I first came across Zoë’s stunning vocal talent at the charity drinks party organised by myself and the rest of the debutante Executive Committee of 2010. Then at the Queen Charlotte’s Ball in 2010 she gave a gorgeous rendition of Puccini’s O mio babbino caro as the debutantes made their entrance. An emotional moment, I think, for the parents! I know it brought a tear to my father’s eye. It was wonderful to see her again at this year’s event and so I thought it would be lovely to find out a little more about her musical background:

How did your love of singing and classical music begin?
I was always involved with music growing up and with two musical older sisters there was no escaping the recorder trios!
I am always in awe of the way opera singers can belt out notes with such projection, where did you go for your training?

I moved on into the local groups and took the leads in many a Gilbert and Sullivan production. Mabel in Pirates of Penzance for example. This then moved me into the world of opera and I studied singing at the Royal Academy of Music and then Trinity College of Music London.
What is it about classical music that you love?
I  love classical music as the music speaks more than words can. It evokes deeper emotions to me than anything else ever can. I love my job as a singer as I get to travel around the world and meet new people and discover new things.

Is there a particular piece or character you love to perform?

My favourite opera roles are Lucia from Lucia di Lammermoor, Violetta from La Traviata and of course the Queen of the Night from Mozart’s The Magic Flute! I love singing the Queen of The Night as it’s so high and fiery! Full of temperament!

Do you have any exciting projects or performances coming up?
I have just returned from singing opera highlights in India and the role of Violetta in La Traviata. My next exciting project is to perform The Four Last Songs by Strauss early next year.
To hear me sing and for any further details please visit me at www.zoeturner.net  

Blog post by Florrie Clarke, debutante of 2010. Photographs kindly provided by Mike Daines at Photocall Events.