When I am working with singers, my aim is to draw exciting performances from them that convince the audience. But no singer can give of their best if the conductor and director have conflicting viewpoints, so a positive relationship with the conductor is vital, and can be seen as providing the base of the rehearsal process.

When we are starting to rehearse together, I always say to the singers, ‘Tell me what is most important to you about the character and I’ll make it a central part of the production.’ This helps to establish the sense of partnership that is vital for the creative process.

Additionally, it seems clear to me that singers cannot convince if they are directed in a way that goes against text or music – unless there is a very good reason for doing so. So a thorough knowledge of the libretto and score on my part goes a long way to convincing artists of what I have in mind.