One positive outcome from current performance restrictions is the return of Berkshire soprano Jennifer Coleman to her Slough family home. But the pandemic hasn’t dulled her enthusiasm for her chosen profession.
“Every day is World Opera Day in my world!” she says of the event that launched last year on 25 October – the birthdays of two celebrated composers, Georges Bizet and Johann Strauss II. “Music always felt like my destiny. When, as a child, people asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, there was no question in my mind – singing. I just didn’t realise it would be opera.”
The vivacious 31-year-old has been using the enforced break to enjoy her surroundings, including the nearby ‘magic kingdom’ of Windsor, which still retains a childlike appeal. She has also been spending time watching YouTube videos for tips on how to deal with her curly hair, which is generally straightened for performances. “I’m embracing my curls,” she laughs, before we hone in on early musical exposure, which included choral singing at school and performing opportunities with Berkshire Girls’ Choir. Solo singing lessons followed until, at the age of 17, the world of pop tempted her.
Denne historien er fra October 2020-utgaven av Berkshire Life.
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Denne historien er fra October 2020-utgaven av Berkshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home
Alex and James Fielden were looking for a forever home. Their search ended as soon as they pulled up outside this Georgian property in Berkshire
Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?
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A national hero
He started out like many other children born in Reading, but mention Justin Fletcher to any kid in the land these days and their eyes will light up
Fruitful thinking
Ryan Simpson believes the world is our orchard. A project that began over a pint in his local is making the county more fruity
THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL
Berkshire has had more than its fair share of famous inhabitants. However, few had such an explosive reputation as Diana Dors
“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”
Despite her international acclaim as the star of TV’s Tracy Beaker, Dani Harmer has never strayed far from her roots
Remembering the fallen
The most destructive war in human history lasted for six years and cost 60 million lives, the majority non-combatants. It is easy to understand why those who had survived wanted to celebrate the end of that conflict
HIDDEN WONDERS
Berkshire photographer Matt Emmett has made it his mission to explore the forgotten architecture and heritage many people miss in their home towns
EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead
Rejuvenation and revival; two buzz words surrounding the biggest town in the Royal borough. With riverside views and a vibrant arts and dining out scene, this high-class town is well worth a look
A good grounding
Berkshire has some of the best homes in the land, so perhaps it is no coincidence that the nation’s favourite property guru went to school in Wokingham
