Josephine Shaw

She may have only just finished her A-levels, but young classical singer Josephine Shaw already has a decade of experience behind her, including performing at London's prestigious Royal Opera House. She tells us about why she loves performing Opera and how she thinks classical music can reach younger audiences.

When did you first become interested in classical music?

I was one of those kids who was always singing - often to the annoyance of my parents! When I was about 8 or 9 I started singing lessons. I think my love of classical music goes back to performing at the Royal Opera House when I was about 10, performing La Boheme with real, professional Opera singers! I love the storytelling aspect of Opera, and how they're performed in so many different languages.

Do you speak multiple languages?

I did French at GCSE level, although I don’t really speak it much! Some of the Operas are in languages like French, Italian, German, even Welsh which is a fun one! When I'm learning an Opera in a certain language I'll work with a singer who speaks it well. I pick up music pretty fast!

Have you performed anywhere else in the world?

I had the opportunity to go to LA a few years ago to see the busking scene there, and I've performed in Dubai too. My dream is Broadway - I'm a theatre nerd, so being able to do a show on Broadway would be amazing!

Do you think going busking and using social media has made classical music more accessible to younger people?

Absolutely - there's a whole classical music community even on TikTok! I would love for it to become even more mainstream, for more people my age to get into it. I've found work through posting on social media too - the trip to Dubai, they found me online!

What are some of your interests outside music?

I love going to Comicon, so I'm very happy that things like that are able to go ahead again. Being able to dress up and connect with others in the same fandoms is wonderful - I make my own costumes for the events! I also love reading, particularly anything fantasy.

Words: Scott Bates

Photos: Hana Noguchi