2017
Sarah Connolly CBE - Mezzo-soprano
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music in recognition of her significant
contribution to music and the arts
Born in County Durham, mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly studied piano and singing at the Royal College of Music, of which she is now a Fellow.
Sarah’s opera career began in 1994 in the comic opera Der Rosenkavalier as Annina, with her breakout role coming just four years later in the English National Opera production of Handel’s Serse.
A firm favourite at the English National Opera, Sarah was nominated for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera for the role of Sesto in La clemenza di Tito. In September 2009, Sarah made her first appearance as guest soloist on the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms.
After being appointed a CBE in the 2010 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List, Sarah was also honoured by the Incorporated Society of Musicians and presented with the Distinguished Musician Award just a year later. Sarah also received the Silver Lyre 2012 from the Royal Philharmonic Society for Best Solo Singer.