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

It’s hard to place it exactly, but I very much remember my violin lessons, and singing in school assemblies. My family love music, so it was always something I was surrounded by, and my mum used to take me to the theatre when I was young. I remember a lot of practising at home (and a lot of frustration!), and performing in little concerts in my primary school. I also took part in all the end of term shows/musicals both in primary and secondary school, and loved all the singing! Aside from the classical, a lot of my contemporary musical education came from my dad, who played all his favourite 80s hits in the car and at home, much of which has shaped my music taste now.

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

I grew up in Surrey, with my great grandfather’s piano. My mum played piano when she was younger and after I showed an aptitude for it, as well as great excitement, I started having violin and piano lessons from around the age of four. I was very lucky in that my house was always full of music, including classical music, and the school I attended for primary years was very encouraging and supportive of my musical journey, and I learnt with some excellent teachers. I picked up alto saxophone at the age of eight, ironically because I wanted a little ‘light relief’ from the more ‘serious’ instruments, but it took off and I did all my exams in all three instruments, as well as singing, which, hilariously, I only started to help me in my ABRSM aural exams because my confidence was so low! Outside of school, I was a member of the National Children’s Orchestra and National Schools’ Symphony Orchestra on violin for about six years from eight to fourteen (ish), and attended residential courses and regional rehearsal meet-ups. Singing I started taking seriously at secondary school. The access to classical music was much wider, and I was part of the symphony orchestra, string camerata, saxophone ensemble, jazz band, as well as the Schola Cantorum and chamber choir. My school was Catholic, so the SC sang every Sunday morning at Mass, and we made frequent termly trips to sing evensong in Chichester Cathedral. I fell in love with choral singing, and am so grateful that I was always encouraged and supported to pursue it, with some amazing tuition and guidance.

What has been your most memorable performance so far?

My most memorable performance has to be singing the Allegri Miserere Soprano 1 quartet line in an empty Sistine Chapel in front of Msgr Palombella himself in 2018. What a formidable moment, and it’s stayed with me ever since. On the same tour, we also sang at a Papal Mass in St Peter’s Basilica opposite the Sistine Chapel Choir, just steps away from the late Pope Francis. It made the news!

What would your dream performance be?

Carnegie Hall would definitely be up there, and also Radio City Music Hall! Not a performance, but one of my dreams is to record music for a film soundtrack.

What are you looking forward to with Genesis Sixteen?

I’m hugely looking forward to getting to know everybody, to make some really high-quality music, and to share an innate love for singing. I’m excited for the masterclasses and to push myself outside of my comfort zone, challenge myself and continue to grow in my musical career. I hope to make some friends for life!

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

I am working on a manuscript for my debut novel! I am an avid reader so love talking about literature. I collect 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, and love to cook up a storm, try new recipes and share with friends and family. I have a slight obsession with nice kitchenware (a Nutribullet is next on my list) and my ‘I’ve made it’ moment will be when I finally own a piece of Le Creuset. Take from that what you will. I am also itching to go travelling again after my year abroad after my undergraduate degree!

Are you still in education? 

Until August [2025], I will be writing my dissertation for my Master’s degree, with graduation in November.

Any fun facts about you?!

From October 2023 – August 2024 I visited thirteen countries! I taught English in rural Thailand, went backpacking through Central America, and watched the Euros 2024 whilst hopping my way through central Europe. I have synaesthesia, and I actually really enjoy English choral music, especially a good hearty anthem. I can also make a really, really good ramen and if you want to talk about Asian food, come to me.