Meet the Ensemble - Sky, Bethany and Aidan
If Opera is all about improving the way opera works, so that more people can enjoy its wonder. We also want to normalise an art form that persists in the national psyche as something rare and impenetrable. That means changing the way we do things, from the roots up.
Our ensemble model ensures that our singers and creatives are at the front and centre of our whole season. Meet the Ensemble is a series to introduce the brilliant singers we’re working with this year. Today we’re profiling Sky Ingram, Bethany Horak-Hallett and Aidan Smith.
Sky Ingram
Sky Ingram is an Australian soprano of English, Scottish and Norwegian descent. She is playing Fedora in Fedora at Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon.
Who inspires you and why?
Women of all walks of life inspire me. Women of the past. The women in my life. Women from other cultures and different centuries. Everyone has an incredible story to tell and I have the honour of telling some of those stories in my work. What's amazing is that there are elements of all the characters I sing that could easily relate to women all throughout history, all throughout the world.
What is your favourite piece of music to sing?
Anything with some intense suffering. I know that sounds crazy! But I find that the music that pours out of composers in times of a character's struggle is so intoxicatingly stunning in contrast. It feels incredible marrying the two together in front of an audience.
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
I can't wait!! This music is gorgeous, the story has so many fabulous challenges as an actress, and I am delighted to see what wonderful colleagues I will be working with! I only fear the time will pass too quickly - so I'll be making the most of it!
Bethany Horak-Hallett
This year British mezzo soprano Bethany Horak-Hallett performs as Brat/Tweedle Dum, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Belcombe Court and Laura in Iolanta at Wiltshire Music Centre, both in Bradford on Avon.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
When I first heard the incredible chorus ‘Weg, weg mit dem, kreuzige’ from Bach’s St John Passion. It’s such a thrilling, visceral moment, and I was completely enthralled the moment I heard it.
Who inspires you and why?
I take great inspiration from my mother. She is a strong, inquisitive, and endlessly supportive person, and I take great inspiration from her curiosity and passion.
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
I’m very excited to delve into some really interesting and varied stories and characters. One of the great things about being an ensemble member is we get to be involved in multiple shows, work with multiple creative teams, and explore lots of stories. I think it will be a really enriching experience because of this.
Aidan Smith
Aidan Smith is a British bass. This year he is performing as Gretch in Fedora at Belcombe Court and King René in Iolanta at the Wiltshire Music Centre.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
When I went for my Trinity audition and I could hear people warming up and having lessons it made me want to go there… that was the moment when I decided I wanted to sing.
Who inspires you and why?
So many people: Brindley Sherratt, Gerald Finley, Natalie Dessay, Alexander Kipnis, Stephen King (amazing man!), Tony Pappano, Robin Williams, the list is huge!
The singers inspire because of their paths and how they perform, Tony Pappano because he’s such a perfectionist and a great musician. He also commands such intense focus. Stephen King for his storytelling talent but also for his dedication to his work despite health problems. Robin Williams for his comic timing and sincerity in everything he did.
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
Proud and excited.