We are welcoming back our alums to the Studio for a series of free recitals. This is an opportunity for them to try out new programmes, repertoire, or even styles – and for our audiences to follow their journeys since leaving the Studio.

This recital will showcase works by Strauss, including his iconic Four Last Songs.

Rosalind Dobson

Soprano Rosalind Dobson studied at the University of Cambridge, Royal College of Music, and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She was a 2023/24 Young Artist at the National Opera Studio.

During her time at NOS she worked with industry professionals including Keith Warner, Emma Jenkins, Adele Thomas and Karen Kamensek. In scenes she performed roles including Zerbinetta (Ariadne auf Naxos), Tytania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and Norina (Don Pasquale).

Last season she worked with Garsington Opera and Opera North, as well as covering the role of Mette in Mark Antony Turnage’s Festen at the Royal Ballet and Opera, Covent Garden. She recently appeared as Lena in Salieri’s La Locandiera for Bampton Classical Opera.

Upcoming projects include Strauss’ Vier Letze Lieder with the Sinfonie Orchester Nota Bene in Zurich, and Elle in La Voix Humaine with the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra. Rosalind has recently finished her first opera libretto, Medusa, in collaboration with composer Nino Russell, and is looking forward to devising and performing a new opera in Sydney in 2026 with Indyana Schneider and Kate Gaul (Sydney Opera House).

Rosalind is generously supported by the Carne Trust.

Alex Norton

Alex Norton is a British pianist and continuo player, who trained as a Young Artist at the National Opera Studio (2022/23). As a repetiteur recent productions include the UK premiere of Salieri’s La fiera di Venzia and the Danish premiere of Mascagni’s Zanetto, and multiple premieres with the Music Troupe. Other highlights include various projects with the Royal Opera House’s Learning and Participation programme, English Touring Opera, Welsh National Youth Opera and Lyric Opera Dublin. As a collaborative pianist Alex has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Wigmore Hall, various European venues, and made his concerto debut with the Leeds Symphony Orchestra.

Programme

Strauss Mädchenblumen, Op. 22

Kornblumen

Mohnblumen

Epheu

Wasserrose

Strauss

Morgen!

Strauss Vier Letze Lieder

Frühling

September

Beim Schlafengehen

Im Abendrot