When and where was your first experience of music / singing?
My primary school ran group singing sessions, and it was from there that I went on to be a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral in London where my most formative experiences of music and singing were. Prior to joining, I clearly remember my chorister experience day where we prospective choristers joined the ranks of the cathedral choir for the final hymn at Evensong – Praise My Soul the King of Heaven! An inspiring moment that ultimately led to six very happy years.
Where did you grow up? Did you have access to classical music?
I grew up mostly in London as a result of being a chorister there. We were extremely privileged to have access to, and to be a part of, such fine classical music there.
What has been your most memorable performance so far?
The most powerful performance I can think of was singing ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story during the memorial service for the victims of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire. It wasn’t in the standard repertoire of the cathedral choir, but provided a means by which, during that multi-faith service, the grieving families could feel their pain being expressed through the power of music. Not the most uplifting answer, but it really demonstrated to me how important it was that music was available to all people at all times.
What would your dream performance be?
I am completely in love with J.S. Bach’s timeless St Matthew Passion and would give anything to sing that in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig where it received its first performance.
What are you looking forward to with Genesis Sixteen?
Coming together with other young singers who find the prospect of working in this industry exciting and stimulating – and, of course, learning to do so from those who have made the most extraordinary success of it in The Sixteen.
Outside of singing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I am committed to contemplating resuming my running regime. Perhaps more realistically, I am a big fan of cooking and putting on big gatherings of friends and family.
Are you still in education?
I am studying for a BA in International Relations and German at the University of Exeter.
Outside of performances with Genesis Sixteen, have you got any concerts coming up?
I am excited to sing the alto solos in J.S. Bach’s Mass in B minor in early July for the Exeter Festival Chorus as this will be the first performance of this incredible work I will have done.