Creative History

With roles such as Abigaille (Nabucco), Lady Macbeth (Macbeth) Turandot, Aida, La Gioconda, Norma, and Beethoven's Leonore (Fidelio), firmly established in her repertoire, soprano Susan Stacey has begun to make a significant impact on the world's operatic stages.

In the last two seasons she has made four important debuts worldwide; in South Africa's prestigious Spier Festival (CapeTown) as Leonore in Beethoven's Fidelio, in the USA, in the title role in Ponchielli's 'La Gioconda' for the Florida Grand Opera in Miami, her debut for English National Opera in 'Der Rosenkavalier', and in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, in the challenging role of Abigaille in Verdi's 'Nabucco'. Susan has sung the title role in Puccini's Turandot, and the role of Hélene in Verdi's 'Jerusalem' for the Chelsea Opera Group at London's South Bank. Her operatic roles in previous seasons have also included Senta (Der fliegender Holländer), Leonore (Fidelio; including for English Touring Opera), Lady Macbeth (Macbeth), and the title role in the British Premiere of Mascagni's lost opera 'Iris', as well as Magda Sorel (The Consul) at the Wexford Festival in Ireland. At the beginning of the 2001 season, Susan fulfilled an extended contract with English National Opera, including repeating the role of Abigaille in David Pountney's new production of Nabucco, Summer 2001 she sang her debut performances in the title role in Puccini's 'Manon Lescaut' - also in London , conducted by Brad Cohen.

Susan worked with Glyndebourne Touring Opera in the role of Leonore (Fidelio) during the 2001 Winter Tour. In 2002 she prepared the role of Julia in Spontini's opera 'La Vestale' conducted by David Parry for English National Opera, and made her Royal Opera House debut in the role of Odabella in Attila at Covent Garden conducted by Mark Elder, and sang the title role of Sarka in the staged premiere of Janacek's lost opera at the Garsington Opera Festival in Enlgand, conducted by Elgar Howarth.

On the concert stage, Susan has sung numerous performances of Verdi's 'Messa da Requiem' (including a performance conducted by Sir David Willcocks), galas of operatic arias and scenes with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, performances of Mahler's Eighth Symphony at the Royal Albert Hall (one recorded for CD, and another, again with the Royal Philharmonic), and her BBC Proms debut in the role of Helmwige in Wagner's 'Die Walküre', conducted by Donald Runnicles.

Susan was originally a scholar at London's Royal College of Music, and amongst numerous prizes, was awarded the Tagore Gold Medal as the most distinguished student of the year. More recently, she was awarded the Bayreuth Bursary as UK's most outstanding 'Young Wagnerian Singer of the Year' (1997), and in 1999 was proud to represent England in the prestigious BBC 'Cardiff Singer of the World' competition, which was broadcast around the world.

Susan worked with Opera North in 2004 in the title role of Francesca in Rachmaninov's rarely performed 'Francesca di Rimini' and returns to the company in 2005 when she will prepare the role of Judith in Bartok's Bluebeard's Castle. Susan sang her debut performances in the role of Ellen Orford in Britten's Peter Grimes in the spring of 2005 and will sing the role of Abigaille in Nabucco in August 2005, alongside performances further performances of Bluebeard's Castle, Beethoven's concert aria 'Ah Perfido', and Minnie (La Fanciulla del West).

Please highlight, copy and save the biographies noted below for inclusion in printed material 2005. Biographies may not be edited or altered without permission.

Biography for inclusion in Programmes/publicity (229 words)

Susan studied as a vocal scholar at The Royal College of Music in London, winning the Tagore Gold Medal for the most outstanding student of the year, also winning the 1997 Bayreuth Bursary - the UK's award for the outstanding young Wagnerian singer in the country, and in 1999 represented England in 'BBC Cardiff Singer of the World'. Her repertoire includes Abigaille, Lady Macbeth, Turandot, Aida, La Gioconda, Iris, Norma, Leonore & Senta. In the past few seasons she has made debuts in Cape Town (Fidelio), The USA (La Gioconda - Florida Grand Opera), ENO - Der Rosenkavalier, and Abigaille in Nabucco, and in Rio de Janiero (Abigaille). Recent work has also included the title role in the UK premiere Iris (Mascagni) Manon Lescaut (Opera Holland Park), and her debut at the ROH, as Odabella in Attila and Sarka (Janacek) for Garsington. With Opera North in their production of Francesca da Rimini (Rachmaninov) in 2004, and includes sing Judith (Bluebeard's Castle, Bartok) and Abigaille (Nabucco) in 2005 and Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes. She also continues to perform her one woman opera show 'Swedish Nightingale' in performances throughout the UK. Susan will complete her first recital CD in 2005 with a recording called 'Why do I love?' - celebrating the music of Armstrong Gibbs, supported by the Oppenheim John Downes Trust, and an orchestral recording of arias and duets by Beethoven.

Biography for inclusion in Programmes/publicity (130 words)

Susan was a scholar at RCM London, winning the Tagore Gold Medal, also the 1997 Bayreuth Bursary for Wagner, and represented England in 'BBC Cardiff Singer of the World'. Her repertoire includes Abigaille, Lady Macbeth, Turandot, Aida, La Gioconda, Iris, Norma, Leonore & Senta. She has sung in Cape Town (Fidelio), USA (La Gioconda - Florida Grand Opera), ENO in London - Der Rosenkavalier, and Abigaille (Nabucco), Julia (La Vestale), and in Rio de Janiero (Abigaille).She has performed title roles in Iris and Manon Lescaut (London OHP), and her principal debut at the ROH, Odabella (Attila). also Sarka (Janacek) for Garsington in UK, Francesca da Rimini (Rachmaninov) for Opera North, and preparing Judith (Bluebeard's Castle, Bartok - Opera North) and Abigaille (Nabucco) and Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes in 2005.