Rising Stars
Three to look out for…
Yaritza Véliz soprano
Born: Coquimbo, Chile Career highlight: Either being accepted onto the Jette Parker Young Artist Programme at the Royal Opera House or singing the role of Musetta in
La bohème with the Municipal de Santiago Opera.
Musical hero: I have two heroines: soprano Mirella Freni, who has been an inspiration of mine since I was 17, and mezzo Joyce Didonato, from whom I have also learnt so much thanks to her Youtube masterclasses. Dream concert: Singing in either Mozart’s Requiem or Haydn’s Creation with John Eliot Gardiner. The venue wouldn’t matter – just to sing those works would be a dream come true.
Stephen Waarts violinist
Born: Fremont, California Career highlight: Every time I’ve been given the opportunity to play with someone I’ve admired for years and we’ve hit it off musically and personally. Those experiences are among my most cherished rehearsal and performance memories.
Musical hero: The artists who have the utmost respect for the composer, and have become more open-minded and are constantly reevaluating their approach to the music they know well. Cellist Steven Isserlis is one such artist.
Dream concert: A concert series or festival where I could invite the musicians I love and put together an overarching programme – I wouldn’t want to limit it to one concert!
Elgan Ll r Thomas tenor
Born: Llandudno, Wales Career highlight:
My debut as an ENO Harewood Artist playing Quint in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre this summer.
Musical hero: During my training I was fortunate to have the support of Bryn Terfel – I won a scholarship in his name and was awarded a grant from his foundation. I’ve gone on to perform alongside him several times, which is always an honour but also a true test of nerves.
Dream concert: Playing Tonio in Donizetti’s La fille du régiment, because I love comedies. Having an audience laughing with you is an amazing feeling and the challenge of that aria with nine top Cs is too much to resist!