We are delighted to hear that Philippa Boyle, the lovely soprano singing our Ellen Orford, has landed herself a job as [checks notes] Ellen Orford in Phyllida Lloyd’s production of Peter Grimes for Opera North in Spring 2026.

For New Palace Opera, she has already worked with us singing Eve in my opera, A Kind Man, the first time at very short notice, and we both sang in Regent Opera’s Die Meistersingers a few moons ago. 

And all of this after recently creating the role of Mette in Mark-Anthony Turnage's Festen at the Royal Ballet and Opera (the Royal Opera in old money), to rave reviews – “a stupendous house debut from Philippa Boyle”. She described it one of the greatest musical and artistic experiences of her life, something she'll never forget. 

Philippa's first time singing Ellen Orford in public will be with New Palace Opera in June. She told me, “I've wanted to sing Ellen since I first heard the score when I was an undergraduate at the age of 19, and I've been enchanted by the music ever since. I'm really looking forward to working with New Palace Opera again.”

She also said that it fits perfectly with her voice. “There’s a real humanity to her music. It’s beautifully lyrical, but there’s also dramatic moments, it encompasses a wide emotional range. There’s a truth and sincerity that I'm really looking forward to exploring with my voice." 

Philippa has a full diary this year, and you can see highlights on her website.

Jonathan Finney