From April 30 to May 5, 2012, Darrell Babidge coached Jennifer Welch-Babidge as she rehearsed and performed the Poulenc Gloria and the Mozart Requiem at the Sydney Opera House with David Zinman and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. On May 3, Darrell Babidge and Jennifer Welch-Babidge gave a master class together at the Sydney Music Conservatorium in Sydney, Australia.
Darrel Babidge explains, “The oratorio works were new to her repertoire, and having studied one of the works extensively myself, I was able to coach her on style and vocal pacing.”
The vocal master class was recognized as an international contribution to the faculty and student body of the vocal area at the Sydney Music Conservatorium.
“Four days previous to our visit, international mezzo-soprano Susan Graham had also given a master class there. Her profile was of a higher ranking than ours, but the faculty commented on the high standard of training that the students also received from us,” said Babidge. “It’s great for students to see other LDS artists teaching and performing in the international field and navigating their careers with LDS ideals.”