Day Two

For Manon Ogwen Parry, opera has always been part of her life. Growing up in South Wales with a father who is an actor and a mother who is a classical singer, she says, “From the very start there was music, laughter and drama in our house. Performing just felt normal to me.” By the age of three, she was already appearing on stages, singing at National Eisteddfods, performing in musical theatre, and as a guest soloist for male voice choirs. “In Wales, performance is part of the culture. You sing before you can really speak properly,” she explains.

Opera was a part of daily life, with “the sound of Maria Callas, Pavarotti and Mirella Freni echoing through the walls, with my mum teaching singing lessons in the next room.” Still, Manon remembers a defining moment – seeing Guildhall alumnus Sir Bryn Terfel perform Scarpia in Tosca with Welsh National Opera when she was ten years old. “That was the first time I really felt the power of opera hit me in the chest. I remember thinking, ‘this is it, this is what I want to do.’”

Now in her eighth year at Guildhall School of Music & Drama – having completed undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and now on the Opera Studies programme – Manon reflects on her journey. 

Guildhall has become so much more than just a place I study. It has really been my artistic home.

A highlight of this time was being chosen to perform at Carnegie Hall. She recalls, “Around thirty-five people travelled from Wales to watch me sing. Standing on that stage, I thought of all the people back home who had helped me get there – my family, my teachers, my community. It was one of those full circle moments where you think, ‘this is why I do it.’”

Manon is the recipient of the Michael Bryant Prize, a scholarship established by alumna Judith Coke in the name of her husband, the late Michael Bryant. Michael was a highly acclaimed actor known for his work with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He won three Laurence Olivier Awards and was nominated for three BAFTAs.

Manon says that this support has been transformative. “Quite honestly, without sponsorship and support I would not be here in London. It has given me the freedom to focus on what truly matters – the music, the learning, the growth,” she says. “It has allowed me to say yes to the right opportunities rather than just trying to make ends meet. I know how much of a difference this makes, coming from a state school background. It has opened doors that would otherwise have been closed to me. I am grateful for that every single day.”

For Judith Coke, this support is a way of giving back. 

Supporting students like Manon is my way of saying ‘thank you'

“I trained in drama here from 1962 to 1964, in the glorious old building on John Carpenter Street. Although I was training to become an actress, it was where I received my musical education. Not surprising, really, in a small building crammed with heavenly sounds!” She fondly recalls her performances, “One show that springs to mind was Gigi in May 1963. I played Sidonie, the maid, the first of SO many maids that characterised my career.” She also remembers her early musical inspirations, “My very first boyfriend, who was studying the violin, took me to my first Prom and told me to listen to the BBC Third Programme (now BBC Radio 3) – things I’ve been doing constantly ever since.”

Judith emphasises the artistry that sets great singers apart. “A beautiful voice alone isn’t enough. The soul required, the skill of communicating and telling a story with that voice, is the true art. It sets great singers apart from merely good ones. And Guildhall produces GREAT singers!” She adds, “It’s been a joy supporting Manon. This is our third year together and one of my favourite things was an inspiring production of Dido and Aeneas earlier this year where she played Belinda.”

Manon looks forward to the future with the same passion that has carried her so far. 

“My biggest hope is to keep making music of the highest quality with musicians and artists I admire. To spend your life doing something that brings you joy – and hopefully brings joy to others – feels like the greatest privilege imaginable. " 

If I can make a career out of that, I will consider myself the luckiest woman in the world.