NYD at the Liverpool Philharmonic
On the 1st January, 2026, I was the soprano soloist for the Raymond Gubbay New Year’s Day Concert. Beginning the year at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall was a real pleasure, and particularly meaningful as it marked my debut in the hall - a fitting and enjoyable way to start the New Year!
One of the highlights was singing duets with Elgan Llyr Thomas, a fellow RNCM alum. We performed ‘O soave fanciulla’ from La bohème and the ever-popular ‘Brindisi’ from La traviata. It was a pleasure to share the stage with Elgan and to perform such iconic repertoire.
The concert was conducted by John Andrews, with whom I’ve worked previously in Buxton (opera gala) and St Albans (Bach B minor mass with Harpenden Choral Society). It was wonderful to work with John again!
In the second half, I sang one of my favourite arias: the Jewel Aria from Gounod’s Faust. It’s a piece I always enjoy performing - and singing it in the Philharmonic Hall, with such an attentive audience, was a real joy! The concert concluded with traditional Proms favourites, including Pomp and Circumstance and Jerusalem, bringing the afternoon to a rousing close with the whole venue erupting into songs and colourful confetti filling the air!
I am so grateful for this experience, for the colleagues on stage, and for an audience who were generous, responsive and fully engaged throughout! A memorable debut indeed, and a fabulous way to begin the year!
