Three to look out for…
Francesca Chiejina Soprano
Born: Lagos, Nigeria Career highlight: I was one of 16 soloists singing at the Last Night of the BBC Proms in 2016. It is to date simultaneously the most terrifying and exciting two hours of my career. It was a big lesson in letting go and surrendering to the moment.
Musical hero: The soprano Leontyne Price has been a phenomenal role model. She rose from humble beginnings in Mississippi to singing on important stages all over the world, during what was a difficult time for artists of colour. And she always performed with integrity, discipline and grace.
Dream concert: I would love to sing Puccini’s Tosca. She’s a character that gets to ask all the big questions about love, art, faith and the meaning of life. It’s incredibly beautiful and heartbreaking.
Eldbjørg Hemsing Violinist
Born: Oppland, Norway Career highlight: Recording my debut
CD, on which I play the beautiful Borgström Violin Concerto and Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and Olari Elts. Musical hero: The list of names could get very long, so maybe it’s better to just say all musicians who are constantly curious and pushing the boundaries of musicianship. Dream concert: A performance when everything falls into place. The moment when all the musicians, the orchestra, conductor and I have this incredible unity, creating a very special musical moment lifted by the inspiring energy of the audience.
Jakub Józef Orliński Countertenor Born: Warsaw, Poland Career highlight: Singing the title role in Handel’s Rinaldo in Frankfurt. I have dreamt about singing that role since I started my training as a solo singer. Musical hero: I grew up on The King’s Singers. Listening to them sing live twice and experiencing their joy of music, passion and high level of performing touched me deeply and inspired me for life. Dream concert: I would love to sing a concert with everything lit just by candles. With a chamber ensemble and beautiful music, I would like to take the audience to a different place, to experience something new and explore their feelings a bit more deeply.