about
Praised for her “smooth, steady tone” by Seen and Heard and her "elegant vocal timbre" by Bachtrack, Esther Shea is a soprano from Jersey in the Channel Islands whose artistry is defined by natural musicality and a desire to tell stories that move and resonate with audiences. She is currently studying for a Master of Music in Vocal Studies and Opera at the Royal Northern College of Music with Mary Plazas, where she has been awarded the Dame Eva Turner Award and the Sybil Tutton Opera Award. Her studies this year are also generously supported by the LHR Foundation and the Riga Heesom Award.
Esther is the winner of the RNCM Concerto Competition, the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Strauss, and the Williams Howard Award, and has twice been a finalist in the Frederic Cox Award. Her work in opera reflects her versatility on-stage, with roles including The Fox in Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen (RNCM), Ninette in Prokofiev’s L’amour des trois oranges (RNCM), Mrs Coyle in Britten’s Owen Wingrave (RNCM), Youka in Chabrier’s L’étoile (RNCM), and Dido in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (Bedfordshire Youth Opera). Possessing a natural affinity with lyric repertoire, she has also sung the roles of Elisabetta (Maria Stuarda), La Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro), Mimi (La bohème) and Ilia (Idomeneo) in excerpts.
As a concert soloist, Esther’s repertoire spans Strauss’ Vier letzte Lieder, Mozart’s Mass in C minor, Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang, Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, Bach’s Mass in B minor and Handel’s Solomon. A passionate recitalist, she was selected to join the prestigious RNCM Songsters, where she continues to refine her interpretation of song repertoire. She recently sung at the Buxton International Festival in a recital celebrating composers of African descent as well as in recitals across the North West and beyond.
Esther’s musical journey began through lessons with Jane Highfield, who remains a valued mentor and coach, before continuing at Chetham’s School of Music and later the RNCM, where she graduated with First Class Honours. Across opera, concert, and recital work, she is especially drawn to repertoire that is emotionally powerful and intellectually challenging. Esther brings a warmth and dedication to all aspects of her performances.
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