One of the problems that we face through the media attention that these artists receive is that there has been an awful lot of talk about opera and classical music being elite and being for an elitist group.

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

My mum used to say to me, 'Spit on yer 'ands and take a fresh 'old.' Keep going even if you have setbacks.

I do hope that our spring will be starting shortly and we will all be able to enjoy some sunshine again.

The musical heritage of Yorkshire is deep and wide.

I do a lot of vocal hygiene.

Opera is credible drama now, and it costs less than going to a football match. What have you got to lose?