MyMuso

Instrument / Profession

Classical Singer, Soprano

Education

Masters in Music Performance from GSMD Music degree from Bristol Uni

Orchestras / Ensembles

Some opera companies I have worked with: European Chamber Opera, Park Opera, West London Opera, Guildhall Early Opera Project, Morley College opera, English School of Opera, Chelsea Consort. Some Choral societies I have been a soloist for: Tonbridge Philharmonia, The Classical Soloists, Sussex Chorus, New Orpheus Ensemble, Dunottar Choral Society. Choirs I currently sing in : BBC Singers

Influences

My teacher Jane Highfield and my coaches Phillip Thomas and Dominic Wheeler. I am indebted to my teacher who has sparked my passion for classical singing; the ability to use a good technique is inspiring in itself but her passion and drive inspire me to be constantly improving on my best! My coaches open new worlds of music and understanding which I would not be able to see without them. I love listening to Mirella Freni recordings, she's incredibly musical and has such a beautiful voice! I am also inspired by my piano teacher's daughter, Susan Gritton, who is now a world class Soprano after studying zoology (I think) at university and realising then that she wanted to be an opera singer. Its never too late and if you persevere, have good luck and great talent, it is possible to achieve your dreams! I recently saw her singing the Countess at ENO and she her voice and presence made me shiver with their brilliance! I love reading singers autobiographies, I was especially influenced by Renee Fleming and Billie Holiday. It is the difficult times that make the success even sweeter!

Interests

Films, cooking (for myself and for my friends), eating, eating while watching films, eating and drinking with friends, washing up (if I wasn't interested in it, it would never get done, damn those dirty dishes...), travelling, expanding my horizons, wedding planning (although once I'm married this will probably become less interesting), having bizarre and funny conversations with my fiance (soon to be husband), walking in the countryside (not trekking, just gentle walks), playing with my nephews (kite flying is especially fun), learning Spanish!

Favourite Music

Mozart piano concertos, Rachmaninov piano concertos, Tchaikovsky symphonies, La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, Carmen (should listen to more classical music but don't find it easy to relax to, it makes me think too hard). Relax to Nitin Sawney, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan, Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Annie Lennox, Basement Jaxx, Goldfrapp, 4hero, Aim, Beth Orton, Django Reinhardt, Eva Cassidy, Jeff Buckley, Orbital, Roby Lakatos, The Beatles, The Carpenters, Tracy Chapman, The Roots, Stan Getz, John Coltrane...