Latest news…
Member Spotlight: Rachael Hughes - Soprano
Member Spotlight: Julia Merino - mezzo-soprano
Frog in Your Throat: When your voice stops playing ball, what next?
Audition Oracle Singers' Preparation Award Winners 2025
News & Views
Member Spotlight: Rachael Hughes - Soprano
AO News, Audition Oracle – Tue 24 Jun 2025 @ 12:11
This week's Member Spotlight features Welsh soprano Rachael Hughes.
1. How do you describe yourself as an artist?
Passionate, driven and always looking to connect with others.
2. What other skills or passions do you have that help shape you as an artist?
I love to teach, I feel I learn more about my craft from teaching than anything else. Children really do put things in perspective and offer inner wisdom you sometimes really need!
3. What has been the most memorable and rewarding experience you have had as an artist?
Although I have loved my solo work and always strive for this, I thoroughly adored working with the La Bohème chorus in Longborough. I jumped in last minute and really made beautiful connections and friendships with everyone there. This made the shows even more special.
4. What role, company or performing situation would be a dream come true for you as an artist?
In the perfect world: anything Puccini with a beautiful cast and creative team in any Italian House.
5. What do you like most about being a creative artist?
I don’t follow the ‘usual’ path. Although not everyone agrees with my career path it’s something purely that I love and I can wholeheartedly never regret a day of work that I do.
6. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Just follow your dream sooner! I started operatic singing later and only really seriously pursued it on a Masters course. Start sooner! Ignore the rhetoric of how hard it will be.
7. Three words that are the pillars you shape your career by:
Lead with love.
8. Where can our members support your performances?
I’m in Hertfordshire Opera Gala Competition July 6th, a Summer recital in Tattenhall on the 27th and then my next booking is Christmas with my hometown orchestra Wrexham Symphony Orchestra.
Member Spotlight: Julia Merino - mezzo-soprano
AO News, Audition Oracle – Thu 12 Jun 2025 @ 17:52

1. How do you describe yourself as an artist?
2. What other skills or passions do you have that help shape you as an artist?
3. What has been the most memorable and rewarding experience you have had as an artist?
4. What role, company or performing situation would be a dream come true for you as an artist?
5. What do you like most about being a creative artist?
6. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
7. Three words that are the pillars you shape your career by:
8. Do you have any performances coming up that our members could come and support you at?
Frog in Your Throat: When your voice stops playing ball, what next?
AO News, Audition Oracle – Wed 4 Jun 2025 @ 16:44
Frog in Your Throat: When your voice stops playing ball, what next?
As someone who no longer has skin—well, vocal cords—in the game, it’s easy for me to talk about this now. But for anyone currently struggling with vocal issues, I know it can be an entirely different story.
During my time as a singer, I had to recover my voice more than once. The third major episode came in 2013. The silver lining? It finally pushed me to set up Audition Oracle—a service I’d wanted myself as a performer and had been considering since 2006.
That year, I developed adult whooping cough—also known as the “100-day cough.” By the end of it, my voice was wild, wobbly, and unreliable, with two notes missing entirely from the middle of my range. I will never forget the stress of trying to find appropriate audition repertoire that avoided those two notes!
Trusting your inner voice
I consulted a well-known vocal specialist—but the experience was both disappointing and expensive. They insisted on examining me with a rigid scope while holding my tongue, which made no sense. My vocal issues occurred on just two specific notes, and there was no way I could phonate normally under those conditions. Their conclusion? “Your cords are fine—it’s all in your mind.”
Not satisfied, I sought a second opinion with a different an ENT specialist with a flexible and collaborative approach. This time, I requested a nasal scope and asked to sing the actual problematic notes so that any issue would present itself in real time. This time, something was visible: there appeared to be a problem with my arytenoid cartilage. Initially, it looked dislocated. The prognosis? Uncertain and unpromising. A stitch might hold it in place—but my vocal function would likely be compromised.
I returned to Nicholas Gibbins again, this time with Jacob Lieberman (affectionately known in the industry as the “Willesden Strangler”) in tow. With a camera up my nose and Jacob manipulating my larynx as I sang, we were able to determine that the problem was muscular. Thankfully, the arytenoid wasn’t dislocated. The intense coughing had caused a muscular imbalance, restricting the natural movement of my voice.
Moving forward armed with knowledge
At that point, I knew exactly who to call: Arwel Treharne Morgan. I had worked with this breath and release specialist on and off since 2002. I knew he could help bring my awareness to the issue, release unnecessary tension, and re-establish vocal freedom—until I could maintain it on my own.
Now, I won’t pretend Arwel—or anyone—can fix everything. Ultimately, only you can do that. But he was one of the missing pieces in my puzzle at the time. He might be part of yours, too. Only you can know.
Support systems, not solo solutions
Rarely does any one person outside of yourself have all the answers. As singers, we have a wide range of demands—language, diction, stylistics, musicianship, interpretation, mindset, resonance, and vocal technique. All require care and attention. Placing all responsibility on one individual is unrealistic—and unfair to both them and yourself.
Working with Arwel helped me remove the wobble and restore the missing notes. I won’t pretend I addressed every other vocal or performance area at that time, but I regained my voice, and returned to singing at the level I had previously worked.
Fluctuations in vocal consistency are normal and more prevalent than you may realise
Losing your voice—when it's both your livelihood and your passion—is deeply distressing. Pretending otherwise is disingenuous to yourself and all the many hours of work you have committed. But when you’re in the thick of it, speaking openly or seeking help can feel risky.
But please know this: confidential, practical, and holistic help is available—both financially and professionally.
Support Resources:
BAPAM – British Association for Performing Arts Medicine
Help Musicians UK
Nicholas Gibbins – ENT Specialist
Arwel Treharne Morgan - Holistic approach to reconnecting you with your vocal function
Valentine Voice Care – Kate Valentine has built an incredible practice in Lewes and Scotland. A former high-level singer herself, she truly understands what you're going through.
If you'd like to contact privately about anything I’ve shared here, feel free to email me - [email protected]
Audition Oracle Singers' Preparation Award Winners 2025
AO News, Audition Oracle – Tue 8 Apr 2025 @ 15:34
We’re delighted to announce the recipients of our Audition Oracle Singers' Preparation Awards 2025.
At Audition Oracle, it is a privilege to help facilitate focused, practical support. These awards were created to help artists prepare for specific, career-shaping moments — whether that’s launching a new project, stepping in front of a panel, building a professional platform, or developing the mindset to thrive on tour.

Singers' Preparation Award Winner: Joanna Harries
We are delighted to award £500 to Joanna Harries in support of documenting her “Nightingale” project — an album and recital programme, co-created with participants at Goodmayes Hospital mental health unit in Ilford.
Joanna writes: “I'm thrilled to be the winner of this award from Audition Oracle! It will be supporting video and photography for my Nightingale project — an album and recital programme with pianist Jong Sun Woo, and at its heart a new song cycle by composer Alex Groves, co-created with participants at Goodmayes Hospital mental health unit in Ilford. The programme is inspired by Herbert Howell's beautiful setting of "King David", in which a king recognises his own melancholy in the song of a nightingale, and explores what it means to listen and be heard.
I joined Audition Oracle when I was still at music college and have applied for countless opportunities through their listings. It's not a straightforward career, being a freelance signer - and so I'm especially grateful for their support in making a project like this happen. Thank you!"
Joanna’s commitment to self-creating and contributing meaningfully to the wider arts scene—particularly through projects that connect nature, music, and mental health—is something we deeply admire. As a long-standing member of Audition Oracle, it’s a pleasure to support her as she continues to lead by example. To find out more about Joanna please visit https://joannaharries.com.

Showcase Creative Studio Award: Emily Wishart, soprano
Congratulations to Emily Wishart, recipient of this special award, generously supported by Showcase Creative Studio and a private donor.
When applying for the Singers’ Preparation Award, Emily expressed a strong desire to develop a website tailored specifically to her needs as an artist. Thanks to the generosity of our partners — and the creativity of the Showcase team — we’re delighted to help bring her vision to life.
In a further act of kindness, photographer Julian Guidera has also offered Emily a complimentary 30-minute indoor/outdoor photoshoot to support the creation of her new site. We can’t wait to see the results!
Keep up with Emily's latest news.
Got some exciting announcements to make but no website? Check out Showcase Creative Studio’s latest offer a "Website in a Day".
www.showcasecreativestudio.com
Password: plesase type in (not copy & paste) showcase43
Julian Guidera Studio Awards: Benjamin Gautier & Myrna Tennant
We’re pleased to award 2 x Professional Headshot Sessions with photographer Julian Guidera to Benjamin Gautier and Myrna Tennant.
Huge thanks to Julian for donating these sessions — we're excited to see the refreshed professional images that will no doubt support Benjamin and Myrna in their upcoming projects.
London based and need headshots? Discover Julian’s work.
Sharon Kempton Success Coaching Award: Melanie Ashkar, mezzo-soprano
Generously donated by coach Sharon Kempton, this award goes to American mezzo-soprano Melanie Ashkar.
Melanie was wonderfully proactive — the moment she found out, she booked in her session and is already putting it to use preparing for an audition tour across Europe. Sharon, herself a performer who transitioned to working successfully in Europe, is the ideal guide for this next chapter. We look forward to following Melanie’s journey as it unfolds.
Sharon Kempton is offering 10% discount on all coaching programmes and courses. Book a 30 minute discovery call today - https://sharonkempton-coach.com/bookacall.
Congratulations once again to all our award recipients
Member Spotlight is Back!
We love finding out about our members and celebrating your achievements. Click the link to answer our questions to be entered into the random draw for Member Spotlight 2025.
Would you like to donate to the AO Singers’ Preparation Awards? Drop us an email and find out how you can help - [email protected]
With best wishes,
Melanie and all the team at Audition Oracle
Company Spotlight: Oxford Opera
Audition Oracle – Mon 24 Mar 2025 @ 13:43
This week, Oxford Opera opens its production of Tosca at the Oxford Playhouse. Artistic Director Stuart Pendred shares his journey and the inspiration behind founding the company.

1. How do you describe Oxford Opera?
World class opera, with the people at its heart.
2. What is the ethos of Oxford Opera?
Excellence. Within every aspect of the Company.
In its performance standards.
In its attitude towards the artists and creatives who join us.
In its attitude towards the audience and anyone who comes into contact with us as a company. Respect is key.
In my own career I have been fortunate to have worked with some incredible singers - professionals who are working at the very top level of the profession both here and abroad. Bringing that standard of performance to the people of Oxford and beyond is a core value of Oxford Opera.
Accessibility and Opportunity:
We work incredibly hard through our Education, Outreach and newly launched Oxford Opera Youth Company to bring opera to everyone. This year alone we have already delivered workshops both in and out of school and through the Youth Company to nearly 1000 of Oxfordshires young people.
“Pendred is on a mission to bring top quality professional opera to Oxford while engaging closely with the local community, putting on productions that are accessible both to regular opera-goers and those who may be discovering it for the first time. This latest production ticks all those boxes.”
Oxford Times - La Bohème.
3. What has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for Oxford Opera?
Seeing the vision that I had for Oxford Opera become not just a reality but to continue to grow beyond that original vision.
Having the support, insight and wisdom of our incredible Patrons Susan Bullock CBE and Richard Berkeley-Steele alongside our wonderful Ambassador Rachel Nicholls.
The fact that we have only just started as a company, but we have already welcomed such incredible professionals into our company.
Lee Bisset (ROH) Huw Montague-Rendall (ROH); Philip Rhodes (ROH, WNO, Opera North); Sam Furness (ROH); John Savournin (ENO, Opera North); Mike Bracegirdle (ROH, ENO, WHO) ; Eddie Wade (ROH, WNO, Opera North); Felix Kemp (ROH & WNO); Dawid Kimberg (ROH)
Whilst also being a company that creates opportunities for younger singers just starting out on their careers, or in a position where their repertoire is changing and they are working on new, perhaps larger roles/repertoire.
For example; Marlena Devoe is making her role debut as Tosca with us following her wonderful performances of Mimi and Pamina in our Bohème and Flute respectively. Sam Furness is making his role debut as Cavaradossi. Anna Sideris made her role debut as Violetta. Mark Christian-Bautista made his role debut as Alfredo. Felix Kemp his role debut as Papageno.
4. What dream project would you most like to achieve in future?
To give you a couple of tasters though:
1) The Oxford Ring.
2) Oxford Opera Company commissioned Children’s Opera.
5. What do you like most about Oxford Opera?
6. Three things you wish you had known before setting up an opera company?
Seriously, after my move to Oxford, it was a gut instinct that I followed. Has it been easy, no. Is it one of my proudest achievements - absolutely. Second only to becoming a father. Oxford Opera is my ‘other' child.
7. Share three words that are the pillars you shape your company by. At Audition Oracle, ours are Curiosity, Craft and Community.
8. Do you have any performances coming up that you'd love us to shout about?
TOSCA - 28th and 29th March at the Oxford Playhouse Theatre.
Starring Marlena Devoe as Tosca; Sam Furness as Cavaradossi and Philip Rhodes as Scarpia.
In a new English translation by Christopher Cowell the company is joined by the Oxford Opera Orchestra under the baton of Music Director John Warner and also features a Youth Chorus made up of 39 young people from 10 Oxfordshire Schools.
Tickets are available from www.oxfordplayhouse.com