Interview: Elizabeth Watts

Winter, it would appear, is finally upon us as the Sheffield landscape prepares to treat its inhabitants to another delectable few months of dark nights and crisp mornings.

However, alongside the wondrous nostalgia of a South Yorkshire winter comes the increased sound of uncomfortable and socially regulated sniffling/coughing /sneezing in lecture theatres across campus.

Spare a thought then for graduate Elizabeth Watts who spent the final few years of the last millennium combatting student living whilst attempting to establish a professional singing career.

A graduate in Archeology of the University of Sheffield, Elizabeth has since gone on to establish herself as ‘one of the brightest new talents’ in British opera, winning the song prize at the Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2007. Despite her success, the Norwich-born soprano has not forgotten the ‘great time’ she associates with the university and the city.

With a career in opera ahead it’s no surprise that whilst at university Watts organised a recital at the city’s cathedral to help fund her study at the Royal College of Music. Nonetheless, she is quick to point out that her education wouldn’t have been quite complete without Sheffield’s nightlife – ‘I guess I finely honed my dancing skills at the Leadmill too.’

If the Cardiff victory was a confirmation of her talents it certainly didn’t come easily. On the back of performing, strict training and keeping healthy was the added stress of the competition, stress that Watts readily admits gave her some sleepless nights.

‘Hearing my name read out as the Song Prize winner was unforgettable. A colleague of mine who also did the competition said it was the experience of a lifetime but not to be repeated, and I concur! It was utterly amazing but such high pressure!’

Four years on and Watts’ success has continued, seeing her pick up a Classical Brit nomination whilst performing in and drawing critical acclaim from Europe’s top concert halls. This relative fame is all taken in stride and it is clear that she has no intentions of letting go of her hard work. Despite the occasional feeling of ‘living like a nun’, Watts recognises the position she’s in and reserves her only misgivings for the demands of touring.

‘The travelling aspect is really tiring and it’s hard being away from friends and family for such long stretches and so regularly. Obviously no need to get out the violins, but it can sometimes feel like your job runs your entire life.’

With a return to the university’s Firth Hall on the 15th November there comes a sense of a homecoming. As a welcome bonus to the recital itself Watts confesses she’s looking forward to being ‘a stone’s throw from some hilarious memories’ having lived opposite the Octagon in her undergrad days.

When asked what the future holds for Watts, she remains candid – ‘There’s so many exciting things but it’s dangerous to mention them in case something unexpected happens…’ However, there is more than enough to betray her modesty. A European tour with the Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment, concerts with the Halle and Royal Philharmonic and recitals at the Concertgebouw (Amsterdam) and Wigmore Hall to name a few.

The future is clearly bright for yet another of Sheffield’s esteemed graduates. With this in mind it’s wise to consider using a tissue next time you sneeze in a lecture hall, you may be sat with a budding opera star.

Elizabeth Watts at Firth Hall, 15 November 7.30pm, tickets are £3 – £8 and are available by contacting the Box Office 01142 565 567 or online www.sheffield.ac.uk/concerts