Meet the Soprano . . .

Abigail aims to bring opera music to the masses and plans to lead by example as one of Britain’s few Black Sopranos. Abigail Kelly is putting Birmingham firmly on the British and worldwide opera scene after completing her Post Graduate Diploma course in operatic studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. In 2006 she completed her undergraduate studies at Birmingham Conservatoire with a first class honours degree. Abigail Kelly is a Soprano – No, she isn’t Italian and stars on the Channel American sitcom, Sopranos – A Soprano is a female singer whose voice reaches the highest notes, which usually encompasses the melody. There are different terms given to different opera singers who use different tones. Supatrax gave Abigail an on-line interview to get some background to the hottest operatic talent to come out of Birmingham and the UK.

Abigail regularly tours across the UK and has numerous bookings from in the UK, Europe and as far as Jamaica and the USA. Let’s meet Abigail . . .

Age? (If you don’t mind)
27 

How long have you been in your business?
I trained for 5 years and I’ve been out in the profession for the past 3 years

What training, qualifications, experience, and awards have you got / required? Please list artists, venues or promotions you have worked with etc.
I studied at Birmingham Conservatoire for 4 years gaining my Bmus Hons first class degree. I then went on to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Operatic Studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Since I finished my formal study I have been working mainly with English Touring Opera company touring around the UK performing in operas. I have received a few awards and nominations such as a course scholarship and the BMus prize at Birmingham Conservatoire. I also won the Leamington Spa Festival’s Rae Woodland opera competition, the silver medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians, and I received a scholarship from the Peter Moores Foundation which gave me additional financial assistance to further my operatic training. I have also performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall for a piece written by black composer Shirley J. Thompson with the London Philharmonia and also for Bishop John Sentamu‘s confirmation of election as Archbishop of York which I was very honoured to be a part of. I have also been a Winner of the Council of Black Led Churches – Educational Achievement Award and the Winner of the Black and African Caribbean Young Achievers Award (BACYA) for Personal Success.

What is your USP? (Unique Selling Point) – What sets you out from the crowd – What makes you different to others doing a similar thing?
I have a long background in dance which I think helps me stand apart somewhat from others that may be in the same line of work. All those dance lessons those many years ago has given me an understanding of how movement can aid the development of a character on stage. Also it pays to be flexible and energetic in the operatic world. Performing in a three hour opera is a very energy draining job so making sure that you are always on top physical form is so important.

Sum yourself up in a single sentence?
I am a bubbly, enthusiastic performer.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?
I was very proud of Bmus Hons degree result. I got a first class honours degree and I came top of my year and won the Bmus prize. I love the feeling when you really work hard to achieve something and the result reflects your hard work!

What’s your worst moment?
I actually haven’t had a worst moment as a performer as you just have to be so used to rejection that when it does happen you just get up dust yourself off and carry on. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason whether that be a rejection or acceptance. Sometimes I trace my career back and say to myself, wow if I wasn’t rejected for that job for years ago I wouldn’t be doing the job I’m in right now.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what would you be doing?
I would either be acting or I would be working as a geneticist. I’ve always been fascinated by how the human body works at it’s most fundamental level and I would have ideally worked with parents of children with potential genetic illnesses, discussing the treatments available and screening options.

Do you feel you have any extra responsibility as a role model?
I feel that that role has been placed upon me by people in my community. However I do find that when I am described as being a role model I feel a little odd as I am just being myself. If people are inspired by what I do then  feel I do have to step up to that responsibility 

What advice would you give to some one who’s just starting out aiming to be in a similar position to yourself or better?
You have to be really hard-headed in this career (music). You have very many knock backs and you must be prepared for constant rejection. Also, only you can decide who to trust as everyone has their own agenda that may conflict with your growth as an artist.

Who were / are your role models?
I do love Kathleen Battle’s voice and people should not believe everything reported in the media about her diva like behaviour. She is truly talented and I find her voice very inspiring. Also I think that Natalie Dessay is a fantastic artist. She really enjoys and embodies every role she comes to and of course she is ridiculously talented.

Any shout outs / Thank yous?
A big thank you has to go to my parents who are always so very supportive. To my singing teacher and coaches who have immense faith in my talent and also to my school friends who keep me very grounded. Also a big thank you to to Dr. Elspeth Insch the headteacher of the King Edward VI School, Handsworth, who having heard so much positive feedback from other parents about my singing ability  for sometime whilst I was there as a student,  specifically invited my parents in to discuss with her a possible change of my planned career as a geneticist to that of an opera singer.  

Where can people get further info about you?
You can visit my website which is www.abigailkellysoprano.com which just recently launched thanks to the efforts and continued support of my father and MRCmedia.com

Let’s get Personal . . . .

What is a definite fashion no, no?
I can’t stand white denim jeans.

Favourite music artist?
In the classical sphere, I love to listen to Leontyne Price she has such a beautiful voice and she really embodies the Italian style. Outside of the classical world I like artists such as Beyonce and I really like Lady Gaga’s sense of drama in her performances.

Favourite food / meal?
I do love ackee and salt fish with fried dumplings, I’m looking forward to eating more of that when I visit my relatives soon.

Favourite football team?
I don’t support any football team! It’s probably because I had an awful experience at school as a goalie, I must have let about 15 goals in during one P.E Class alone!

If you had 1 item to save from your home, what would it be?
My laptop. My entire music collection is on it and I couldn’t live without that.

What’s more important – Money or love? Why?
Love probably, but realistically love won’t keep a roof over your head!

Cheesiest chat up line you’ve used / heard?
I’ve heard too many awful ones, I’m cringing just thinking about them all. Pretty much anything that’s not just a simple ‘Hi my name is….’ is a no go!

Best music track ever? – 1 only!
Lovely day – Bill Withers

Your passport says British (or does it?) – What’s your Heritage?
My passport does say British, but my family background is Jamaican though

For further information on Abigail Kelly, to hear her music or make bookings see her website: www.AbigailKellySoprano.com