Suzie Purkis is a mezzo based in London who regularly sings alto with Ex Cathedra choir and consort. She made her debut as an emerging artist at Longborough Festival Opera in 2023 performing the roles of Puck, Snug and Egeus in Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. Other operatic roles recently performed include Carmen for Heritage Opera and Natasza in the premiere of Michael Betteridge’s opera Across the Sky at Cheltenham Festival.

With a special interest in new music, Suzie has performed works by many twentieth century and contemporary composers. Performances have involved singing in a cage in a zoo (on German television), performing in an ice rink during public skating hours and an opera in a swimming pool. She has recently formed Pace – a new music collective – and is preparing a programme with Flora McNicoll cello and Chris Bowden saxophone for concerts in 2025.

Having begun her studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where she won a scholarship and many prizes, Suzie went on to complete the Opera Works course at English National Opera. As well as performing, she enjoys a busy teaching schedule, helping others to explore and enjoy their voices, is a vocal tutor for Ex Cathedra’s fantastic Singing Medicine team and is an experienced singing workshop leader.

1. How long have you been a member of Ex Cathedra and why did you join?

I first sang in concerts alongside Ex Cathedra as a child when I was a member of Birmingham Schools’ Chorale which was directed by Jeffrey and accompanied by his partner in crime, the late Martin Bates. Jeffrey was as much a stickler for precision and musicality when working with teenagers and children as he is working with his adult choir. I contacted him to express my interest in singing with the choir again back in 2016 and have been thrilled to be part of multiple recordings and concerts since then. I love singing with Ex Cathedra because of the incredibly high standard of music making and the feeling of being part of something really magical.

2. What does a typical day look like for you?

On a day when I have a rehearsal or performance, I try to get to the gym first thing as this helps to get my breath flowing and makes singing feel much easier! I eat a big breakfast, do a vocal warm up and make my way to the rehearsal. I usually travel by train so I have time to relax and read or listen to music on the journey (or do a bit of last-minute note-learning!). If a performance finishes late I take a couple of hours to wind down afterwards – I might watch something on Netflix or catch up with friends.

3. If you could choose to perform again any piece you have performed before with Ex Cathedra, what would it be, and & why?

One of my favourite pieces to perform is Liz Dilnot Johnson’s setting of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem The Windhover. It’s quite tricky so I had to spend time getting the notes sorted out before going to rehearse it, and its always great to have the opportunity to perform something again when you’ve spent a lot of time on it. It’s also just stunningly beautiful and very moving.

4. What’s your musical “guilty secret”?

For a long time I’ve fantasised about fronting a Kate Bush tribute band! I suspect it will never happen but if you want a taste of what could be, invite me out to a karaoke night…