Biography

Hailing from Dundee, Joanne is a graduate of the RSAMD, where she gained both an Honours degree in performance and a Masters in opera with distinction. She won a highly coveted place on the Masters Course at the National Opera Studio, London – only two places were given, out of over 60 sopranos who auditioned.

The Studio prepares exceptionally talented singers for a career in opera.  Although the course is just a year, accommodation and living expenses in London are high and generally out of the reach of students. Without the Award, Joanne says that she would not have been able to finance herself through this course, which was a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.

Joanne is a lyric soprano of exceptional quality and undoubtedly has the talent to succeed in the highly competitive profession.

How the Award Helped

Joanne received a Dewar Arts Award towards her studies at the National Opera Studio, London.

Since the Award

Joanne’s first job after graduating from the Opera Studio is with Scottish Opera understudying the role of Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier.  The Welsh National Opera have subsequently offered her a principal artist’s contract for 2007-08.  Her first role will be Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola.