Empowering Return: Reflections on the SWAP’ra Retreat

In March 2025, SWAP’ra (Supporting Women and Parents in Opera), in partnership with Britten Pears Arts, hosted a transformative week-long retreat at Snape Maltings. This inspiring residential course, provided intensive support, training and skills development for parents who have given birth, facing barriers to returning to singing careers in the opera industry offering them a nurturing, professional space for eight participants to rebuild confidence, reconnect with their artistry, and foster peer support.

This year’s retreat marked a significant evolution from SWAP’ra’s first retreat at Glyndebourne, with enhanced collaboration and a more reflective, spacious format that set a new benchmark for future iterations.

What the SWAP’ra retreat offers to parents is essential. Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to recognise or even articulate how much help I needed. The impact on my life, on the lives of others and (as a result) on the industry as a whole cannot be underestimated. What an invaluable resource that deserves to be cherished and celebrated.

The extended five-day structure allowed participants time to rest, reflect, and engage deeply with their practice and was praised for enabling more meaningful artistic and personal development.

I came away with renewed self-belief, a new support group of fellow singing parents with shared experiences, and a rediscovered passion for singing. I'll be forever grateful to SWAP’ra for offering me this invaluable opportunity and support when I needed it the most.

The venue at Britten Pears Arts provided an excellent environment for individual and recording practice. Exclusive use of the space enhanced focus and privacy, contributing to a productive and immersive experience.

My time at the SWAP’ra retreat was completely transformational. It was such an honour and pleasure to meet other mums in a similar position- and feel less alone in a challenging industry. The course offer was incredible.

The 2025 SWAP’ra retreat at Britten Pears Arts is a powerful reminder of the importance of space, support, and community in helping artists return to their careers with renewed confidence and clarity. With thoughtful adjustments and continued collaboration, the future of these retreats looks brighter than ever.

This retreat has impacted me significantly and I feel when I look back at it, that it was the turning point in my career as it helped me find my voice in every sense.

Find out more about SWAP’ra.

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