Julia Riley – mezzo-soprano

Praised for her “plush mezzo” and “lively presence on stage”, British mezzo-soprano Julia Riley is much sought after on both the operatic stage and concert platform. From 2012-2017, Julia was a principal artist at the Zürich Opernhaus, where roles included Charlotte in Calixto Bieto’s groundbreaking production of Zimmerman’s Die Soldaten; Flora-The Enchanted Pig- Jonathan Dove, Dinah-Trouble in Tahiti; Tebaldo-Don Carlo, under Fabio Luisi; Second Niece-Peter Grimes; Fidalma-Il Matrimonio Segreto; Tisbe-La Cenerentola; and Zweite Dame-Die Zauberflöte. Other highlights include Die Soldaten at Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires, and Madrid’s Teatro Real, Verdi Requiem with London Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall, and BBC Proms debut in Vaughan Williams Serenade to Music under Sir Andrew Davis. Julia Riley was born in York and studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the National Opera Studio. She is winner of the Mozart Singing Competition and an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, for Services To Opera.

What has creating art meant to you over the last year?

With contracts cancelled in Argentina, Switzerland and Spain in 2020-21, I’ve channelled my creative output through my paintings. Over the last 16 years of being a professional opera singer, I’ve always packed my wood blocks and paints when I’ve been on the road. The unusual events of the last year have meant that I’ve been able to take the plunge to open my own online art business!