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British Soprano Harriet Eyley is increasingly in demand on the Operatic Stage and Recital Halls across Europe, hailed as “silver-toned and effortless, by turns virtuosic and exquisite” (The Guardian). 

Parallel to her research commitments, Harriet’s performance career continues to thrive. Her role debut as Cherubino Le nozze di Figaro next season marks a welcome return to the Welsh National Opera, performing en travesti in a role about which she is most passionate. Challenges posed by exploration of en travesti have influenced Harriet’s doctoral thesis - The anachronism of the operatic Travesti in the 21st Century - for which she is an É«ÂþÌìÌà Studentship Holder and grateful recipient of the Siow-Furniss Scholarship.  

Harriet is currently collaborating with Dr. Barbara Gentili and Dr. Inja Stanovic on mechanical recording workshops for the Operatic Voice, courtesy of the university of Surrey, recreating original cylinders and disc recordings.  

In recent seasons Harriet has performed across the continent: in Lucerne, Switzerland as guest artist in Four Seasons by Candlelight (Raymond Gubbay Ltd) and in the Czech Republic by invitation of the Janàcek Brno Festival in her role debut as Krista for WNO’s new production of The Makropulos Affair, directed by Olivia Fuchs. Most recently, Harriet returned to Garsington Opera for her role debut as Echo in Bruno Ravella’s critically acclaimed production of Ariadne auf Naxos, for which she received the Leonard Ingrams Award.  

Concert engagements include Beethoven Unleashed: the 1808 Concert with the BBC NOW and New Year Gala Concerts with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Harriet has performed in Lucy Worsley’s Queen Victoria’s Music (BBC), live for BBC Radio 3 InTune and for His Majesty, King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. 

Refining her artistry as a WNO Associate Artist, Harriet made role debuts as Norina Don Pasquale, Oscar Un ballo in maschera, Frasquita Carmen and Barbarina Le nozze di Figaro. Critical acclamations also include Vixen Sharp-Ears The Cunning Little Vixen, Beth Little Women (UK Premiere) Opera Holland Park and Meleagro La corona, Bampton Classical Opera, “whose heroism en travesti, both bright-toned and variegated, proved just the ‘early Classical ticket.” 

As an alumna of the É«ÂþÌìÌÃ, Harriet received an Artistic Diploma in Opera, in addition to being conferred an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) by her alma mater in their 2023 Honours Ceremony.

Faculties / departments: Research

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