4 Sep 2026
Meet soprano Robyn Allegra Parton, a former Monteverdi Apprentice appearing as soloist in Rossini's Petite messe solennelle at Alexandra Palace Theatre.
© Victoria Cadish
How has the Apprentice Programme influenced your career as a singer?
I started the apprenticeship when I was 21 years old, before I went to music college. It gave me a crash-course in musical style and expression that I've carried into every project since. The focus on text-led singing, even in a large group, was especially invaluable, and I witnessed a lot of excellent soloists close at hand in rehearsals and in performance. I learned a great deal from them.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time as an Apprentice?
My favourite works that we sang were Beethoven's 9th Symphony and the Missa Solemnis, and Brahms' Gesang der Parzen - all were so operatic and left such a big impression on our audiences!
How does it feel to return to the Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras, this time as a soloist?
The apprentices in my year performed Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle after a week's workshopping in France, so to return 18 years later as a soloist with this piece is something very special. I've always felt such pride at having been a part of these ensembles, and to rejoin some familiar faces after many years of working elsewhere is a real treat.
© Victoria Cadish
What advice would you give to a young singer today?
Pathways into professional singing don't always have to follow the traditional route. I know, for sure, that singing with the Monteverdi Choir gave me a headstart for a career in opera, which I would not have guessed at the time. I would say: build a portfolio of skills, learn your strengths and promote them, and tackle your weaknesses head on. There is a huge resource of guidance and knowledge out there and most people love to share what they know, so don't be afraid to ask!
What excites you the most about performing Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle?
I attended the MVC & ORR Rossini concert with Jakob Lehmann conducting last year and thought it was such an exciting and vibrant performance. I can't wait to join them in bringing this piece to life in the same way. I've sung the Petite Messe since childhood, so it's a real nostalgia trip, but I'm sure that Jakob will find details in it that I've never heard before.
How do you prepare for performing a piece like this?
I listen to a few recordings, I work on various options for musical phrasing, and then I do some prep work with Jakob and we choose the best fit for both of us. He's very collaborative and extremely knowledgeable about singing as well as the music, so it's a joy!
© Victoria Cadish
Do you have any pre- or post-concert rituals, or anything you do to prepare for a performance?
I make sure I have a good meal, as I dislike singing when I'm hungry. This time I'll be performing while 6 months pregnant, so it'll be interesting to see what a difference that makes to the normal routine!
If you weren’t a soprano, what do you think you’d be doing, musical or otherwise?
I love playing the piano, but I'd like to try out so many different careers if I could: doctor, lawyer, engineer, author, actor... I'm very glad I chose singing though!
Rossini's Petite messe solennelle is at Alexandra Palace Theatre, 18 September 2026.
