Ep 08: Ask an opera singer anything! Q&A with Welsh soprano Eleri Gwilym

Can you really smash glass with singing?! How do you even find out you can sing opera? Find out the stories behind becoming an opera singer, the state of singing in Wales and much more with today’s chat with Eleri Gwilym. She is currently playing Queen of the Night in the Magic Flute by Mozart and has some fascinating insights into the life of being an opera singer. Thanks for the submitted questions, I hope this podcast clears up some preconceptions about opera and opera singers! Also, wait for the only use of the word ‘undulations’ in a podcast.If you have enjoyed the episode please feel free to leave a comment or review. Timestamps below if you want to skip to any bit in particular. All questions and/or requests can be sent to [email protected]:0:00: Intro and welcome to Eleri Gwilym03:20: How old were you when you started learning opera?04:11:  Do they learn the language in general or just learn the songs for the Opera?05:16: Best primary school hymn to sing In opera style? 05:45: Memories of singing in Swansea07:19: Can you really smash glass with singing?!!08:23: How do you even find out you can opera sing?!09:14: How did you know your voice was suitable for opera?11:02: What made you get into Opera and not any other music genre?12:02: What's the most annoying 'opera singer stereotype' you've come across?16:24: What happens to opera sets after productions?18:34: How do they look after their voice?20:04: Any go-to warm ups?22:00: Singing in Welsh schools and how to encourage singing25:20: Any way to make opera more accessible?30:14: Thoughts on Cardiff Uni dropping the Music course31:40: Studying law over music33:30: Y Deryn Pur intro and chat34:56 Y Deryn Pur PERFORMANCE36:05: Roundup and goodbyes!Send a text~~~ I am on tour all year, across the UK and you can book your tickets at: https://jamesbpartridge.com/ ~~~ Follow me on socials at: Instagram: http://instagram.com/jamesbpartridge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesBPartridgeOfficial/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@jamesbpartridge YouTube: http://youtube.com/jamesbpartridge Send me a message: [email protected] ~~~ Find the podcast on all streaming services and leave a review if you've enjoyed it! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ta8ch0BjnuV6GDgGv7BN2?si=5270e69bbb9a431e Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-school/id1790674992 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/054bf11f-a134-42c7-9114-f1398cc3fbe8/notes-from-school