I love singing, it is my huge passion in life
LEGENDARY opera singer Lesley Garrett, 67, lives in London with her husband Dr Peter Christian and has two grown-up children. Here the soprano talks TV guilty pleasures, cooking up a storm and the importance of her Sunday morning lie-in.
I am often performing at weekends and so if I am not singing, I enjoy going to the theatre. Recently Peter, our two children, Jeremy and Chloe, and I went to see Small Island at the National Theatre. It was amazing and the theatre was absolutely packed, which was a joy after the pandemic.
On Saturdays I tend to catch up with friends and family and I am always on hand to attend to any work matters – I don’t mind that as I absolutely love singing, it’s my huge passion in life.
I am a huge believer that music should be available to everyone. The idea that opera is only for an elite few is complete nonsense and for me, music is the best form of therapy.
What has been particularly enjoyable for me to do recently is to record a single for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It was such an honour. I have been lucky enough to meet her on several occasions and her steadfast loyalty to the country, whether you are a royalist or not, can only be admired. She also has a brilliant sense of humour.
If I am not performing, I will stay in on a Saturday night and cook some food for myself and Peter –
Since having Covid quite badly last February, and especially if I’ve had a concert on the Saturday night, I am often asleep on a Sunday morning! It’s my catch-up day.
Lesley features on The Jubilee Anthem, a single to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Visit thejubileeanthem2022.com