to perform outside College whilst they are still students. They learn a lot!

Lynne Dawson

Opera Singer, Head of Vocal Studies, Royal Northern College of Music

Lucy Woodruff has worked tirelessly to bring together artists from the opera world with those who, like myself, have been hungry for knowledge about this wonderful art form. The pinnacle of this learning process has been the Divas & Scholars Opera Studies Series. The recitals performed for us by some of the young pianists and singers of the National Opera Studio have been just magical. I have had the privilege of talking with them over dinner and learning more. This has been, and will no doubt continue to be, a brilliant experience!

Malcolm Paterson

I have been attending Divas & Scholars study days since their earliest inception and witnessed their popularity grow from strength to strength. The skill and knowledge of the speakers is world-class and with up and coming talent bringing the art form alive, these sessions are not to be missed.

Rachel Piggott

Former Marketing Manager, Glyndebourne Festival

After many years of being part of opera audiences, the Divas & Scholars course has been much more than promised. Besides the social aspect of meeting other opera fanatics, the course has provided a new dimension to my operatic experience. It has been a privilege to be able to talk to people “in the trade” and learn about their lives, and especially to hear singing by the talented opera stars of the future.

I am sure that at the end my feeling will be similar to when a Ring Cycle I have seen ends – I wish it would start again.

Ivor Brecker

Dentist

Lucy, I had a wonderful time yesterday, and am full of appreciation for your vision and energy in putting all this together.

Eric Winkler Physicist, Technology Manufacturer

Divas & Scholars offers a very interesting educational programme. The intimate format of the talk, performance and dinner is fun and it’s an entertaining and informative way to get inside the world of opera. I enjoyed meeting a lovely group of opera fans and aficionados when I came as a guest to talk about singing Handel. Lucy creates a warm and friendly atmosphere and it is a wonderful and rare opportunity for opera lovers to meet opera insiders. Most importantly, the young artists from the Opera Studio benefit from the chance to perform alongside established performers and scholars. Everyone comes away with something special.

Danielle de Niese