Continuing our series featuring choral singers at the University. This week, first-year soprano with Minerva Voices, Chorus and the Cecilian Choir Alice Hargreaves.

How did you get into choral singing ?
From a young age I loved choral music, as I watched my older sister sing in many concerts, but it started properly when I performed a solo in my Junior School Concert at the age of 10. I will never forget how nervous I was, and how amazing it felt after I had sung.

Alice Hargreaves

What’s your favourite piece ?
There are so many pieces that I love. But if I had to pick one, it would probably have to be Silent Noon by Ralph Vaughan Williams. It is such an amazing piece and it sends shivers down my spine every time I sing it.

What’s your best/worst memory about singing in a choir ?
My worst memory would have to be when I was 12 years old and had been practising for a choral concert, it was an unusually warm day and I remember in the rehearsal on the day, I was so ill that I couldn’t actually make the performance. I was so upset at the time but looking back I think it was for the best!

My best memory, well, I have two! My first would be when in July I sang ‘Pie Jesu’ from Faure’s Requiem in St Paul’s Chapel, Ground Zero in New York. It was a special moment and one I will never forget. My second would be when my school were fortunate enough to perform the choral work Every Purpose Under The Heaven written and conducted by Howard Goodall.

What do you find the most inspirational aspect of choral singing ?
Being able to meet and sing with so many other people, and connect with them through beautiful musical works, with the result of this connection being something special and magical.

Alice is on Twitter @alhargreaves_