Joan Rodgers

Dr Joan Rodgers CBE

Alumna Joan Rodgers (BA Hons Russian 1978, Hon DMus 2005) is an acclaimed opera, concert and as a recitalist soprano.

She has appeared in concert with conductors including Solti, Barenboim, Mehta, Harnoncourt, Mackerras, Ashkenazy, Salonen and Rattle and is a regular guest at the BBC Proms.

Operatic engagements have included engagements at the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Opera North and Glyndebourne in Britain, Paris, Munich, Brussels, Amsterdam and Vienna in Europe, and the Metropolitan Opera, New York. Joan has also appeared in concert and recital throughout Europe and the US including London, Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Moscow and New York.

Joan received the Royal Philharmonic Society award as Singer of the Year for 1997, the 1997 Evening Standard Award for outstanding performance in opera for her performance as the Governess in the Royal Opera's production of The Turn of the Screw and an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Liverpool in July 2005.  In 2001, Joan Rodgers was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

Joan said of the teaching and performance space project: “Music is such an integral part of the Liverpool experience, just as performance is essential for anyone who plans to make a career in music.

"I am thrilled to see that my alma mater is investing in a dedicated space to give both music students, and students of other subjects, the opportunity to practice and perform in a professional environment. I am proud to be an ambassador for this project; it means a lot to me and know it will be life-changing for young people who attend the University of Liverpool.”

You can find out more about this project, or make a donation to support our fundraising efforts.

I am proud to be an ambassador for this project; it means a lot to me and know it will be life-changing for young people who attend the University of Liverpool.

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