BARITONE STEPHEN MARSH

'A Night at the Opera' was centred around operatic music while 'Austrian Encounters' is a performance of sacred works. I have always loved singing sacred music as I believe that it requires a different kind of subtlety that is not often explored in grand opera.

I love Mozart and how intuitively he writes for the voice and how all aspects of the pieces complement each other. I have not had the opportunity to perform these works before but I have loved the process of learning them and better understanding them and the text.

Ensemble singing is very good fun - it is challenging in the best way. You must work together to create the sound which means being in tune with each other, breathing together and feeling the entire flow of the piece through one another.

I started singing by joining my school boys' choir and at the time I joined there was 40 voices in the choir. To have the chance to start my singing journey with so many supportive friends was great! To me this sounds so similar to the ABCI.

My most exciting career highlight is making my international debut last year at the Verbier Festial in Switzerland. I had the opportunity to perform the role of Marcello in La Boheme. It was an experience I will never forget.

My favourite opera that I have had the chance to perform is the Pearl Fishers by Bizet. Zurga was my first major principal role, and I was so excited and nervous at the same time. I learnt a lot about myself and my singing during my time in the production.

The world of opera is incredible. I think that it has the power to stir unknown emotions and it can have a profound impact on both you as the performer and the audience. If you want to be an opera singer, grab it with both hands and enjoy. I don’t feel I work a day in my life because I love what I do.

When I joined my school choir when I was 13, I had such an incredible amount of fun. I made so many friends and singing made me feel good. Just have fun with it and I know you wont regret it!