Penelope Manser (Soprano). Having successfully completed her postgraduate music studies at Sheffield University, Penelope was awarded the Lillian Baylis scholarship to undertake The Knack intensive opera training course (English National Opera) which culminated in a performance at the Royal Opera House Clore Studio. She then continued her training at the Opera School, Morley College (2008 – 2010) and was recently travelled to Italy to perform Fiordilligi (Cosi Fan Tutte) with Handmade Opera Company. Other roles include: Mercedes (Carmen), Mařenka (Bartered Bride), First Lady (Magic Flute), Nella (Gianni Schicchi), Lizette (La Rondine), Marzelline (Fidelio). Penelope was awarded a finalist place in the Patricia Routledge Competition (Association of English Speakers and Singers) held at Royal College of Music early last year. Her other prizes include Julian Payne Scholarship, Chelmsford Competitive Festival Oratorio and Italian Aria Prize and David Clover Prize for English Song. Penelope’s oratorio works include; Vivaldi Gloria; Purcell Fairy Queen; Bach St John Passion; Handel Messiah; Haydn Seasons, Creation; Pergolesi Stabat Mater. Her recent recital engagements have been in association with; Oxford and Cambridge Music Club, Saffron Walden Arts Trust, Knack Singers, Maulden Choral Society, Golalming Choral Society and Debden Music Association. Later this year, Penelope has been invited to France to sing for Opera Rustica in Brittany. Closer to her home in London, she will be performing Carmina Burana in the coming months. Penelope also works as a vocal animateur in and around the London area and is heavily involved with Spitalfields Festival Education as well as the English National Opera Baylis centre with whom she recorded a new composition based on Hänsel and Gretal. Penelope currently studies with Colin Baldy.