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

My first experience of singing that I can remember was in primary school. Our music teacher, Mrs Foster, was keen to teach us how to sing in different parts from a very young age. Then I became a chorister at York Minster. I started as a probationer at the age of 8 and continued until I was 13.

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

I grew up in York where I had great access to classical music thanks to my parents who put me in a cathedral school from the age of 4. I then continued to my secondary school where I had the opportunity to be in several different choirs, wind band and swing band. York also had many great opportunities for young musicians such as Yorchestra. I’m also very grateful to the City of Leeds Youth Orchestra as this gave me my first proper opportunity to play big, symphonic orchestral repertoire.

What has been your most memorable performance so far?

Definitely performing the Messiah in the Cadogan Hall. I was in the Choir of Royal Holloway University at the time and we got the opportunity to be conducted by Nicholas Kraemer. The atmosphere of the London concert hall was incredible.

What are you looking forward to with Genesis Sixteen?

I am looking forward to learning how to sing to a higher standard. Up until this point, I’ve always been a choral scholar with a scholarship often based on singing services. I do greatly enjoy singing service repertoire but I look forward to learning how to properly perform more concert repertoire. I also look forward to learning from the Genesis Sixteen team and singers.

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

I am currently training for a half marathon. I also love to read. I try to read 30 books a year and this could be anything from Fantasy novels to more contemporary literature such as Girl, Women, Other. My favourite series, though, is Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas.

I also love to knit, though not with much success…

Are you still in education?

In September I will be starting the Solo Voice Ensemble Singing Masters degree at York with Robert Hollingworth.