When and where was your first experience of music / singing?

My first experience of singing came when I became a chorister at Chester Cathedral at around eight. I’d always loved to sing prior to joining the choir but becoming a chorister was when I first experienced choral music. It was initially a daunting experience, having to sing music completely new to me in such a new and routined environment, but it was one which I absolutely loved and cherish dearly.

Where did you grow up? Did you have access to classical music?

I grew up in the small city of Chester, in the North West where I was fortunate enough to have access to classical music not only through being a chorister but through learning various instruments at school. I began by learning the violin but soon gave up, which is something I regret – I just couldn’t handle the screechiness! Taking piano lessons reignited my love for classical music and I thank my brilliant teacher Mr Williams who helped me develop my passion for it. We would spend most of the lessons just chatting about composers and pieces, not really doing much piano playing, but it was great fun nonetheless! The music department at my school also allowed me to develop my love for classical music and I was given wonderful opportunities to sing and conduct small ensembles.

What has been your most memorable performance so far?

That’s a tricky one, but if I had to put my finger on one it would be the performance of Brahms’ A German Requiem I did with the Hallé Choir and Clemens Schultz at the start of this year. It was a fantastic experience singing such an amazing piece.

What would your dream performance be?

I would love to one day conduct Brahms’ Requiem with the Berlin Philharmonic; that would just be so special (think I’ve realised what my favourite piece is)! Also being a soloist in Bach’s St John Passion has always been a dream.

What are you looking forward to with Genesis Sixteen?

Meeting other singers who share a passion and love for making beautiful choral music. Learning from them and absorbing the knowledge the programme will teach us. I cannot wait to perform great works with like-minded people whilst making some great memories along the way!

Outside of singing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love watching films, especially comedies as well as the movies of Wes Anderson and Studio Ghibli and love reviewing them with friends after cinema trips. I also love drinking coffee, way too much coffee! I enjoy heading out around Manchester trying new coffee shops but I confess I do have a soft spot for Café Nero and will often gravitate there.

Are you still in education? 
I have just finished my second year at The University of Manchester where I study Music. I am also a deputy singer for Kantos Chamber Choir.

Outside of performances with Genesis Sixteen, have you got any concerts coming up?

I am just about to go on tour with Ad Solem, the university chamber choir alongside the University Symphony Orchestra to Belgium. I am also off to the Proms with the Hallé Choir and Sir Mark Elder where we are performing a new work by MacMillan.

I have, along with some friends at university, set up a small chamber choir called Icarus. We perform 20th century and contemporary choral music in an array of interesting and different performance settings. We have just done some recordings which we hope to use over the summer to promote our choir.