Harriet Fraser

Voice Part: Soprano

Season you joined the Chorale: 2010

Birthplace (state or country): Norwich, England

Education/Vocal Training: First I did my medical degree at University College London, then after finishing my training as a family doctor I went to do a post-graduate singing diploma at Trinity College London. While there I worked as a doctor looking after disadvantaged and refugee communities in central London.

Do you make your living as a musician? Yes

If so, where else do you gig/teach/conduct/sing/perform? I work part-time doing concert work here and in the UK, session work…whatever I can get! And now the LA Master Chorale-I am so excited and honoured to be singing with the LAMC. I am also Mum to William, 6 and Anna, 2 ‘and a half’

Recent solo roles or guest appearances: I played the role of Drolla in Wagner’s Die Feen for Lyric Opera Los Angeles this summer, as part of the Ring Festival LA, I’ve sung roles with a number of Baroque opera companies in the UK and at the Aldeburgh (UK) and Bregenz (Austria) Festivals. I am passionate about oratorio and have sung most of the major roles and many more obscure ones (!) with Choirs around the UK.

Recordings/TV/Film: soundtracks to Percy Jackson: The Lightening Thief, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Battle Los Angeles

Highlights of your musical career: Landmark performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, Beijing

Favorite choral work: difficult choice between Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s Creation, but then there’s Bach too….what a difficult question!

A defining moment or favorite onstage experience: Performing my first solo recital at the Purcell Room at the South Bank Centre in London, never been quite so frightened ever but came through-that was empowering

What are you listening to these days?: lots of Bach, particularly Lorraine Hunt Lieberson singing cantatas 82 and 199. I saw her perform these, staged (with Peter Sellars directing) at the Barbican Hall in London, it was utterly beautiful and incredibly moving.

Anything you’d like to add about yourself?: I loved working as a doctor, but singing and music is my passion - I knew I had to pursue it; that gift, to be around beautiful music and for it to be my job, and the gift of children, I am thankful for every day.