From diva to DJ: opera star Claudia Boyle on finding her voice

Ahead of her DJ-ing debut on RTÉ lyric fm this month, soprano Claudia Boyle writes for RTÉ Culture about her musical journey from 6-year-old Meryl Streep wannabe to one of the country’s most acclaimed opera talents…

It’s funny, as a child I always wanted to be an actress not an opera singer. That was it for me. Playing, pretending and most of all, making people laugh. At an early age I had quite a severe stutter. But this always subsided when I performed, entertaining my family and eventually it passed like a fading memory.

I became obsessed with Meryl Streep. Probably unique enough for a 6-year-old, but kids know quality. There’s no lived bias. They’re present and completely honest. They’re the perfect little audience and now my two young children Blossom and George hold me to the highest of performing standards. They sing along with me sometimes. They also tell me to stop singing on occasion! Both love music and I love that. It’s a gift passed on.

During secondary school I quite literally found my voice. I started winning competitions and later secured a position on the Salzburg Festival young artist programme and that was my induction into the world of opera. After an audition for world famous conductor Riccardo Muti while there, I was cast in my first leading role at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and I haven’t stopped since. Slightly off course from my 6-year-old Oscar ambitions, I was still made up. Drama and Music together? Heaven.

We need your consent to load this YouTube contentWe use YouTube to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

Watch: Claudia Boyle with Pietro Adaini and orchestra at Wexford Festival Opera

I’ve been working professionally on the international stage now for 14 years. It’s exhilarating. I never take it for granted. Yes, it’s a tough profession in ways. It’s hard work and at a very high level. It comes with the personal pressures of being away a lot and juggling life a little. You would think I’m the perfect packer of a suitcase, but I think I’m getting worse at that the older I get! Ultimately, the pros outweigh the cons tenfold and I love what I do.

Opera has changed a lot. It’s constantly evolving and that suits me just fine. I naturally gravitate towards new and different projects across a spectrum of musical genres. I adore working with theatre directors and incorporating dance and movement too (my two talented sisters trained as Ballerinas in Russia when they were 13). If there’s straight dialogue in the mix in a show, my inner child jumps for joy and I suppose it’s this natural enthusiasm to try new things that has brought me to presenting.

Taking over the ‘hot seat’ from the wonderful Liz Nolan later this month will be a pleasure. Diamond-encrusted shoes to fill – Liz is a class act. A consummate professional, a skilled presenter with flair and a huge champion and supporter of the arts and Irish musicians in particular. I already have a list of repertoire ideas and I’m looking forward to discovering new works too during my time on air.

I was asked recently what advice would I offer young singers. Apart from the usual ‘get out now!’ retort, my answer was to be authentic. (How ‘grown-up is that?!!) We all need inspiration when growing as artists and influences are healthy and will always be there. But finding your own expression is key. I’m hoping to bring some of that advice into the studio with me.

On a more personal note, I lost my wonderful Dad ‘TJ’ (Teej) at Christmas just gone. (RTÉ lyric fm also lost their biggest fan that day) He would have been delirious with happiness at my new venture. And while he’s not here physically, I know he’ll be listening…

Claudia Boyle covers for Liz Nolan on The Full Score on RTÉ lyric fm, from July 24th to August 1st 2024 – listen to more from The Full Score here.