About Nicola Burley

Hired regularly as a soprano soloist for Choral Societies, I also stage recitals. As a presentable, mature soprano with a strong, warm, bright voice, I perform oratorio, aria and song with extensive experience in duets and ensembles. Currently working towards The Associate of Trinity College London Diploma in Classical Vocal Performance and degree level LTCL, I am originally a graduate from art college gaining a 2:1 BA with Hons in Design and Art History which brought me a successful career in design. As a result I like to think I bring an artist’s approach to this chosen field, meaning I am totally committed to the creativity and imagination required to sing well and with feeling. My performances are generous, committed and heartfelt, whilst based on a strong foundation of good technique. With this grounding behind me I aim to move and give pleasure only; they are certainly not about “me”.

Extensive performance experience; choral society and concert soloist; oratorio, aria and song; experienced duettist and ensemblist; I also possess a good grounding in operatic scenes and stage acting.

The self-motivated training I’ve embarked on thus far has been driven by my own personal passion and fed by wonderful inspiration gained from the following  marvellous tutors: Patricia Taylor (mezzo on the international stage), Lynton Atkinson (internationally renowned tenor and recording artist) and currently James Ottaway (international opera and oratorio bass/baritone). In 2017/18 I enrolled on the four month Associated Studios intensive Opera Course in Fulham, which included masterclasses with such well-known industry experts as Chris Cowell, Director, Le Cid, Dorset Opera; Leontine Hass, renowned voice pedagog; along with expert daily tuition from Mary Hill, Abbey Opera; Jeremy Silver, National Opera Studio and Liz Rowe, repetiteur and coach with prominent U.K. opera houses.

I have won many classes in Opera, Song and Lieder at all the annual Bournemouth music festivals since first entering in 2011, entering for the last time in June 2018 where I was awarded four firsts, two seconds and a third with distinctions. 

I regularly attend the Wessex Solo Singers Courses run by Lynton and Joy Atkinson, with top class tutors from the RCM, Guildhall and Trinity Laban. The conclusion of each day culminating in a concert performance with the most talented accompanists.

On a personal note I embrace and value every chance I get to sing now because of missed opportunities when I was young. This may go some way to explain my passion, and also my later arrival into this genre. Despite the unconventional route to this point I hope the quality and colour of my voice, dedication, and overriding wish to do justice to this art form are merits worth considering.

Bringing things to the present, I am now in the comfortable and content position to get regular solo work with choral societies; something I enjoy most; and I am, of course, always glad to take on more.

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