I have recently been involved as vocal consultant of the Nidus Children's choir of Cwmbran, who won third prize at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 2010, a big achievement for a choir who has only been in existence for four years. In addition they also took part in the Bryn Terfel Christmas Special on S4C Television. I agreed to sing a number with them and the Nidus Chorale on a special Christmas CD to be launched in September and so 'O Holy Night' was born, in a dramatic glorious way as befits a dramatic glorious event. I sang this at a number of Christmas Concerts and it has been so successful that a professional video will also be made. Many people are puzzled that I am not singing in opera at the moment, and have urged me to return to the stage, not easy since I lost my agent through no fault of my own, and was unable to get another. I sang a lot in Germany following an audition tour, but not having an agent is a really big thing.
At the same time, I went to see my student Wiliam Smith perform in Amahl and the Night Visitors by Menotti at a venue in Abergavenny, Our Lady and St Michael's Church. I was thrilled to discover it was sung by professional singers, Josephine Williamson, Mezzo Soprano, William Mackie (Bass)Henry Newman (Baritone) with whom I had worked in Zauberflote at Opera North. All conducted by Ian Bolton, and the singing and acting of a high standard. It was lovely to see them again. They had performed this at Monmouth, Usk and Abergavenny under the name 'Three Castles Opera'. At the end, I went to say hello and ,in fact, they asked me to join them. I have had several meetings with Jo recently and with Ian and he is very enthusiastic about Opera Galas. Ian is a former member of the Orchestra at Welsh National Opera. A long term aim is to perform some performances of Don Giovanni in some of the South Wales Theatres.
I am still very actively singing in Oratorio and opera concerts, celebrity concerts and recitals.
I am thrilled at this-all the time I have sung Elviras, and covered two performances as Donna Anna, and never have the leading ladies allowed me to sing it as they were never ill! however, it is opera that has been my passion throughout my life since I graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music and Drama. We will see how it all pans out at the meeting next week.....I have to sing at a wedding this weekend in London.
Opera is about the sheer joy of singing, and it may never pay, but such opportunities are wonderful for those who really have all the training, professionalism and experience, when companies employ younger and younger singers.
At the same time, I went to see my student Wiliam Smith perform in Amahl and the Night Visitors by Menotti at a venue in Abergavenny, Our Lady and St Michael's Church. I was thrilled to discover it was sung by professional singers, Josephine Williamson, Mezzo Soprano, William Mackie (Bass)Henry Newman (Baritone) with whom I had worked in Zauberflote at Opera North. All conducted by Ian Bolton, and the singing and acting of a high standard. It was lovely to see them again. They had performed this at Monmouth, Usk and Abergavenny under the name 'Three Castles Opera'. At the end, I went to say hello and ,in fact, they asked me to join them. I have had several meetings with Jo recently and with Ian and he is very enthusiastic about Opera Galas. Ian is a former member of the Orchestra at Welsh National Opera. A long term aim is to perform some performances of Don Giovanni in some of the South Wales Theatres.
I am still very actively singing in Oratorio and opera concerts, celebrity concerts and recitals.
I am thrilled at this-all the time I have sung Elviras, and covered two performances as Donna Anna, and never have the leading ladies allowed me to sing it as they were never ill! however, it is opera that has been my passion throughout my life since I graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music and Drama. We will see how it all pans out at the meeting next week.....I have to sing at a wedding this weekend in London.
Opera is about the sheer joy of singing, and it may never pay, but such opportunities are wonderful for those who really have all the training, professionalism and experience, when companies employ younger and younger singers.
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