Liverpool‑born mezzo‑soprano Kathryn Rudge has earned wide acclaim for the expressive warmth, clarity and emotional honesty she brings to opera, concert and recital stages across the UK and internationally. A former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, ENO Harewood Artist and YCAT Artist, she has established herself as a compelling and versatile performer whose work spans major operatic roles, landmark choral repertoire, and a rich discography of both classic and contemporary music.

Kathryn made her operatic debut as Cherubino in Fiona Shaw’s production of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at English National Opera. She has since appeared in a wide range of principal roles, including Rosina in Jonathan Miller’s celebrated production of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (ENO), Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte (Garsington Opera), Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Hermia in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sesto in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, and Annio in Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito for Opera North.

Her versatile repertoire extends across concert and oratorio stages. Kathryn made her BBC Proms debut in 2016 in Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, returning in 2019 for Mozart’s Requiem with BBC NOW at the Royal Albert Hall. She has appeared with all the BBC Orchestras and major ensembles across the UK and Europe. Her concert repertoire includes Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Schoenberg’s Gurre‑Lieder, Berlioz’s Les nuits d’été, and extensive work in the English choral tradition.

Elgar’s music features prominently in Kathryn’s repertoire, having sung The Dream of Gerontius with orchestras including the Hamburg Symphony and Birmingham Philharmonic, and performing Sea Pictures with the Philharmonic Orchestra Vorpommern, the BBC Philharmonic, Opera North and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. She recorded Sea Pictures for ONYX alongside The Music Makers, and an album of Elgar Orchestral Songs with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

A committed recitalist, Kathryn has appeared at Wigmore Hall and at festivals including Oxford Song, Leeds Lieder, Lammermuir, Cheltenham, Brighton, Ryedale, Windsor, Lake District Summer Music and the Edinburgh International Festival, as well as at the Houses of Parliament for BBC Radio 3’s Live from the House. She has also performed in open‑air concerts at Hoghton Tower, Leeds Castle and Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.

Her discography spans repertoire from Parry, Elgar and Roussel to Eric Coates, Donald Swann, Hamilton Harty and contemporary composers such as Roxanna Panufnik, Kenneth Hesketh, Michael Nyman and Gary Carpenter. Her debut recital disc, Love’s Old Sweet Song, was praised by the American Record Guide for its “exceptionally thoughtful music‑making.” Kathryn has toured widely, including multiple UK tours with Sir Karl Jenkins - soloist in The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace and giving the world‑premiere performance and recording of his oratorio One World in Linz.

Mezzo soprano Kathryn Rudge, born in Liverpool. Named as The Times ‘Rising Star of Classical Music and ‘One of Britain’s brightest young mezzos’ (What’s On Stage). Kathryn was a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist (2015-17), English National Opera (ENO) Harewood Artist, YCAT Artist and she is an Associate Member of the Royal Northern College of Music where she studied voice (2004-2011)with Susan Roper (2004-11) and Junior RNCM (2002-04) with Polly Beck. Kathryn is the recipient of awards including; Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Award, BBC Education Bursary, Susan Chilcott Scholarship, The Joaninah Trust Award, Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary; Joyce Budd Award, Worshipful Company of Musicians Silver Medal and the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Richard Strauss, and was nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award. 

Opera 

Kathryn made her operatic debut as Cherubino in Fiona Shaw’s new production of Mozart’s ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ (English National Opera 2012) and has since performed in principal opera roles including; Rosina in Jonathan Miller’s production of Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville’ (ENO), Cherubino ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ Glyndebourne on Tour, Dorabella in Mozart’s ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ Garsington Opera, Zerlina Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’, Hermia in Britten’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ Sesto Handel’s ‘Guilio Cesare,’ Annio in Mozart’s ‘La Clemenza di Tito’ for Opera North. Kathryn performed the title role in Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ with the British Paraorchestra conducted by Charles Hazlewood at Glastonbury and at RNCM she performed the role of Erika in Barber’s ‘Vanessa’. Further roles include Helena (Offenbach/La Belle Helene), Olga (Tchaikovsky/Eugene Onegin) at Haddo House. Kathryn has performed and recorded with Opera Rara; Leoncavallo – ‘Zaza’, Bellini ‘Adeslon e Salvini,’ (BBC SO) and Donizetti’s ‘Il Paria’ conducted by Sir Mark Elder (2021).

Concert & Oratorio

Kathryn made her BBC Proms debut in 2016 in Rossini’s ‘Petite Messe Solennelle’ at Old Royal Naval Chapel in Greenwich. She returned to the Proms in 2019 performing Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ at Royal Albert Hall with BBC NOW conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann (BBC4). Kathryn has performed as soloist with all of the BBC Orchestras and under the baton of conductors including; Ben Gernon, Bramwell Tovey, Paul McCreesh, Barry Wordsworth, Daniele Rustioni, Renato Balsadonna, John Wilson, David Hill Sir Andrew Davis, Maurizio Benini, Yan Pascal Tortelier. Concerts and oratorio also include; Vaughan Williams’ ‘Serenade to Music’ with the Orquesta Sinfonica de Castillo y León and the Halle Chorus and Mahler’s Symphony No.2 at Kings College Chapel, Cambridge conducted by Andrew Gourlay. Kathryn recently performed and recorded Schoenberg’s ‘Gurre-Lieder’ and Richard Strauss orchestral songs with BBCNOW (BBC Radio 3), Berlioz ‘Les Nuits d’été’ with Philharmonia Orchestra at Gloucester Cathedral for The Three Choirs Festival conducted by Martyn Brabbins.

Kathryn has performed Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius (Angel); for ‘Easter at Kings’ College Cambridge (BBC Radio 3) and with Hamburg Symphony Orchestra at the Rheingau Music Festival, Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra at Birmingham Symphony Hall and at the Sheldonian Theatre Oxford with The Bach Choir.  Kathryn’s debut of Elgar’s ‘Sea Pictures’ was with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in Elgar’s hometown of Malvern (BBC Radio 3) and she has since performed the songs with the Orchestra of Opera North and on the latest Elgar CD release of ‘Sea Pictures’ and ‘The Music Makers’ by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir conducted by Vasily Petrenko (ONYX 2020).

"Establishing herself in the front rank of British singers, as comfortable in the opera house as in a recital of modern song."  The Telegraph 

Recitals and Festivals 

Concerts and Song recitals at music festivals also include; Uppermill Summer Music Festival, Lammermuir Festival, Oxford Lieder, Ryedale, Leeds Lieder, Pembroke College Cambridge, Brighton, City of London, Cheltenham, Lake District Summer Music Festival, Chester, Portico of Ards, Windsor Festival, Live at St Wilfrid’s, Richmond Live Festivals, Opera North Kirklees Concert Season and Kendal Midday Concerts. Kathryn has performed at the Houses of Parliament for ‘BBC Radio 3 Live from the House’ and Westminster Chapel with the Band of the Household Cavalry (Classic FM) for a WW2 remembrance concert. UK National Concert Tours include; Noah Stewart ‘Without a Song Tour’ and she has been the soloist with Sir Karl Jenkins on several UK tours including; ‘The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace’ (Raymond Gubbay) and 'One World.'  Kathryn has performed as guest soloist for open- air concerts with Northern Chamber Orchestra at Houghton Tower and with the RLPO conducted by Edward Peak, and Carl Davis CBE at Southport Festival and Leeds Castle, and ‘Liverpool the Musical’ in 2008 at the Liverpool M&S Arena opening to mark Liverpool Capital of Culture with conductor Vasily Petrenko.

"The powerful glow and gripping range of her voice - everything was immaculate, and yet incredibly fresh and free" Opera Today 

Recordings and Contemporary Work

Kathryn’s discography also includes; World Premier recording of Parry’s oratorio ‘Judith’ with London Mozart Players and Crouch End Festival Chorus conducted by William Vann (Chandos 2020) ’The Hills of Dreamland’ Elgar Orchestral Songs (BBC Concert Orchestra/ Somm 2018) Roussel ‘Evocations’ (BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/CHANDOS 2018) Eric Coates Songs (Somm 2019) ‘Songs by Donald Swann’ (Hyperion 2017) and Hamilton Harty Songs with Christopher Glynn (2020). Kathryn’s debut recital disc ‘Love’s Old Sweet Song‘ with pianist James Baillieu was released by Champs Hill Records in 2016. Kathryn’s work with contemporary composers includes: world premier performances and recordings of Roxanna Panufnik’s composition ‘Love Sought’ (broadcast BBC Radio 3) ‘The Sound of Shakespeare’ at Royal Shakespeare Company, Sir Karl Jenkins’ ‘Lament for Syria’ at Cardiff City Halls (BBCNOW/BBC Radio 3), Kenneth Hesketh ‘Tall Tales Small Tales’ (RLPO 10/10). She was soloist for Michael Nyman’s Symphony No. 11: Hillsborough Memorial, in which she sang the names of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster of 1989 performed at Liverpool Cathedral, with (RLPO/MNRecords). Kathryn also performed and recorded the world premier of Michael Nyman’s; ‘Two Sonnets for Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz’ and composer Gary Carpenter’s song cycle “Love’s Eternity” (RLPO/Nimbus).

'If you like exceptionally thoughtful music-making. This album is for you.'  

Love's Old Sweet Song, The American Record Guide 

Education & Creative Arts 

Alongside her performing career, education and community engagement form a central part of Kathryn's professional practice. Kathryn has delivered vocal workshops for organisations including the Royal Philharmonic Society and Rodolfus Choral Foundation. Kathryn is also a Tutor of Voice at Chetham's School of Music, the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester, teaching vocal studies and Medieval Song with Professor Barry Cooper. Kathryn is a founder of Mersey Wave Music, a member of Vocal Health Education and a trained Vocal Health First Aider. Kathryn also serves as Patron of the Richard Shepherd Foundation, the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, and the North Midlands School of Music.

Forthcoming and Recent Engagements 

Recent performances include song recitals at Uppermill Summer Music Festival with Duncan Glenday, Northern Ireland Opera Festival of Song Simon Lepper (BBC Radio 3) and tour of staged concerts of ‘Jeremy Sams Wolf’s Italian Songbook’ with Christopher Glynn and world premiere performances of works by composers Brain Elias at Wigmore Hall, and Rhian Samuel’s ‘The Moon and I’ at Ludlow Festival of Song with pianist Iain Burnside. Britten’s ‘A Charm of Lullabies’ with Britten Sinfonia conducted by Sian Edwards at Snape Maltings, Mendelssohn’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at the Edinburgh International Festival with the Royal with Scottish National Orchestra under the baton of Thomas Søndergård and Mozart’s Requiem with Crouch End Festival Chorus and the London Mozart Orchestra at Alexandra Palace. Forthcoming performances include: Handel’s Messiah (RFH) Beethoven 9, Richard Strauss ‘Song Day’ at the National Centre of Early Music York, ‘Sir Karl Jenkins in Concert’ Tour, Elgar’s Sea Pictures with The Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie (Koblenz). Elgar 'Sea Pictures’ with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Vasily Petrenko (RFH) and Holst’s Sāvitri Britten Sinfonia/Sir Mark Elder (Barbican).  

A selection of reviews highlighting Kathryn Rudge’s performances across opera, concert and recital platforms.

Holst -Savitri (The Barbican, London & Aldeburgh Festival, Snape Maltings) Britten Sinfonia and Sir Mark Elder with Pagrav Dance Company

British Music Society
“The singing from Kathryn Rudge… was sublime.”

The Times
“A stirring Kathryn Rudge.”

Financial Times
“Kathryn Rudge sang Sāvitri with warmth and beauty.”

Wigmore Hall & Concert Performances

The Times - Wigmore Hall - Song Recital with James Baillieu
“It doesn’t take long (five notes, maybe) to hear why people are excited… tremendous reserves of power, impeccable intonation… a distinctive vocal quality.”

Financial Times - Wigmore Hall
“Heartfelt song cycles sung by Kathryn Rudge.”

Broadway World – BBC Proms
“Liverpudlian mezzo soprano Kathryn Rudge… expressive and beautifully controlled… a fabulous Prom, brimming with emotion.”

Richard Strauss – Song Recital (York) with Christopher Glynn

Charles Hutch Press
“There was no doubt about the depth of her feeling… the work of a singer in her prime who knows exactly how to hold an audience in thrall. Spellbinding stuff, the voice beautifully focused throughout its range, right to the very top.”

Ludlow Song Festival – with Iain Burnside

The Ludlow Guide
“When Kathryn Rudge took to the stage audiences knew they were in for a rare treat – her stamina and sheer, obvious joy handling Finzi and Elgar and Rhian Samuel’s The Moon and I was just delightful.”

Garsington Opera

The Times
“Rudge’s mezzo is more burnished with each passing year.”

The Independent
“Kathryn Rudge’s Dorabella is ravishingly sung.”

What’s On Stage
“Kathryn Rudge is an adorable Dorabella. She sings with a fresh, uncomplicated Mozartian mezzo.”

Elgar - Sea Pictures & The Music Makers

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko

RLPO
“Kathryn Rudge, who has recorded these songs with Vasily Petrenko, was a distinctive soloist.”

Opera Today
“The powerful glow and gripping range of her voice… everything was immaculate and yet incredibly fresh and free.”

Bachtrack
“Kathryn Rudge fully identifies with Elgar’s settings and brought off an impressive rendition plumbing their emotional depths. She’s a natural performer, and this was a masterclass in communication.”

San Francisco Classical Voice
“If you’ve never heard this stirring music with voices, be prepared to be profoundly moved as Rudge’s gently throbbing voice soars regally on the ‘Nimrod’ tune, followed by the Liverpool Philharmonic Chorus.”

Rossini - The Barber of Seville (English National Opera)

What’s On Stage
“Kathryn Rudge is one of Britain’s brightest young mezzos. She continues on her upwards career curve as a delightful Rosina… Rossini’s fiendish writing held no terrors for her.”

The Guardian
“Kathryn Rudge’s classy Rosina.”

GScene
“Kathryn Rudge as Rosina gave one of those stunning performances showing off her pure coloratura with an effortless grace that was enchanting. She got the flirtatious innocent‑but‑knowing, naughty attitude of Rosina just right.”

The Express
“Gorgeous mezzo voice and a lively presence.”

Mozart - Le Nozze di Figaro 

Opera Magazine
“Cherubino’s hedonism was ferociously captured by Kathryn Rudge, who temporarily stole the show with her two arias.”

Financial Times
“The stand‑out performance is Kathryn Rudge’s deeply felt, endearingly jittery Cherubino.”

Britten - Albert Herring (Buxton Opera House)

The Telegraph
“I rather fell for Kathryn Rudge’s blonde‑bombshell of a Nancy, sung with fine relish for her music’s sensuality.”

Britten -Charm of Lullabies (Snape Maltings / Aldeburgh)

The Guardian
“Mezzo‑soprano Kathryn Rudge, a glowing soloist in Charm of Lullabies, ran through like a silvery thread.”

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic - Spirit of Christmas Concerts

Wirral Globe
“Kathryn Rudge was outstanding throughout, sweeping on stage in a red ball gown. She looked like a flame flickering brightly during every song, whether an aria or a stunning interpretation of Over the Rainbow and I Could Have Danced All Night. She received rapturous applause for her versatility. Her interview about her Liverpool roots and career was both sparkling and uplifting.”

Opera North - Giulio Cesare

Financial Times
“Kathryn Rudge’s plucky Sesto manages to be both stylish and moving.”

The Spectator
“So moving, so passionate and sang with such forthright ardour.”

The Daily Telegraph
“Brightly spunky and impassioned… one of the evening’s highlights.”

Opera Magazine
“A young singer of exceptional promise.”

The York Press
“An absolute blinder… as auspicious a Leeds debut as she could have hoped.”

The Guardian
“Everything required of an exciting young mezzo: tone, technique and absolute conviction.”

English National Opera – The Marriage of Figaro

Financial Times
“The star performance… chaotically sexy, charismatic, totally compelling.”

The Independent
“Keeps the palpitating intensity of adolescence on the boil.”

The Guardian
“Rudge sensually refined.”

Opera Now
“An impressive professional debut.”

Early Career

Michael Kennedy – Opera Magazine
“Already this charismatic singer… knows how to stir the heart, and one hardly dares to predict what is to come.”

RNCM Productions

Vanessa

Opera Magazine
“This charismatic singer, with her immaculate diction, knows how to stir the heart.”

City Life
“Most accomplished… conveying an inner struggle more compelling than the title role.”

Carmen

Opera Magazine
“Rich and flexible tone, clear diction and magnetic stage presence… sultry passion and intensity.”

Musical Opinion
“A temptress to silence all temptresses… fluid, rich and wonderfully coloured.”

MusicWeb International
“Exemplary in colour, tone and expression.”

La Clemenza di Tito

Opera Magazine
“A precious talent… fluent, comfortable and beautiful in any register… immaculate diction.”

Le Nozze di Figaro

Opera Now
“Bags of comedy… adept an actress as appealing a singer.”

Manchester Evening News
“Highly popular… singing with purity and attack.”

La Belle Hélène

Opera Magazine
“Lustrous tone… a natural comedienne.”

Eugene Onegin

Opera Magazine
“A lively and charming Olga.”

Manchester Evening News
“Delightfully conceived… flexible voice and natural charm.”

Awards & Honours Highlights

• Honorary Associate Artist of the Royal Northern College of Music
• Merseyside Women of the Year – Arts & Culture Award (2016)
• Royal Philharmonic Society Awards – Young Artist (Shortlisted, 2016)
• BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist (2015–2017)
• English National Opera – Harewood Artist
• Worshipful Company of Musicians – Silver Medal
• Worshipful Company of Musicians – Audience Prince’s Prize
• Worshipful Company of Musicians – Allcard Award

Patronages

• Patron of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity
• Patron of the Richard Shephard Foundation
• Patron of the North Midlands School of Music

Scholarships, Fellowships & Professional Support

• Susan Chilcott Scholarship (RPS)
• The Joaninah Trust Award
• RPS/YCAT Philip Langridge Mentoring Scheme
• Samling Artist
• The Musicians’ Benevolent Fund – Sybil Tutton Award
• YCAT Artist (2010–2013)
• Annie Ridyard Scholarship Award (RNCM)
• The Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Strauss (RNCM)
• The Clonter Opera Prize & Audience Prize
• ABRSM Macklin Bursary
• The Amanda Roocroft Award (RNCM)
• The Bruce Millar/Gulliver Prize (RSAMD)
• The Frederic Cox Award for Singing (RNCM)
• BBC Fame Academy Education Bursary
• Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Vocal Scholarship
• Alexander Young Prize (RNCM)
• Kathleen Ferrier Young Singer Bursary – Joyce Budd Prize
• James Martin Oncken Song Prize (RNCM)
• Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Undergraduate Scholarship
• Elsie Sykes Fellowship Award
• Merseyside Young Singer of the Year – Rotary Club of Liverpool / BBC Radio Merseyside
• Director’s Prize (Junior RNCM)
• Helen Latto Soroptimist Prize for Singing (Junior RNCM)