Sarah Ryan: Mezzo Soprano
Sarah performing at a concert in the Bowes Museum
When did you start singing, and what inspired you to take up lessons?
SR: I started singing when I was eight years old but it was nothing serious then after that, I became involved with a local drama group where I started having theatre singing lessons. I got into classical singing by listening to an opera singer and I can remember wanting to sing like her and transform my voice and it just went from there.
From the beginning I had always assumed my voice was theatre but when I auditioned at The Sage Gateshead, I was told my voice was classical which was a surprise. At first I have to admit, I was apprehensive about all of it, as it was something completely new to me and I didnt know what to expect or how to deal with it. After having my first few lessons of classical singing, with my very talented singing teacher Miranda Wright, I came to love classical music so much more! For me, I immediately connect with the music and feel many emotions.
Tell us a bit about your current music studies
SR: I have just recently left The Sage Gateshead after three years of training. I studied everything from music language to aural training. All of the teachers there where great and have really helped me to develop further as a singer. Currently, I'm still having my singing lessons and music theory and trying to gain as much stage experience possible.
What has been the biggest moment of your singing career so far?
SR: I performed the Pie Jesu solo in Duruflé's Requiem with The Durham Singers which was an awe insiring and uplifting night. I would also say taking part in my first opera production Dido and Aeneas with The Miranda Wright Singers as the role of The Sorceress. I was also a participant of Samling Academy last year which is a programme built to give workshops, masterclasses and ensemble coaching. I was overwhelmed by the whole experience and by how much I actually learnt from it! I learnt how to truly understand the context of a piece, stage presence and incredible singing techniques, and most importantly how determined you've got to be. It's certainly changed the way in which I approach singing and I feel so privileged to have been given the opportunity to work with such talented musicians.
What sort of music do you most enjoy singing?
SR: I enjoy singing works by Novello and Elgar. One of my favourite pieces is Fly Home Little Heart by Novello. I first started singing this when I had just started classical singing and I still love it now.
You’re going to be singing Erbarme Dich, one of the greatest mezzo-soprano arias ever written, with a professional orchestra, in Durham Cathedral. How are you preparing for this?
SR: The music is so beautiful in this piece that I find myself in another world! This aria has so much depth,spirituality and beauty and the intimacy of the music just glides effortlessly. I've been working very hard on this piece with Miranda and Music Director, Julian Wright who have both helped massively. I've been so determined to perfect it and sing it in the way it deserves to be sung. When I perform this I feel connected with it and I want the audience to feel the same.
You’ve been coming to our chorus rehearsals to immerse yourself in the St Matthew Passion. How do you respond to Bach’s music?
SR: I've really enjoyed taking part in The Durham Singers choir and studying the music with them. Bach's music is quite difficult but its definitely been really enjoyable!
What are your plans for the future?
SR: I'm trying to gain as much stage experience possible then I would like to apply to music colleges soon after and be a professional singer in the future.
Do you have any advice for other aspiring young singers?
SR: To work hard and have the right attitude! I think many people assume that it will come easy but it doesn't. It takes so much hard work and if you're dedicated enough you will get to the place you want to be.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about?
I'm really looking forward to performing St Matthew Passion with everyone involved!
SR: I started singing when I was eight years old but it was nothing serious then after that, I became involved with a local drama group where I started having theatre singing lessons. I got into classical singing by listening to an opera singer and I can remember wanting to sing like her and transform my voice and it just went from there.
From the beginning I had always assumed my voice was theatre but when I auditioned at The Sage Gateshead, I was told my voice was classical which was a surprise. At first I have to admit, I was apprehensive about all of it, as it was something completely new to me and I didnt know what to expect or how to deal with it. After having my first few lessons of classical singing, with my very talented singing teacher Miranda Wright, I came to love classical music so much more! For me, I immediately connect with the music and feel many emotions.
Tell us a bit about your current music studies
SR: I have just recently left The Sage Gateshead after three years of training. I studied everything from music language to aural training. All of the teachers there where great and have really helped me to develop further as a singer. Currently, I'm still having my singing lessons and music theory and trying to gain as much stage experience possible.
What has been the biggest moment of your singing career so far?
SR: I performed the Pie Jesu solo in Duruflé's Requiem with The Durham Singers which was an awe insiring and uplifting night. I would also say taking part in my first opera production Dido and Aeneas with The Miranda Wright Singers as the role of The Sorceress. I was also a participant of Samling Academy last year which is a programme built to give workshops, masterclasses and ensemble coaching. I was overwhelmed by the whole experience and by how much I actually learnt from it! I learnt how to truly understand the context of a piece, stage presence and incredible singing techniques, and most importantly how determined you've got to be. It's certainly changed the way in which I approach singing and I feel so privileged to have been given the opportunity to work with such talented musicians.
What sort of music do you most enjoy singing?
SR: I enjoy singing works by Novello and Elgar. One of my favourite pieces is Fly Home Little Heart by Novello. I first started singing this when I had just started classical singing and I still love it now.
You’re going to be singing Erbarme Dich, one of the greatest mezzo-soprano arias ever written, with a professional orchestra, in Durham Cathedral. How are you preparing for this?
SR: The music is so beautiful in this piece that I find myself in another world! This aria has so much depth,spirituality and beauty and the intimacy of the music just glides effortlessly. I've been working very hard on this piece with Miranda and Music Director, Julian Wright who have both helped massively. I've been so determined to perfect it and sing it in the way it deserves to be sung. When I perform this I feel connected with it and I want the audience to feel the same.
You’ve been coming to our chorus rehearsals to immerse yourself in the St Matthew Passion. How do you respond to Bach’s music?
SR: I've really enjoyed taking part in The Durham Singers choir and studying the music with them. Bach's music is quite difficult but its definitely been really enjoyable!
What are your plans for the future?
SR: I'm trying to gain as much stage experience possible then I would like to apply to music colleges soon after and be a professional singer in the future.
Do you have any advice for other aspiring young singers?
SR: To work hard and have the right attitude! I think many people assume that it will come easy but it doesn't. It takes so much hard work and if you're dedicated enough you will get to the place you want to be.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about?
I'm really looking forward to performing St Matthew Passion with everyone involved!
