Charlotte Mason, MSJ 2010 Leaver

I was introduced to singing at St James’ by music teacher Lynne Lindner. With such support and encouragement from Lynne, I began to sing with renowned choirs such as the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and The Rodolfus Choir. This lead to being accepted for a place to study for my degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. At the RNCM I was involved in multiple opera productions such as Kurt Weill's Street Scene and Mozart's Così fan tutte.

Since graduating from the RNCM with my Masters of Music, I have been a regular chorus member with Bergen National Opera with whom I have performed Britten’s Peter Grimes, Wagner’s Flying Dutchman and Verdi’s Requiem.

Now freelancing in the North West, I sing with the BBC Daily Service Singers and many other Manchester-based choirs. My earlier choral experience at St James’s and later MSJ, has greatly influenced my solo career and I perform regularly as an oratorio soloist. Most recently I have been the soprano soloist in Bach’s B Minor Mass, Haydn’s Nelson Mass and Handel's Messiah.

What does success look like?

Waking up in the morning and knowing that your hard work made your passion into your career.

What is your best piece of advice?

If, like me, music consumes your every waking moment and if you are ready for the challenge, then there is nothing more rewarding than chasing your dream – the rush of live performance makes all the hard work worthwhile!