June News
We began the month in Barnes with a charming and witty recital at St Mary’s Church — Double Act — with the delightful duo of Stephen Whitford and Phoebe Smith. They brought us everything from Mozart and Donizetti to Gilbert & Sullivan and even a touch of Tom Lehrer! It was a joyful and uplifting performance — full of character, humour and real vocal sparkle. We’re already counting down the days until we see them again on July 19th in Henley and August 7th at the Garrison Chapel.
Next, we were lucky enough to welcome soprano Eyra Norman and pianist Abhisri Choudhury to Henley for Colour and Coloratura: How Melismatic Roles Changed Audiences. Eyra’s radiant voice and Abhisri’s expressive playing were utterly captivating, and our audience was spellbound. We were sad to wave goodbye as Eyra set off for her tour with the Stanford Wind Symphony — what a summer she is having!
We closed the month with two glorious open-air evenings at the Soane Stable Yard in Chelsea. A Night at the Opera brought together six wonderful young artists — Natasha Agarwal, soprano, Ellen Pearson, mezzo soprano, Harry Grigg, tenor, Sam Young, baritone and Ross Cumming, baritone and our pianist Lucy Colquhoun. Their performances were full of heart, energy, and sheer joy. We were lucky with the weather too — the second night was drenched in golden sunshine, and it felt like everything came together perfectly.
Success for Our Young Artists
And while all of this was happening, our young artists have been making waves elsewhere too!
Matthew Curtis reached the final rounds of the prestigious Belvedere Singing Competition in Switzerland
Ross Cumming appeared in Trial by Jury and A Matter of Misconduct at Scottish Opera and Opera Holland Park
Will Diggle has been appointed to the soloist ensemble at Landestheater Niederbayern in Passau
Samuel Stopford won the Moniuszko Vocal Competition in Warsaw — an incredible achievement.
Phoebe Smith and Stephen Whitford also sang in the Cover Showcase at The Grange Festival, where they’re covering roles in Die Fledermaus and La Traviata
Natasha Agarwal returned to Opera Holland Park as Jack in their revival of Jonathan Dove’s Itch. What a season!
Thank you, as always, for being part of our journey. Your support helps nurture and propel these extraordinary young voices — and we are so grateful.