Matthew Rose on Opera, Mentorship & the Future of Young Singers
Matthew Rose is internationally celebrated as one of the world’s leading opera basses, having performed at some of the most prestigious opera houses including Royal Opera House, Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, La Scala and the Bavarian State Opera.
In this insightful conversation, Matthew speaks openly about the realities of life as an opera singer — the dedication, sacrifice, uncertainty, and immense discipline required to sustain an international career at the highest level. He also reflects on the worrying decline of opera houses and funding for the arts in the UK, and why preserving opera as a living art form has become more important than ever.
Opera uniquely brings together singers, musicians, conductors, directors, designers, actors, and technicians in a collaborative artistic experience unlike any other. Yet despite its cultural richness and historical significance, the art form has faced increasing challenges in recent years. Drawing from decades of experience performing alongside some of the world’s greatest opera singers and conductors, Matthew believes strongly in giving back to the next generation of artists.
This passion led him to found the Tosti International Singing Academy, where he serves as Artistic Director. From 19–30 August 2026, Grand Arts CIC in Folkestone will host the second edition of the Academy under the patronage of Sir Antonio Pappano and Dame Sarah Connolly.
The Academy was created to support and promote emerging professional singers and exceptional conservatoire students by offering them rare access to internationally respected song and opera practitioners. Participants are given the opportunity to learn directly from leading artists and industry professionals who hold influential positions throughout the international music world.
A remarkable gift from the Richard Stoker Trust has made the Academy possible, ensuring that young singers can receive mentorship, artistic guidance, and professional insight at a crucial stage in their careers. The value of the Tosti International Singing Academy lies not only in vocal training, but in preserving artistic tradition, nurturing excellence, building professional networks, and passing on knowledge from one generation of great artists to the next. In a time when the future of opera faces increasing uncertainty, initiatives such as the Tosti Academy play a vital role in safeguarding the future of this extraordinary art form.
https://askonasholt.com/artist/matthew-rose
https://www.soundsfolkestone.co.uk/folkestone-on-song-the-tosti-international-singing-academy/