Soprano Rachel Farago is currently studying for her Mmus in Vocal Studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire to further her training. Rachel is taught by Mary Weigold and has been studying with her for 4 years. In July 2015 she achieved a first class music degree with honours at the University of Sussex, receiving a prize for the highest scoring module in her recital. Rachel has been a member of operatic societies and projects throughout her education, experiencing singing as part of an ensemble as well as solo roles. Recently she performed the role of “Amore” in Montiverdi’s L'incoronazione di poppea for Trinity Laban’s 2015 opera scenes at Blackheath Halls and will play “Dorinda” in Handel’s Orlando in April. Working with Dulwich Opera Company, Rachel performed as “Barbarina” in a semi-staged production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and is learning the role of “Susanna” as a result of the experience. An avid member of the New Sussex Opera since 2014, Rachel has performed the eponymous role of Quivera in Purcell’s The Indian Queen, a standout role in Weber’s Oberon at Cadogan Hall and the principal role of Polly in Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera. Through working with this company, Rachel has been able to work on operas not often performed, providing her valuable experience in different repertoire. In 2013 she performed scenes from The Rake’s Progress as part of Opera Coast directed by Susannah Waters and Gregory Rose as musical director. Since the project, Rachel has been learning the role of Anne Truelove, taking an interest in 20th century opera as a result. As well as opera, Rachel has sung various oratorio and cantata works such as Bach’s “Coffee Cantata”. Throughout her schooling and undergraduate years Rachel has sung chorally and is part of the Philharmonia Chorus on the student scheme where she is a paid member of the sopranos. She has sung with Sarah Connolly and other professional soloists and conductors as a result. Working with conductor Eamonn Dorgan, Rachel sings with the Thomas Tallis Society in Greenwich and was an avid member of the Brighton Chamber Choir in Sussex where she often featured as a soloist. Highlights with the choir include premiering solos in commissioned works and travelling to Paris to perform as soprano soloist in Tippett’s Five Spirituals. Additionally, Rachel is a paid freelance singer for a Brighton-based church choir where she sings chant as well as polyphony, inspiring an interest in early music. Future plans for Rachel include participating in Trinity's lied and french song competitions, performing in her spring opera scenes as well as premiering Stephen McNaff's new opera Banished at Blackheath Halls in Summer 2016.