RNCM appoints Ann Murray DBE as International Chair in Singing

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Ann Murray DBE as International Chair of Singing, commencing this month.

Ann MurrayBorn in Dublin, Ann has close links with both English National Opera and the Royal Opera House and her international operatic and concert engagements have taken her all over the world. Her many roles include Xerxes, Ariodante, Maria Stuarda, Cherubino, Dorabella, Donna Elvira, Rosina and Octavian alongside new productions of L’Enfant et les Sortilèges, Ariadne auf Naxos, Idomeneo, Mitridate, Re di Ponto, Cosi fan tutte, Mosé in Egitto, Alcina and Giulio Cesare.

Ann said: ‘I feel most privileged to take on the role of International Chair, following in the footsteps of the late Sir Graham Vick, with whom I was a contemporary at the Royal Manchester College of Music.

‘Having gained so much from my years at College, I now hope to pass on in some way what I have been fortunate to learn from the extraordinary Mr. Frederic Cox, and so many distinguished musicians and artists thereafter, during my career.’

Professor Lynne Dawson, Head of Vocal Studies and Opera, added: ‘We are absolutely delighted to announce Ann Murray, DBE, as our International Chair of Singing, from September 2021. Ann’s extraordinary career has taken her all over the world to work with the most celebrated orchestras, conductors, recording companies and colleague musicians and has spanned several decades at the highest international level. She has been visiting us regularly for a number of years to give masterclasses and her teaching is exceptional and inspirational and exciting. We are looking forward enormously to welcoming her in this new academic year.’

A graduate of the Royal Manchester College of Music, Ann was appointed an honorary Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the 2002 Golden Jubilee Queen’s Birthday Honours and was awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit in 2004.

23 September 2021