Janis Kelly appointed to a Personal Chair of Vocal Performance

Wednesday 15 February 2017

We’re delighted to announce that acclaimed soprano soloist Janis Kelly has been appointed to a Personal Chair of Vocal Performance at the Royal College of Music.

Janis Kelly has been a principal artist with English National Opera for over 36 years and has appeared at all other major British opera houses, with principal roles across the world.

Since joining the RCM’s internationally renowned Vocal Faculty in 2008 Professor Kelly has worked with students across the College’s range of programmes, nurturing singers of all voice types including celebrated recent RCM graduates Sarah-Jane Brandon, Filipa Van Eck and Soraya Mafi.

At the Royal College of Music Janis has also directed opera scenes, led stagecraft classes and performed with College ensembles and on stage in RCM operas, most recently as Lady Billows in the RCM International Opera School’s 2015 production of Britten’s Albert Herring.

In 2017 she will be giving opera performances with Garsington and Glyndebourne opera companies as well as an international series of solo recitals and concerts. Janis Kelly is a prolific recording artist and her activities also encompass research and scholarship, with a focus in the area of ‘Performance, Practices and Sources’.

Professor Kelly commented: 'This is a truly exciting time for the Royal College of Music; it is an institution offering unequalled inspirational and transformative musical excellence. I am thrilled and honoured to further consolidate my association with the College through the appointment to a personal chair.'

Professor Colin Lawson, Director of the RCM, commented: 'This personal chair was created especially for Professor Kelly in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the Royal College of Music and the RCM International Opera School, long established as one of the world’s leading training centres for opera.'