Wendy Silvester
- British mezzo-soprano
- Trained at: Privately, then Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (MA Opera Performance 2018)
- Opera stage debut: 2012 as a chorister at Dorset Opera
- First principal opera role: Lucia in Rossini’s La gazza ladra
- Wagner debut: Erda in Das Rheingold for Tarnhelm Opera
- Most performed role to date: Zita in Gianni Schicchi
- Favourite role performed to date: Waltraute
- Dream role: Kundry!
- Favourite band: Nightwish, Halestorm, Biffy Clyro
- Coffee order: strong, frothy, and unsweetened!
My happy place?
Backstage, right before you make that first entrance - the buzz, the energy, the anticipation - there’s nothing like it!
Schedule -Autumn 2024
A Sneak Preview - Cardiff Opera Season Launch Gala
21/9
Marcellina, 3rd Lady, Brangäne + more
7.30pm - St. Edwards Church, Roath, Cardiff
Mastersingers @ 25 Gala Concert
5/10
Schwertleite - Die Walküre
2.00pm - St John’s Church, Waterloo
‘Wagnerian Farewells’ - New Palace Opera
17/11
Grimgerde - Die Walküre
6.30pm - St. John’s Church, Waterloo
2023 Recap
Reviews
“Even the Valkyries were given a degree of individual psychology. No shrinking violets – they, too, were obviously Wotan’s daughters, doing their best to protect their wayward sister. Waltraute, played by Wendy Silvester, even silently confronted Wotan to his face, trying – though failing – to protect Brünnhilde.”
C. TENNYSON CROWE on Wagner in Vermont 2023
‘The six luscious Flowermaidens wore gowns in different bright colours which made them look like a flower bed. A mellifluous and distinguished sextet they included [...] and two finalists in last year’s Mastersingers Vocal Competition, Kristel Vinter Kundsen and Wendy Silvester. And they all sounded so good that I scarcely noticed that there was no chorus.’
Katie Barnes; Wagner News 245
''The opera is sung in Czech, and both the fabulous young singers (there are two alternating casts) and the menagerie of local children make the language their own. Caroline Taylor plays the Vixen with astonishing veracity and persuasiveness, [...] Conall O’Neill (Badger/Priest), Alexandria Wreggelsworth (Rooster) and Wendy Silvester (Mrs Forester/Owl) also impress.'
'Wendy Silvester had far more to do than usual as the Forester's wife, and Silvester emoted bravely.'
