Kirstin Sharpin

Born in New Zealand in 1982, Kirstin completed a BA (English Literature & Italian) before moving to Glasgow in 2001, gaining a BMus (Hons) at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Kirstin is currently in her fi nal year at the RSAMD’s Alexander Gibson Opera School where she has sung Nella in Gianni Schicchi and covered Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) and Armida (Rinaldo). Kirstin was also the soprano soloist for the RSAMD’ s Messiah in Scotland and Germany in 2007. Following Eugene Onegin, Kirstin will sing Fiordiligi (Così fan Tutte) at the RSAMD in March. Kirstin has won a variety of competitions at the RSAMD, and holds a silver medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians. Concert work includes performances with the BBC SSO for Radio 3 and several appearances with the RSNO. In New Zealand Kirstin sang a wide range of roles for Opera Factory NZ, and was privileged to sing in a small ensemble with Opera Factory’s patron, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Kirstin has participated in several summer schools and masterclasses, including the Britten-Pears programme at Aldeburgh, where she studied with Sergei Leiferkus and Dame Anne Evans. Kirstin’s studies at the RSAMD in 2007/08 are supported by the McGlashan, Newby, Kathleen & Guardian Trusts in addition to scholarships received from the Countess of Munster Musical Trust and the RSAMD, and by a Sybil Tutton Award (administered by the Musicians Benevolent Fund).