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We are so happy to introduce the accomplished Soprano Paula Downes for our musical advent calendar.
Paula's performance in the calendar is a special piece, being a movement from one of her father, composer Andrew Downes' cantatas (that's all the hints we will give you!).
As Chief Executive of Lynwood Music, Promoter and Publisher of the music of Andrew Downes, Paula has been a driving force behind #andrewdownes70, a year of concerts to celebrate his birthday, raising money for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research. The angels in her picture show another video she is involved with this Christmas including her daughters, as part of the celebration of their Grandad's birthday.
A Musician mum of many talents...
Paula was a Choral Scholar at Trinity College Cambridge and has since performed with The Sixteen and Philharmonia Voices and as a soloist with numerous Choral Societies and Orchestras including performances under Stephen Cleobury in King's Chapel, Cambridge and in St John's Smith Square under Sarah MacDonald. She founded the female vocal group, The Cantabrigians in 2016, and was Musical Director of The Meridian Singers in Bluntisham for 2 years from 2018.
An experienced teacher, Paula has taught singing at Bristol University, and music and singing at schools including St John's College School, Cambridge.
Paula has produced many films, animations, multitrack recordings and a podcast series. She has 2 daughters who have appeared in various videos and recordings she has created. You can find out all about the many hats Paula wears at her website PaulaDownes.com
We asked Paula a few fun questions because we're all missing the music this Christmas!
What will you miss most about performing this Christmas?
Handel's Messiah!
And what's your favourite hymn/Christmas song?
Berlioz Shepherd's Farewell
And what are you hoping for this year for Christmas?
I am hoping for a big family gathering...
What's your favourite Christmas memory - musical or otherwise?
Whole-family sing-alongs.
What's your favourite thing about Christmas ?
I love the food, the family gatherings and of course the music.
Thank you so much Paula!