Welsh Soprano, Rhiannon Herridge
Rhiannon made her debut radio performances at age 5, and by the age of 10 was part of a distinguished girls’ choir – a small ensemble of which performed to Pope John Paul II in Vatican City. Throughout her teenage years, Rhiannon grew fascinated with Musical Theatre and performed many leading roles with local theatre companies, as well as appearing in the ensemble of the first ever Welsh Language production on London’s West End. She then went on to study her undergraduate in Vocal and Opera Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, supported by the Minnie Morgan Scholarship, where she graduated with a 1st Class Honours Bachelor’s Degree.
As part of her degree, Rhiannon spent three months in Pesaro Italy, studying with Maestro Ubaldo Fabbri; vocal coach of the late, great Pavarotti. Rhiannon went on to perform for several years as a classical vocalist for Silversea luxury cruises, before returning to intensive training at the acclaimed Wales International Academy of Voice.
Rhiannon is now sailing across many different cruise lines, presenting her shows all over the world, as well as performing at festivals and events at home, in the UK. Earlier this year she was delighted to begin her role as Soprano for the official events of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Miss Wales
At 17, Rhiannon won the 'public vote' of the Miss Wales pageant. A surreal and valuable experience, which saw the beginnings of her fund-raising endeavours, collecting for a local charity that aimed to accommodate the last wishes of terminally ill children. She was later touched and honoured to accompany the children on the charity's annual visit to Lapland.
Kilimanjaro
Rhiannon went on to conquer several challenges in the name of fundraising for charities close to her heart... the toughest being Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2011. The first 5 days were incredible and beautiful, but during the final 12 hours, before reaching summit, Rhiannon got hit by altitude sickness and her battle to the peak was one of the biggest challenges she's had to overcome.
Decca Records
While still studying at the RNCM, Rhiannon was chosen to appear as one of four finalists, in Decca Records' search for an emerging Welsh recording star. Filming the six-part series was a brand new experience, which allowed a lot of growth, and opened up doors to perform a showcase at Stamford Bridge and record a demo at Universal Studios London.
Christine in Fantôme
Rhiannon got down to the final three actresses to play the role of Christine in Lord Webber's first ever Parisian production of the Phantom of the Opera, 2016. An amazing experience that she's still proud of.