New Zealand-born soprano Joanne Roughton-Arnold began her vocal studies with Esther Salaman while a postgraduate violinist at Trinity College of Music, before going on to pursue postgraduate vocal studies at Birmingham Conservatoire. In 2004 she was awarded the Conservatoire’s inaugural Postgraduate Certificate prize and she completed the MMus in 2006.

Recent performances have included Sarah Whitehead in Malcolm Williamson’s 'English Eccentrics' under Lionel Friend (Birmingham Conservatoire), Fiordiligi in 'Cosi fan tutte' (Birmingham Conservatoire Opera Scenes), recitals in London, Birmingham and Bedford, soloist in Dallapiccola’s 'Commiato' with the Thallein Ensemble under Edwin Roxburgh, Hippolyta in 'The Fairy Queen' / 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' (Birmingham Conservatoire) and soprano soloist in Handel’s 'Messiah' (Bedford Messiah Choir). She has been a member of the chorus for full productions of 'Le Nozze di Figaro' (Stowe Opera) and 'The Fairy Queen' (Birmingham Conservatoire), and in scenes for 'Carmen', 'Lucia di Lammermoor', 'Suor Angelica', 'Die Zauberflöte' and 'Orfeo ed Euridice' (Birmingham Conservatoire Opera Scenes)

In 2005 she joined Nellly Miricioiu's class at the prestigious London Masterclasses, with whom she is now studying.

As a violinist she has appeared as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician and orchestral player. Her extensive teaching experience in both the private and state sectors includes violin, viola, singing, theory, national curriculum music (key stages one and two), chamber music coaching and orchestral tutoring. In 2005 she was a workshop leader at the annual Music Day held by the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

(Photography by John Batten)