Q&A Bethany Horak-Hallett
Wednesday 7 January 2026
Bethany, a British mezzo-soprano, is a recent Samling Artist and an alumna of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Rising Stars program. This season she makes her Royal Swedish Opera debut as Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro and performs at Glyndebourne Festival in the newly commissioned The Railway Children. Her debut album, recorded with duo partner Natalie Burch, has recently been released on Delphian Records. We had a quick chat with her about the upcoming performance she’s joining us for: The Food of Love.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Bethany, a mezzo-soprano based in London. I perform a wide range of music, but nothing brings me greater joy to perform than Baroque and Renaissance rep, so I’m really happy to be kicking off the year with this gorgeous programme.
“This is a really charming and romantic programme. Hopefully audiences will come away feeling a little more misty eyed and sentimental than when they arrived.”
Is there a moment/person/group in your life so far that has shaped you most as a performer?
I was very fortunate to be selected as an OAE Rising Star from 2021-2023. Working with the ensemble, the players, and everyone involved in the organisation have been some of the must rewarding and formative experiences of my life and career so far. I’ve learned so much from them, and continue to work regularly with them now I have completed my time on the scheme.
What do you hope audiences feel during/take away from this programme?
This is a really charming and romantic programme. Hopefully audiences will come away feeling a little more misty eyed and sentimental than when they arrived.
Do you have a favourite love song/romantic piece of music?
My father used to play us a lot of Miriam Makeba when we were growing up. One of his and subsequently my favourite of her songs was the Click Song. Usually performed at weddings to bring good fortune in guiding couples through their new lives, it’s a sweet, joyous, yet wonderfully simple Xhosa South African folk song.
Outside of music/performing, what inspires your creativity?
I love natural beauty, being outdoors, and enjoying the wonders of Mother Nature, which definitely has a big impact on my creative process and approach to life in general.
What is your favourite food, and go-to post show drink?
Nothing beats a slow cooked spaghetti bolognese, and nothing beats a crisp, cold (good!) lager after a successful show.
Join us for Food of Love on Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February 2026 at Fidelio Cafe.