Shropshire soprano reaches quarter-finals of major international opera competition

A Shropshire-based soprano has been named among the world’s most promising emerging opera singers after reaching the quarter-finals of the prestigious Elizabeth Connell Prize, and notably is the only British singer to do so this year.

Holly Teague is one of just 24 singers selected from an international field to compete in this year’s competition, widely recognised as a major platform for developing dramatic voices.

The live rounds will take place this week Duke’s Hall at the Royal Academy of Music in London, with the quarter-finals on Thursday, semi-finals on Friday, and the grand final on Sunday.

Holly said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have reached the quarter-finals, especially in such a competitive field. To be the only British singer at this stage is a real honour. Competition preparation is an intense practise, but I’ve loved working on the music that I’ve chosen and I’m really looking forward to the live rounds this week. Florent Mourier, the competition accompanist, is an excellent collaborator so it will be a pleasure to perform with him.”

Described as “a voice of rare quality”, Holly enjoys a varied career across opera, concert and recital work in the UK and internationally. She has previously performed at Garsington Opera, including solo roles in major productions, and continues to build a strong reputation as a compelling stage performer.

Recent highlights include performing At the Statue of Venus, a one-woman opera by Jake Heggie, with Susanna Stranders for Opera Cameratina. Upcoming engagements include contracts with Scottish Opera, and the premiere of a newly curated recital programme, Strauss and Streisand, with pianist James Longford next month.

The Elizabeth Connell Prize has an international reputation for identifying and supporting exceptional operatic talent, with participants travelling from across the world to compete.