Rachael Cawte

Rachael is a British mezzo soprano, and alumni of Leeds College of Music (2016). She graduated with a first class honours degree in classical vocal performance, and currently studies under the tutelage of Julie Kennard. After receiveing the Gold Award for English Word and Song, following success at the David Clover Festival of Singing - Singers’ Platform (2017), Rachael appeared with Northern Opera Group as Armelinde, in their 2016 production of Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon. This was followed by an appearance with Aspect Opera in July 2017 for their production of Albert Herring by Benjamin Britten, performing the role of Mrs Herring (also performed at the Left Bank Opera Festival, in collaboration with Northern Opera Group); and a performance with the Leodian Concert Orchestra in a production of Vaughan Williams' Riders To The Sea as Maurya. She was also invited to sing at Leeds Lieder Festival at the Composer’s and Poet’s Showcase in April 2017. Rachael was invited to sing with British Youth Opera, and followed this with her European debut at the Veneto Operaestate Festival, Italy, with the Melofonetica Summer School in August 2017. During her studies at Leeds College of Music, Rachael was selected for the Margaret Markland Choral Scholarship, leading to many performances with The Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir. Rachael took on various roles, including 2nd Witch in Dido and Aeneas (2015) and Lay Sister in Suor Angelica (2016). She has been involved in various workshops and masterclasses, leading to her working with the likes of Mary King, Maitland Peters, Chris Glynn, Alison Pearce and Paul Phoenix. In August 2015, Rachael successfully auditioned for The National Youth Music Theatre, originating the role of Jennifer in the critically acclaimed new musical Prodigy (Brunger and Cleary). This was first performed at St James’s Theatre, London, followed by a showcase of scenes at the NYMT 40th Anniversary concert at The Adelphi Theatre, London. Rachael has also been involved with Leeds Arts Centre, taking on the role of Ivy Randle in JB Priestly’s The Rose and Crown in April 2017. She was also asked to join 80’s icon Marc Almond for two performances in July 2016 at Leeds Town Hall and The Royal Festival Hall.