Kate Royal
Music in Action is delighted to interview celebrated singer Kate Royal. Born in London, Kate Royal has won multiple awards include the 2004 Kathleen Ferrier Award, the 2004 John Christie Award, and the 2007 Royal Philharmonic Society Young Artist Award.
In concert she has appeared with all the major orchestras from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic among many other prestigious ensembles.
She has sung at major opera houses across the world including the Royal Opera House the Baden-Baden Festival with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Lucerne Festival and at the Metropolitan in New York. Music in Action asked Kate Royal #Why Music Matters?
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Kate Royal and I am a British soprano based in London. I have been an opera singer for 25 years, lucky enough to travel the world with my work.
At what age did you begin making music and how did you start?
I began at school singing in choirs and taking part in any school play ‘The’ was happening. I joined a local theatre company and throughout my teenage years I was performing regularly in local theatres, clubs and hotels. It was a far cry from the concert halls I would eventually get to sing in but it gave me an education in engaging different types of audiences. I discovered classical singing when I was 15 and I knew this what what my voice was crying out to sing.
What do you enjoy about performing and what was your favourite performance?
Performing is a chance for me to forget the every day and explore other worlds and characters. You have a unique bond with those you are performing with and more often than not you develop a bond with an audience of strangers too. It is the sharing of great music that keeps me hooked. I think my best performances are ones that I can’t remember very well! When I am completely focussed on the moment and the critical voice stops its nattering. My Carnegie hall debut was pretty special.
Why does music matter to you?
It is in a way my religion, it is where I find meaning. It expands my mind, it gives me solace and it allows me to play and be a child again. As a child learning music it have me a focus and it really gave me a lot of confidence. It’s ’time out’ from the frenetic pace of life, its not reliant on a computer or a phone, or a bluetooth connection. Just an instrument or your voice and a piece of paper with some dots written on it.
What is your favourite place on earth?
My family dining table with my brother cooking in the kitchen, probably something like Stevie Wonder playing on the stereo with an inevitable kitchen disco to come.
Who is your favourite composer?
Thats hard. I would probably say Schumann. It's hard to explain why a particular composer moves you so much. I pick up his songs and I kind of know how they should go, I understand his intentions… at least I hope I do!
What is the future of classical music?
How long have you got? We need to take action now with the very grass roots of music making. Every child should have the opportunity to learn an instrument and the support to learn how to improve through practise. Nothing happens without a dedicated adult. Nearly everyone I know in the classical music world had parents who supported them in some way or other- driving to music lessons, finding good teachers, helping with practise. The government need to wake up and see that making music - classical pop, whatever is a life joy that every single person deserves access to.
It improves mental health, connections with others, concentration, confidence and also it improves exam grades. We need to get children into concert halls to teach them to sit still and to learn to listen- it is an art in itself and there are many adults who struggle to do it also. Dumbing down classical music is pointless. It's all about exposure and support. Yes all children will want to play the electric guitar and the drums as they get to 12 or 13 but if they have been to see operas and concerts as a child they will return to it in adulthood.
Which historical figure would you choose to have dinner with?
I would like to be transported to Prague on 28 October 1787, the eve of the premiere of Don Giovanni the eve of the premiere of Don Giovannii, as Mozart rushed out the composition of the overture in order to hear the completed work the following day. To have gone to the post-show dinner and hung out with Wolfgang…the would be my dream.
What can we look forward to from you next?
As my voice is expanding I am looking at I am looking at wonderful new roles including Katya Kabanova and Desdemona and trying to perfect my Czech! I have become particularly interested in the psychology of singing and performance. Alongside my performing I am writing a book about stage fright which is aimed at anyone from singers and actors to public speakers or even children taking an exam. Watch this space!
More information about Kate’s concert in Jersey at 1pm on 14 March 2024 at the Town Church can be found by clicking the button below: