“Wendy Silvester is powerful as the Valkyrie who attempts to save Brünnhilde” - Jim Lowe, Rutland Herald (2025)

“Even the Valkyries were given a degree of individual psychology. No shrinking violets – they, too, were obviously Wotan’s daughters, doing their best to protect their wayward sister. Waltraute, played by Wendy Silvester, even silently confronted Wotan to his face, trying – though failing – to protect Brünnhilde.” C. TENNYSON CROWE on Wagner in Vermont 2023 (2023)

‘The six luscious Flowermaidens wore gowns in different bright colours which made them look like a flower bed. A mellifluous and distinguished sextet they included [...] and two finalists in last year’s Mastersingers Vocal Competition, Kristel Vinter Knudsen and Wendy Silvester. And they all sounded so good that I scarcely noticed that there was no chorus.’ - Katie Barnes; Wagner News 245 (2022)

'The opera is sung in Czech, and both the fabulous young singers (there are two alternating casts) and the menagerie of local children make the language their own. Caroline Taylor plays the Vixen with astonishing veracity and persuasiveness, capturing her sweetness, sensuality and swagger. Her soprano shines as brightly as the Vixen’s joyful smile. Milette Gillow is a cool, urbane Fox, Owain Gwynfryn a vigorous Gamekeeper, and Martins Smaukstelis a foolish and fittingly dour Schoolmaster. Conall O’Neill (Badger/Priest), Alexandria Wreggelsworth (Rooster) and Wendy Silvester (Mrs Forester/Owl) also impress.' - Clare Seymour for Opera Magazine (2022)

'Wendy Silvester had far more to do than usual as the Forester's wife, and Silvester emoted bravely.' - Planet Hugill, Nov 2022 (2022)

Celebrated by critics for her ‘powerful’, ‘impressive’ and ‘brave’ stage presence, Wendy Silvester is rapidly making a name for herself in the works of Richard Wagner.

Starting as a contralto, then a mezzo-soprano, Wendy is now making the transition to dramatic soprano, and beginning with Brünnhilde in an adaptation of Der Ring des Nibelungen, and covering Senta in Der fliegender Holländer at the Wagner in Vermont festival in August 2026.

At previous Wagner in Vermont festivals she has performed Fricka Das Rheingold and Waltraute Die Walküre & Götterdämmerung on the main stage, and Fricka Die Walküre, a Flowermaiden Parsifal, Ortrud Lohengrin, and excerpts of Brangäne Tristan und Isolde and Brünnhilde Die Walküre in concert, as well as covering Fricka Die Walküre, and Erda Siegfried.

Further performance credits in recent years include Zweite Norn/Waltraute in an adaptation of Götterdämmerung with Cardiff Opera; another Flowermaiden and Grimgerde (Die Walküre) with New Palace Opera, Roßweiße (Die Walküre) for New York Dramatic Voices, and Schwertleite (Die Walküre) at the Mastersingers UK 25th Anniversary Gala – yes, that’s 4 out of 8 Valkyries so far! Occasionally, she sings some other composers as well, and has recently performed as Santuzza Cavalleria Rusticana with North Wales Opera; Aunt Norris Mansfield Park with Cardiff Cotswold Opera; Die Aufseherin and Dritte Magd Elektra and Herodias Salome with TUNDI Productions.

Outside of the opera world, Wendy is currently studying for another masters degree, an MLitt in Viking Studies with the Institute for Northern Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands. In any spare time she can be found singing in her doom metal band, weightlifting, or running trails. Wendy also runs Diggy’s Digitals, supporting performers with their digital needs.

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