From West End to Classical Crossover Debut Album

Louisa Alice-Rose made her debut on the West End stage at eight years of age and has continued to perform and develop her voice into a shimmering mature soprano that still maintains the winning clarity from childhood. Her debut album, “Summer Rose” is now available from all major streaming services.

NB: Your career is the definition of crossover from making your debut on the West End and then studying opera in university. Was your voice always very flexible in switching between multiple genres? 

Louisa Alice-Rose: Since I started singing (at the age of 6), I have always sung a variety of genres. I was really lucky to have an amazing singing teacher, Liz Harley, who encouraged me to explore different styles. She gave me a really good understanding of the vocal techniques required in each style so that I can move between genres really easily.
NB: Was there a singer whose career or perhaps timbre really helped inspire you on your journey? 

NB: Was there a singer whose career or perhaps timbre really helped inspire you on your journey? 

Louisa Alice-Rose: There’s not really anyone in particular… I listened to a lot of different music as a child. My parents always had Classic FM on. When I first became interested in opera, I was obsessed with Le Nozze Di Figaro by Mozart. And Joyce DiDonato – she’s incredible.

Louisa Alice-Rose was the top classical vocalist in the Next Brit Thing (sponsored by Classic FM)

NB: Is there a particular song that you have kept in your repertoire since the time you began singing even till now? Perhaps one on your album?

Louisa Alice-Rose: I started singing Song Of Dreams by Simon Hale and Claire Moore when I was 12. I performed the song at a school music competition, the Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year and now it’s on my album too!

The music of Les Miserables has a very special place in my heart, but I’ve moved on from singing Castle On A Cloud!

NB: How did “Summer Rose” come about? Was recording an album something you’d always wanted to do? 

Louisa Alice-Rose: I’d been thinking about making an album for a few years. I wanted to record all my favourite songs that I have been singing since I was 18. I turned 25 last year, so it just felt like the right time to mark my quarter century!

NB: This wasn’t your first recording project, but was there anything you learned from this experience that you can share with other young singers who are working towards their first album?

Louisa Alice-Rose: My advice would be, definitely pick songs that you love singing and when you’re recording, imagine there’s an audience there.

NB: Looking to the future what are some of the things personally and professionally you’d like to accomplish? 

I would love to sing at Carnegie Hall one day! I really enjoy having such a varied career – from musical theatre to opera. I’d love to sing on a West End stage again. I also want to continue developing my operatic career, wherever that might take me. I see myself focusing more on opera in the years to come.

NB: Besides music do you have any hobbies?

Louisa Alice-Rose: I love horse riding and animals in general. Also, not really a hobby – but I run a Performing Arts School – LAR Performing Arts. We offer tuition in singing, acting and dance for ages 3 +. I love teaching singing as much as I love performing onstage and I feel very lucky to spend every day doing something I love.

NB: You run a Performing Arts School?! 

Louisa Alice-Rose: So I started teaching singing and drama after music college and I realised I really enjoy it! I also love the admin side of things – organising shows, concerts etc. So I decided to start running my own classes! LAR Performing Arts was formed in January 2018. I teach mostly 1-2-1 singing and run the Pop Choir.

My boyfriend is the Vice-Principal and LAMDA Drama teacher. I’m lucky to have lots of talented colleagues that teach Street Dance, Musical Theatre, Ballet / Contemporary Dance, Drama etc for me. We’ve got branches in Tring, Welwyn, Brixton and Manchester!


“Summer Rose” is now available to purchase and stream. Visit Louisa’s official website

If you are interested in taking lessons at Louisa’s school check out the LAR Performing Arts website 

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.

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