Baritone Alex Otterburn is one of Scottish Opera’s Emerging Artists for the 2017/18 season and is described by them as a ‘name to watch’. He has most recently played the role of Eddy in their production of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Greek, alongside the magnificent Susan Bullock. In this morning’s discussion and masterclass, he will explore Susan’s astonishing career with her, followed by a chance to work on his own repertoire with this wonderful artist.

Susan Bullock’s unique position as one of the world’s most sought-after British dramatic sopranos was recognised by the award of a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in June 2014.

One of her most distinctive roles, Wagner’s Brünnhilde, has garnered outstanding praise leading Susan Bullock to become the first ever soprano to sing four consecutive cycles of Der Ring des Nibelungen at the Royal Opera House under Sir Antonio Pappano as part of the London 2012 Festival. In addition to new productions at Oper Frankfurt, Opera Australia, New National Theatre, Tokyo and Canadian Opera Company, she has appeared in the role at the Wiener Staatsoper and Deutsche Oper Berlin. She is equally acclaimed for her appearances as Richard Strauss’s Elektra, and received the Royal Philharmonic Society’s award in 2009 for her performances of the role at the Royal Opera House.

Recent additions to her repertoire include Kostelnička (Jenůfa, Grange Park Opera), Minnie (La fanciulla del West, ENO) and, in a more light-hearted vein, both Mother and The Witch (Hänsel und Gretel) in a new production for Opera North, as well as Mrs Lovett (Sweeney Todd), which she debuted at Houston Grand Opera. Her vast and diverse concert work has included the Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as working with Zubin Mehta and the orchestra of the Bayerische Staatsoper. Popular appearances have included the Last Night of the Proms in 2011 and a special appearance at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.