Michelle Cressida

Michelle Cressida won a scholarship to study voice at the North East School of Music in Aberdeen at the age of 14. When she was accepted at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1995, she began her vocal studies with Jane Irwin whom she continued to study sporadically throughout her Masters Degree in harp. Following performing and teaching to the highest levels professionally in harp, Michelle decided to follow her dream of studying opera in a more serious capacity. In 2004 she moved to London and was awarded a scholarship by Hi-Arts to continue her studies with Penny MacKay (RAM and GSMD). In 2005 she undertook the Birkbeck, Univerity of London Opera Diploma course and performed many roles including excerpts from Der Rosenkavalier  and Anna Bolena.

Throughout her time in London, Michelle has been given tuition from many great masters in the profession. Julius Drake, Pat MacMahon, Neil Mackie and Richard Jackson are some of the names who have given guidance. At present she studies with Jane Stevenson, Liz Rowe (NOS, ROH), Alex Ingram (ENO, ROH) and Stuart Gardner (La Scala).

Michelle’s performing experience has taken her all over the British Isles, Ireland and America. Repertoire has included traditional folk songs to grand opera.  She made her debut as Queen of the Night with Thames Valley Opera in 2007.  She has performed with Morley Opera, London Opera, Vox Lirica and will be appearing with Situation Opera in December 2009.

In addition to her operatic work Michelle has recently enjoyed recital work in London and Essex with performers such as Zoe Challenor, Penny Manser, Daniel Swain and Marina Barker .  Marina and Michelle appear in the recently created Volute Duo which will perform in venues throughout the UK and are at present planning a tour in Australia in 2010.