ABOUT

Ruby Donnelly is a twenty-five-year-old mezzo-soprano from Glasgow, now based in Manchester. She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where she also completed her master's, studying under Deborah Rees. Prior to her vocal training, Ruby graduated with First-Class Honours in Chinese from the University of Edinburgh.

As an accomplished solo performer, Ruby will soon portray Koukouli in RNCM’s upcoming production of Chabrier’s L’étoile. She most recently performed the role of Sally in Barber’s A Hand of Bridge, and recent opera scenes include Fanny Price in Dove's Mansfield Park and Eunice in Previn's A Streetcar Named Desire. Ruby has also performed as the "World Without End" soloist in Bernstein's Mass at Bridgewater Hall, and regularly appears as an alto soloist in oratorios such as Handel's Messiah, Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, and Vivaldi's Gloria. Ruby’s passion for contemporary music was displayed recently when she performed as the soloist in a student composer’s work with the RNCM Brand New Orchestra.

Her early career highlights include her membership in the Scottish Opera Young Company (2016-19), where she created the role of Mother in the world premiere of Henry McPherson's Maud. Additionally, she sang in the chorus for productions such as Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, and Scottish Opera's concert production of Puccini's Edgar.

Beyond her solo work, Ruby has a deep love for choral and consort singing. She has been a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain – including a performance at the Royal Albert Hall, collaborations with John Rutter, and the recording of an album. As a member of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, she worked with Eric Whitacre. During her undergraduate studies, Ruby sang with the Edinburgh University Chamber Choir, touring internationally and performing alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. During a year abroad in China, Ruby was the sole international member of the award-winning Peking University Student Choir. More recently, she has enjoyed performing contemporary works, such as Steve Reich’s The Desert Music with the Hallé and Ligeti’s Requiem with the Edvard Grieg Vokalensemble at the BBC Proms.

Ruby’s professional development includes residencies with Opera North, and she has participated in masterclasses with Nicky Spence and the Edvard Grieg Vokalensemble. In 2019, she won first prize in Peking University’s International Top Singer Competition. Ruby is grateful to have her current studies supported by the RNCM and Sophie’s Silver Lining Fund.

​@donnellyruby.mezzo

CONTACT

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