The Sixteen's soprano Charlotte discusses Sixteen anecdotes, alternative careers and the traditional Sunday roast

What is the best thing about singing with The Sixteen?
My colleagues.

What is your favourite Sixteen anecdote or memory?
It has to be tenor George Pooley’s trousers splitting in the interval of a concert in Blackburn. Our concert manager Emily had to gaffer tape them back together for the second half!!

Is there a piece you have fallen in love with since performing it with The Sixteen?
Has to be MacMillan’s Miserere. I absolutely love singing it with the Sixteen – you can feel (and hear) the passion that goes into every performance.

If you could go back in time and be present at any historical performance, what would it be?
I think it would have to be at the first performance of JS Bach’s St John Passion. I would have loved to hear exactly what Bach wanted it to sound like and to hear it in context would have been amazing.

Does anyone in The Sixteen have any unusual habits?! If so, what are they?
Not that I can think of. Others will probably say me. I tend to spend dressing room time with a straw and some water…

What do you do to relax in your spare time?
Spare time? What is that? When I’m not singing I work as a vocal coach and vocal massage therapist. I am also Mum to two boys and recently joined a women’s cricket team.

Was there anyone who inspired you to become a singer? Is there anyone who continues to inspire you today?
My first singing teacher, Gillian Atkinson. She was a great teacher and I loved her voice. I wanted to be just like her when I was a young teenager.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a musician?
Either a speech and language therapist or a forensic scientist.

What would your ultimate desert island disc be?
Would have to be a mix tape (do these even exist now?!) with some Jack Johnson, Strauss, Bach and Billy Joel.

What would you eat for your last supper?
Lamb roast dinner (with mint sauce).