Our baritone soloist for CARMINA BURANA in June is none other than Huntingdonshire’s own Charne Rochford. Charne is gaining a reputation as one of Britain’s most promising Heldentenors – praised for the ‘baritonal qualities in his voice that give him an almost Otello-like stature’ (Opera Magazine). In 2014 he was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music after having trained there for several years. So far, he has sung with the Philharmonia at the Royal Festival Hall, with the CBSO & CBSO Chorus at Symphony Hall, with the English Touring Opera at the Royal Opera house, Opera Holland Park and has performed multiple times at Glyndebourne … to name just a few!
Charne has an impressive professional career and also cares deeply about local music making in Huntingdonshire; he has enjoyed adjudicating the competitions at Hinchingbrooke School Music Festival and is the Musical Director of St Ives Choral Society (open to non-professional singers).
Last month, Charne sung Verdi’s favourites such as La Donna è Mobile, Di Capua O Sole Mio and Nessun Dorma for The Hallé’s Italianissimo concert, where he was described as having ‘a wonderful voice, full of passion and verve’. Imagine our delight when we read that concert ended with the audience on their feet, roaring Bravo and cheering their appreciation to delighted performers.
Charne – we cannot wait to meet you and we’re very excited about the upcoming rehearsals!