Leandro Silvera was born in Argentina, and after graduating from Buenos Aires Conservatoire he won a British Council scholarship to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. He participated in masterclasses with Karine Georgian (Dartington International Summer School) and Ralph Kirshbaum (IMS Prussia Cove) and graduated in 1999 with a Commended BMus (Honours) Degree and a Diploma in Professional Performance.

He developed a passionate interest for teaching soon after graduating; since then he has given cello masterclasses for European String

Teachers' Association, the London Cello Society and the Oxford Cello School, and worked at Bowdoin Summer Music Festival (USA) as Performing Assistant to Steven Doane.

Between 2000 and 2005 Leandro taught cello and coached young chamber ensembles at Chetham’s School of Music. He also completed his postgraduate studies with Hannah Roberts at the RNCM and was awarded a PGDip in 2003.

As well as teaching, Leandro works as a free-lance cellist with several orchestras, including English National Opera, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Golden Age (on baroque cello).

Leandro moved to London in September 2005 to take up the position of Head of Strings at King’s College School, Wimbledon and since 2006 has been tutor of cello and chamber music at the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music.

 "Formidable musicianship, an engaging mixture of humour and latin charm and a genuine talent for communicating with each pupil at their own level - an illuminating and entertaining masterclass" European String Teachers' Association

PRO CORDA PLUS: OPERA

25^th October – 1^st November 2008

Directed by Susan Singh

From English National Opera

Be Part of an Amazing Artistic Experience.

A half – term residential course for all young musicians aged 11 – 16 leading to a final performance of Gluck’s Orpheus at Leiston Abbey. No audition necessary.

All participants will prepare and perform in the final fully staged production in Pro Corda’s medieval Barn Theatre.

Other Sessions include:

-          Composition: Creating new incidental music to be incorporated into the production

-          Technical Theatre: Teaching participants about set, lighting and costume design.

-          Choreography : Preparing the movement for the final production

-          Nightly House Concerts in the Guesten Hall Recital Room

-          Fun packed Recreational Activities organised by Pro Corda’s Pastoral team

-          Orpheus “The Final Production” DVDs for all participants to take home.

Principle Coaching Staff for Pro Corda Plus: OPERA

Susan Singh (Director) directs all child performers at ENO. Susan is recognised as the country’s leading opera trainer for children.

Anita Strevens (Choreography) is one of the country’s leading Dalcroze Eurhythmics teachers. She is also a cellist and plays with the Phantom of the Opera Orchestra in the West End.

David Parker (Technical Theatre) is a West End Set Designer, also working with a number of Opera Companies. He is an experienced teacher and gives Technical Theatre Workshops across the country.

Andrew Quartermain (Piano and Composition) is an international concert pianist, composer and Pro Corda’sDirector of Outreach Programmes.

                                                HOW TO BOOK

To book a place on Pro Corda Plus:OPERA (25^th October – 1^st November 08) please contact the office to request a booking form.

By email: mail:procorda.com

By post: Pro Corda Trust Office

               Leiston Abbey

               Theberton

                Leiston

                Suffolk IP16 4TD

By phone: 01728 831354.

Fees: £580 including all tuition and full board accommodation. Limited Bursaries for Pro Corda courses are available. Applications should be made in writing to Pro Corda

New Cello Course, 20-24 October 2008

Director: Annelies Terry

Special Guest: Alexander Baillie

This course is for all talented cellists aged 8-18 and will include:

Cello ensembles

Technique sessions

Improvisation

Dalcroze Eurhythmics

Performance skills

Solo Masterclasses with Alexander Baillie

Concerts given by the staff

Dedicated house staff team, who will organize leisure activities during the breaks

There will also be opportunities for all cellists who wish to perform solo works – a great opportunity, especially for those taking exams in the Autumn Term.

Annelies is delighted that Alexander Baillie, the distinguished international cellist has agreed to come and coach on the course and hold masterclasses.  These will be suitable for the more advanced player to take part in (Grade 8 and above) but all the cellists, whatever age and stage, will benefit from watching these masterclasses and will be made very much a part of the process.

All current Pro Corda members on the Leiston, North and West courses have automatic invitation to the course.  Other cellists should apply stating their current standard, length of time they have been playing, and include a recommendation by a teacher. As a very rough guide, it is the “distinction” or “high merit” type of player that this course is aimed at, but potential and a keen attitude are even more important!