Mary Plazas

Mary Plazas is a Professor of Singing at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where she serves as a Principal Study Tutor. She has performed extensively with major opera companies including English National Opera, Royal Opera, and Opera North, with roles such as Mimì, Cio-Cio-San, Donna Elvira, and the Duchess in Powder Her Face. Her career spans operatic, recital, and concert engagements across Europe and beyond.

• Studied at Royal Northern College of Music and National Opera Studio
• Recipient of prestigious scholarships and awards for vocal excellence
• Extensive performance history in operas, concerts, and festivals
• Recorded works with Chandos Records, Deutsche Grammophon, and Opera Rara

Her research interests align with her professional expertise in vocal performance and operatic interpretation, with a focus on classical and contemporary repertoire. Plazas has collaborated with conductors and orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Plazas has premiered roles in operas by composers like Jonathan Dove and Gerald Barry, demonstrating a commitment to modern works. Her education and training include intensive study in Geneva with Eric Tappy, enhancing her interpretative skills.

Scientific Awards

• Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship (1991)
• NFMS/Esso Award for Young Singers
• Peter Moores Foundation support

Mary Plazas has contributed to recordings of rare operatic works and performed in landmark concerts, including the first performance of Tippett's A Child of Our Time in St Petersburg. She is affiliated with the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK.