The Sixteen's soprano Emilia talks back stage pranks, a love of architecture and desert island discs

What is the best thing about singing with The Sixteen?
It feels like a family, and I think this comes through in the music-making. Knowing how you and your voice fit into the musical whole is both comfortable and empowering, as well as aiding spontaneity in live performances. That’s the serious answer. The fun answer is the regular amazing homemade cakes by one Alex Kidgell, soprano.

What is your favourite Sixteen anecdote or memory?
I’m sticking with the one about hiding from fellow soprano Kirsty Hopkins minutes before going onstage in Brisbane (I think) in 2015. She very nearly ran out onto the stage thinking we’d gone on without her. Mean? Maybe a little. But the giggles added a much needed boost of adrenaline to a jet-lagged travel-day performance!

Is there a piece you have fallen in love with since performing it with The Sixteen?
How long have you got?! Not a new piece but Handel’s Messiah just keeps on giving. Harry’s performances have such pace and energy. Each year we come back to it with a bit of “here we go again”, but afterwards I never regret saying yes to them, even in the madness of December!

If you could go back in time and be present at any historical performance, what would it be?
I would love to have been present at the first evensong of Salisbury Cathedral Girls Choir on 7th October 1991. It was the first time a separate girls choir had been formed in a cathedral with the same (or similar) liturgical duties, scholarships and access to education as the many boys choirs that had existed for hundreds of years. It’s extraordinary to me that it happened as recently as 1991, but Salisbury paved the way for many other British cathedrals to follow suit. I was too young for that first intake but was there a few years later, by which time it felt as natural as anything for girls to be there sharing the load of the boys, and having those same singular musical experiences. Those first girls made history and as a result of the huge efforts on the parts of those who made it possible (by all accounts a fortuitous meeting of musical, clerical and religious minds all intent on fighting for the same thing), hundreds of girls across the country have followed in their footsteps.

What has been the most challenging piece of music you have ever performed?
Ligeti’s music from the soundtrack to 2001: A Space Odyssey – in concert, with the film playing behind. It’s challenging music in itself but when you add in trying not to watch the film out of the corner of your eye….

What do you do to relax in your spare time?
Two small kids here so sleep?? Read… and fall asleep??

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a musician?
Architect. Or Architectural Historian. I’ve a super-nerdy interest in architecture so I guess getting to perform in lots of interesting and beautiful spaces ticks that box to an extent!

What would you eat for your last supper?
Christmas Pudding with custard, clotted cream and brandy butter! I was going to give you whole menu but actually if it’s my last then just cut to the pudding and have double (triple??) helpings!