For this OL Spotlight we're delighted to feature Katy M. Thomson (2008), who will shortly be performing as a guest artist for the Scottish Opera Autumn Highlights Tour - including a performance at Loretto Theatre on Saturday 28th October 2023.

To find out more about Katy's career and upcoming performances, head to https://katythomson.co.uk.

Q1. What ignited your passion for singing?

'I began singing as a chorister at St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, at the age of eight. I loved the feeling of being part of a team and that's what got me hooked on being a musician: collaboration.'

Q2. What has been the most exciting experience of your career so far?

'Stepping in as the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier (Strauss) for Garsington Opera in 2021. I got the call at 11:30am and was on stage, making my debut, at 5:00pm. The whole cast, crew and company management were so supportive. It was totally exhilarating.'

Q3. What's next for you?

'I am really excited to make my debut with Scottish Opera in their Opera Highlights Autumn Tour, especially as the final venue is Loretto Theatre! I am also hugely looking forward to giving a recital at the LIFE Victoria Festival in Barcelona in November 2023 with my duo partner, Rustam Khanmurzin.'

Katy's time at Loretto:

'The opportunities I was given, and the encouragement of the Loretto community, were crucial to my development as a performer. Alongside the choir tours to Spain and Italy (where I got to sing a Puccini aria in Puccini's home theatre!), I got to feature as Josephine in a production of HMS Pinafore and even made a CD, copies of which I sold to fund my Gap Year in London.

It was the holistic approach to music making that has really stayed with me. The experience of playing cello in School musicals, preparing for my Grade 8 piano, taking part in SongFest - each thread added a layer to the rich tapestry of my musical education. It all helped me to build a toolkit for resilience, to help me stay focused and thrive under pressure.'

Future OL Spotlights

To be featured yourself or to nominate someone else, please get in touch at society@loretto.com.