Summer Watson
Summer Watson | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Born | 14 September 1977 |
Origin | Weymouth, Dorset, England |
Genres | Classical, Crossover music, Operatic pop music, world |
Occupation(s) | Singer (soprano) |
Years active | 1999–present |
Labels | Sony Classical |
Website | Summer Watson |
Summer Watson (born 14 September 1977) is an English soprano.
Background
Watson was raised in East Sussex and Oxfordshire as her parents' only child.[1] She began to play the recorder at the age of four, and continued with the flute and the piano later on.[2] She was also singing hymns from an early age, and took part in local music competitions throughout her childhood.[3] At the age of nine, Watson began to learn the art of singing with the help of her music teacher, who happened to be a singer.[2]
At the age of ten, Watson travelled to
Watson scored well in sports, music and languages at school, and went horseback riding in her spare time.[4] While attending Didcot Girls' School in Oxfordshire,[5] Watson vacillated between pursuing French or music, but by the age of 16, she had decided to pursue a career in music.[1][4]
Education
Watson won a place to study at Royal College of Music training as an opera singer, which included studying German and Italian.
In 2002, Watson completed her postgraduate diploma at the Royal College of Music, graduating with distinction.[1] She continued her opera training in Vienna, living there for two years,[6] studying with Jendrick Springer at the Vienna State Opera from 2007 through 2008.[7] Watson now speaks French, German and Italian fluently, in addition to English.[3]
Career
In her final year at the Royal College of Music, Watson organised a debut concert, which attracted HRH Duke and Duchess of York as well as Elle Macpherson, George Michael and others.[3]
Described as "a classically trained vocalist whose rich, sumptuous voice can soar effortlessly over music written by some of the world's all time greatest composers",[4] Watson has since performed in various public and private events in Europe, Asia, and the US, working with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a number of concerts, including at Cadogan Hall. She has also been a regular performer in the Royal Households of the United Kingdom, most markedly with her performance to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Buckingham Palace.[3][8][9]
Over the years, Watson has also sung in various
In 2008, Watson performed in the Bonachela Dance Company production Square Map of Q4 at the
In 2009, Watson performed as a soloist with the
As of 2011, Watson has been spending time in Los Angeles, where she has also recorded for DreamWorks films.[7] She is currently working on a new album with Burt Bacharach.[18]
Summer
Watson's initial idea was to join an opera company, but things took a different turn as world music clubs began to spread a new international trend of mixing classical and popular music. Equally at home giving a classical recital in traditional surroundings or singing in a club with a couple of young non-classical musicians, Watson realised she might be able to make a record that would reflect this diversity and bring together the best of different genres.[1]
Having graduated from the Royal College of Music, Watson went on to sign a £1 million recording contract with Sony Classical in 2002.[3][19] The programme of her self-titled debut album Summer, created by Watson herself and producer Nick Patrick, is a collection of classical, popular and world music, including pieces and arrangements of music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Antonín Dvořák, Gabriel Fauré, Geminiano Giacomelli, Benjamin Godard, Ennio Morricone, Stanley Myers, Joaquín Rodrigo, Sting, Richard Strauss and others.[20]
The album was recorded at
Described as a "seamless fusion between classical and ethnic music that is both emotively powerful and intellectually satisfying",
With her music videos, Watson is currently featured on the international music television channel
Other activities
Watson has been able to travel extensively, performing and exploring the world, spending time in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.[3]
Inspired by Bear Grylls, Watson climbed Mont Blanc and reached the final summit in 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Personal
Watson names Renée Fleming and Joan Sutherland as her great inspirations. She also says that Annie Lennox and Sting have had a big impact on her, while Paul Oakenfold has been a major influence as well. Watson also loves Joshua Bell's albums of violin music, and enjoys going to Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London.[2] Her other musical favourites include the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós.[16]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Oak Park Journal, Music Reviews 2003, oakparkjournal.com, 21 March 2010.
- ^ a b c d USA Today, usatoday.com, 16 October 2003.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Summer Watson Official Homepage, summerwatson.co.uk, 21 March 2010.
- ^ a b c d e Classic FM, classicfm.co.uk, 10 April 2008.
- ^ Didcot Girls' School, Document, A Language College "Promoting Excellence Through Partnership" "A third year of progress and achievement" 1 September 1999 – 31 August 2000, didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk, 28 October 2001.
- ^ Létt Bylgjan 967 (Radio Station), lettbylgjan.is, Radio Interview, "Summer Watson hlakkar til að koma til Íslands – Viðtal", 10 November 2010.
- ^ a b Summer Watson Official Homepage, summer.uk.net, 21 December 2008.
- ^ The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 60th Anniversary Concert at Buckingham Palace with Summer Watson and Colin Schachat, 20 October 2006.
- ^ Colin Schachat Official Homepage, colinschachat.com, 29 August 2010.
- ^ Magic Bus Official Homepage, magicbusindia.org, 21 March 2010.
- ^ Julia Clancey Spring Collection 2009, Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Los Angeles Fashion Week, October 2008.
- ^ Echo (formerly known as Evening Echo), Southend, England, 19 June 2009.
- ^ The Celtic Tenors Gala Benefit Concert with Summer Watson and the John Scottus Alumni, Senior, and Junior School Choirs at the RDS Concert Hall, 17 May 2010.
- ^ John Scottus School Official Homepage, johnscottus.ie, Gala Concert in RDS Concert Hall, 29 August 2010.
- ^ BritWeek Official Homepage, britweek.org, The Genlux Britweek Designer of the Year Award and Fashion Show 2010, 7 July 2010. http://britweek.org/2010/LA_fashion_awards.html?expandable=1
- ^ a b Létt Bylgjan 967 (Radio Station), lettbylgjan.is, Radio & Video Interview, "Summer Watson er komin til landsins – Myndband", 2 December 2010.
- ^ The 2010 Jólagestir Björgvins Christmas Concert at Laugardalshöll in Reykjavík, Iceland, 4 December 2010.
- ^ Rogers, Emily (10 June 2011). "Interview with Summer Watson". The Network Community. USA. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
- ^ Music Week, 8 February 2003.
- ^ a b Summer, 5099708987923, Sony Classical Records, 2003.
- ^ a b Sticker on the Summer case, 5099708987923, Sony Classical Records, 2003.
- ^ C Music TV Official Homepage, cmusic.tv, Artists – Summer Watson, 29 August 2010.