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.

 Gold and deep blue background. Soprano Rachael Hughes in a circle in the centre. Rachael has long dark wavy hair




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.

 

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Member Spotlight: Julia Merino - mezzo-soprano

AO News, Audition Oracle – Thu 12 Jun 2025 @ 17:52

This week we welcome Spanish mezzo-soprano Julia Merino for our Member Spotlight feature.
 
The background is Gold and Blue. Spanish Mezzo soprano Julia Merino is framed in the centre in a circle like a spotlight. Her redrawn hair is in braces and she is resting her chin lightly on her hands

1. How do you describe yourself as an artist?

I am an artist who thrives on bringing stories to life through performance. Whether on stage or in the studio, I aim to create authentic, emotionally engaging experiences that connect with the audience, blending technique with expression and working as a team to deliver something truly meaningful.
 

2. What other skills or passions do you have that help shape you as an artist?

I stay balanced through regular exercise, including yoga, and value being in contact with nature. Reading and exploring other forms of art also inspire my creativity, while spending time with my family and friends is essential to keeping me grounded and connected.
 

3. What has been the most memorable and rewarding experience you have had as an artist?

Developing a character fully through an entire opera production has been the most rewarding experience. It allows me to explore every aspect of the role, deepening my artistry and enabling me to communicate its emotions to the audience.
 

4. What role, company or performing situation would be a dream come true for you as an artist?

A dream come true would be performing the role of Carmen in Carmen by Georges Bizet. Bringing such a passionate, complex character to life on stage would be an incredible artistic achievement and a defining moment in my career.
 

5. What do you like most about being a creative artist?

What I appreciate most about being a creative artist is the opportunity to bring something new into the world. Art has the power to evoke emotions, inspire thought, and create moments that are uniquely meaningful to both the artist and the audience.
 

6. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to trust the journey and embrace every challenge as part of the process. It’s easy to doubt, but the most meaningful growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and staying true to your passion.
 

7. Three words that are the pillars you shape your career by:

Honesty, Passion, Collaboration.
 

8. Do you have any performances coming up that our members could come and support you at?

I will be making my role debut as the Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas on 9th and 13th June, and performing Dido on 11th and 16th June, all in London. Tickets are available here.
 
In July, I’ll be taking part in MUSEG – the Festival of Music of Segovia. I’ve also been selected for the Zarzuela Estudio in the Canary Islands during July. In addition, I have a number of recitals scheduled in both the UK and Spain over the coming months.

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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?

Warning sign showing amphibians. Staked in the grass

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.

 

Melanie Lodge sat on a rock surrounded by green foliage and white flowers

 

If you'd like to contact privately about anything I’ve shared here, feel free to email me - [email protected]

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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

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

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 Award: Benjamin Gautier & Myrna Tennant 

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

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 

 

Are you our next member spotlight?

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

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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.

 
 
Image has a gold and deep navy blue background. In the centre is a woman with dark hair and red lipstick. Samoan soprano, Marlena Devoe is playing the title role in Oxford Opera's Tosca
 

1. How do you describe Oxford Opera?

I founded Oxford Opera to provide the people of Oxfordshire an Opera Company that they could recognise and proudly regard as ’their own’. To be a company that is a key part of the cultural fabric of the city delivering truly top class productions with some of the best UK based professional artists available whilst also providing access and opportunity to the young people of the County through our Education and Outreach programmes and the Oxford Opera Youth Company.  

World class opera, with the people at its heart.
 

2. What is the ethos of Oxford Opera?

Excellence; accessibility and opportunity. 

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: 

I don’t care where you come from, your social status or your educational background, I want everybody to be able to access and experience this unique art form. I come from a background that completely lacked any exposure, let alone accessibility or opportunity in Opera. As a father I see the demise of classical music education in many, mainly state schools, and it angers and saddens me. Oxford Opera is, in its own way, trying to counter that demise and break down the lazy optic that opera is an elite art form only available to and for a certain part of society. Frankly, that’s utter BS!  

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?

As a young company every production is hugely memorable for different reasons, but I think seeing a company of nearly 150 people on the stage of the Oxford Playhouse Theatre including so many young people, at the end of our first ever fully staged production of Bizet’s Carmen has to be one of the best. The Magic Flute - our first production post the devastating impact of Covid. We nearly ceased to exist. Through the incredible generosity of someone we not only survived, but are in a healthier position than we’ve ever been before. 

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?

We have a number of projects that my team and I are looking at and planning. We have a 5 year creative schedule in terms of productions, commissions and collaborations. 

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?

So many things. The integrity and passion of the people that I get to work with on a daily basis; the friends and supporters of the Company who share and support the vision and help drive it forwards; a great Board of Trustees; the faces of the children and young people when they first encounter/hear an operatic voice in full-flow; the opportunities that we are creating for them to engage with this incredible art form and the benefits that we know engagement with the arts bring ; the chance to be a real part of the cultural fabric of Oxford, Oxfordshire and beyond; working with some astonishing creatives - not just the singers - the ’company’. The teamwork and collective energy that is needed to create art is life-affirming. The opportunity to make genuinely positive differences in the lives of everyone who encounters Oxford Opera.
 

6. Three things you wish you had known before setting up an opera company?

None - I wouldn’t have done it otherwise! …:))

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.

Excellence; Opportunity & Accessibility 
 

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

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