Lesley Garrett

Lesley Garrett CBE (born April 10, 1955) is a renowned English soprano, celebrated for her extensive career in opera, musical theatre, and broadcasting. Hailing from Thorne, Doncaster, Garrett was immersed in a musical environment from an early age, with her grandfather being a classical pianist and her mother a talented singer. She honed her craft at the Royal Academy of Music and began her professional journey in 1979. By 1984, she had become a principal soprano at English National Opera, performing in acclaimed productions such as Serse, Le Nozze di Figaro, and Così fan tutte .+1+1Chandos Records+2+2

Garrett's versatility has led her to perform across the globe, including in Europe, the United States, and Asia. Beyond her operatic achievements, she has made significant contributions to musical theatre, portraying roles like Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music and Nettie Fowler in Carousel. Her television appearances are numerous, with notable shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Loose Women, and Who Do You Think You Are? . In recognition of her services to music, Garrett was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 .Chandos Records+1+1+1

Garrett's reflections on her career and the arts are encapsulated in her quotes:

"Nobody inspired me more than Julie Andrews, who is a classically trained soprano herself."+5BrainyQuote+5+5

"I don't just come from a musical family, but from a musical community."A-Z Quotes+2+2

"I'm very pro presenting the best music I can to the widest audience possible."A-Z Quotes+2+2

These insights highlight her dedication to the art form and her commitment to making classical music accessible to a broader audience.