Georgia Mae Bishop – March 2025
#WhyMusicMatters
Music in Action: Can you share a bit about your background and journey in music?
I grew up among a family of gigging jazz musicians in Jersey so music has always been a massive part of my life. I was lucky enough to receive free violin and music theory lessons with the Jersey Instrumental Service from the ages of 6-16, before getting into drama and the school musicals at Les Quennevais School. After landing the role of Eliza in My Fair Lady at Les Quennevais I started having singing lessons with Imogen Nichols and the rest as they say is history!
Music in Action: What do you consider incisive moments in your career?
There have been so many moments big and small over the years, from gaining a place at Chetham’s School of Music and leaving home at 16, to my first professional engagement as a freelance opera singer, a jump in solo debut at the Barbican with the BBC Symphony Orchestra to the premiere of ‘Chansons d’Jerri’; a song cycle I commissioned in Jèrriais and led outreach work bringing music and language to local primary school children in Jersey. Every performance feels like a privilege to connect with the music, fellow performers and audience.
Music in Action: Talk to us about your collaboration with Music in Action and why you think music matters so much?
I have been lucky enough to collaborate with Music in Action on numerous projects, and it is always a joy to have the opportunity to perform alongside Jersey’s excellent musicians and rich musical landscape.
Music is a universal language that speaks to us all. It transcends language and often expresses things that words alone cannot. It forms communities and has numerous health, social and emotional benefits. It can help make sense of the senseless, bring joy, comfort grief and bring those the furthest away from us closer.
Music in Action: What can we expect from the concert on the 9th May 2025? How special is it to sing in Jersey for Liberation 80th?
I am immensely proud to be from Jersey and Liberation Day has always been a special time to celebrate resistance against tyranny, remember those who are no longer with us, and empower people today to stand up united for what is right. The concert will be a huge celebration of the basic human right to be free, whilst offering a time to reflect on those in the world today who are still fighting for it, and how we here in Jersey can help bring freedom for everyone around the world.
Music in Action: What do you think is so special about vocal repertoire specifically?
I think that text and music breathe life into each other, a beautiful melody is often heightened with words, whilst music can bring even greater expression to the most meaningful words. I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to interpret and deliver a vast array of vocal repertoire, working with composers, conductors and directors all leading up to the final and most exciting moment, after all of the practise and rehearsal; the connection with the audience when you perform live.
Music in Action: What can we look forward to from you next? Commissions, performances, recordings, other projects?
As many freelancers out there I am currently juggling some multiple diverse and exciting future projects, including preparations for a performance as Isoletta in Bellini’s La Straniera with Chelsea Opera Group in Cadagon Hall, my first full bel canto role with A LOT of notes. I am also part of the creative team working with ArtHouse Jersey to write a brand new co-created opera with local young people in Jersey for performances at the Jersey Opera House in 2026. I’m also currently performing with Opera North and joining West Green House Opera later this summer.
Music in Action: Name a couple of singers, composers or conductors you would have liked to perform/work with if they were still alive, and explain why.
There are so many incredible artists to choose from, but my dream concert would probably be with Judy Garland and Luciano Pavarotti conducted by Leonard Bernstein followed by a night on the town!
Music in Action: Which instrument/s, would you wish to be a virtuoso at and why?
I’m not sure, when you are a musician you happily resign yourself to a lifetime of study and passion bordering on obsession knowing that music and art transcends good or bad, and right or wrong, and that the greatest goal is sharing and bringing music to as many people as possible. So for that reason I’ll stick with singing for now.
Don’t miss Georgia on the 9th May.
Join us for a spectacular Liberation Day celebration as the renowned Liberation Orchestra , directed by the internationally acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie, take you on a vibrant musical journey blending old and new with an exciting Latin American twist.
The concert ends with a medley of wartime melodies including I'll be Seeing You capturing the spirit of Liberation Day.