Meet the Soloist: Rosanna Harris

Soprano soloist Rosanna Harris will be making her Firebird debut with From the Earth to the Skies on 25 February. We find out more about her musical life…

Tell us a little about yourself as a musician…

I was born in Glasgow in Scotland and from there I travelled all over the world eventually settling back in the U.K. in my early 20s. I completed a BMus degree at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada before completing an MMus & PGDip in Vocal Performance at the RNCM in Manchester. I recently moved to Surrey after a few years living in London.

Music has been a part of my life since I was a small child: my parents were, and still are, involved in music and always encouraged me to participate in a wide range of artistic endeavours.

As well as singing, I studied the ‘cello, acting and dance and regularly performed in plays, musicals, operas, dance recitals, as well as with orchestras and ensembles, most of which I continue to enjoy as time allows. 

What are your career highlights to date?

Some of my most memorable experiences have been performing on stages including Bridgewater Hall, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Royal Festival Hall, Grange Park Opera, and Opera Holland Park, both as a soloist and member of an ensemble. I have also worked with companies such as English Touring Opera, which has allowed me to see many gorgeous pockets of the U.K. 

What about your future ambitions in music?

I am mainly involved in the freelance opera world, but I really enjoy performing with ensembles and orchestras as time allows between opera contracts.  My ambition is to keep singing in any way I can. I like to mix singing with private singing teaching, so that I add variety to my days. As long as I have music in my life and the chance to sing often enough, I will be happy!

What is the value of London Firebird to younger professional musicians like yourself?

Performing with orchestras such as London Firebird gives invaluable opportunities for younger professional musicians, not least because of the depth an orchestra brings to the music and the exhilarating feeling one experiences as the performer.

At this stage in my career it is not always easy to come across solo opportunities like this. I am honoured to have been asked to perform Ilia’s recitative and aria from Idomeneo. This will be the first time I will be working with London Firebird Orchestra. I am very much looking forward to it. 

From the Earth to the Skies

Tuesday 25 February 2020, 7:30 pm
St George’s, Hanover Square, London, W1S 1FX

Mozart Overture to Idomeneo, re di Creta, K, 366
Beethoven Piano Concerto no. 2 in B flat, Op. 19
Mozart Ilia’s Arias: Quando avran fine omai & Padre, germani, addio! (from Idomeneo)
Mozart Symphony no. 41 in C, K. 551 (Jupiter)

Conductor Michael Thrift
Piano Marc Corbett-Weaver
Soprano Rosanna Harris