Artists

Noted for her “velvety richness” (The Independent) & “commanding” tone (Seen and Heard International), Cumbrian contralto Jess Dandy is rapidly making a name for herself as one of the UK’s most promising young singers. Last season saw her debuts as alto soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Carnegie Hall, New York; Palau de la música catalana, Barcelona, & Harris Theater, Chicago. All formed part of an international tour with Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the Orchestra révolutionnaire et romantique, and the Monteverdi Choir.

Jess’ discography includes a Gramophone Award nominated recording as Micah in Handel Samson with the Dunedin Consort & John Butt. Upcoming engagements include Handel Messiah with Irish Baroque Orchestra, Ulster Radio Orchestra and Dunedin Consort, as well as Christmas Oratorio with the Mozarteum Orchestra under Matthew Halls in Salzburg. Next year, she appears as alto soloist in Mahler Resurrection Symphony with the the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Ed Gardner at Symphony Hall, and sings the title role in Gluck Orphée under Raphaël Pichon for Opéra Comique de Paris.

With her recital partner, Dylan Perez, she is a former Oxford Lieder Young Artist, and is delighted to be returning to the 2020 Festival. She is represented worldwide by Askonas Holt Ltd. In addition to singing, Jess is the director of the mental health initiative, SongPath, which, through therapeutically curated walking trails, promotes creative and restorative connection with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Last updated: Oct 2020