Susan Bullock
Guest of the OperaBiography
Susan Bullock’s unique position as one of the world’s most sought-after British dramatic sopranos was recognised by the award of a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in June 2014. Of Susan Bullock’s most distinctive roles, Wagner’s Brünnhilde has garnered outstanding praise leading her to become the first ever soprano to sing four consecutive cycles of Der Ring des Nibelungen at the Royal Opera House under Antonio Pappano as part of the London 2012 Festival. In addition to new productions at Oper Frankfurt, Opera Australia, New National Theatre, Tokyo, and Canadian Opera Company, she has appeared in the role at the Wiener Staatsoper and Deutsche Oper Berlin. Appearances as Richard Strauss’ Elektra have brought equal international acclaim and collaborations with some of the world’s leading conductors including Fabio Luisi, Semyon Bychkov, Seiji Ozawa, Sir Mark Elder and Edo de Waart. She received the Royal Philharmonic Society’s award in 2009 for her performances of the role at the Royal Opera House. Last season Susan Bullock added two new roles to her repertoire: Minnie (La fanciulla del West) which she debuted in a new production for English National Opera and, in a new departure, Mrs Lovett (Sweeney Todd) which she debuted at Houston Grand Opera. Further notable roles include Emilia Marty (Věc Makropulos) for Oper Frankfurt, and Britten’s Elizabeth I (Gloriana) at the Royal Opera House to celebrate the centenary of the composer’s birth; the production was also released on DVD. Her vast and diverse concert work has included the Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as working with Zubin Mehta and the orchestra of Bayerische Staatsoper. Popular appearances have included the Last Night of the Proms in 2011 and a special appearance at the London 2012 Olympic closing ceremony. Susan Bullock’s substantial discography includes Der Ring des Nibelungen with Oper Frankfurt under Sebastian Weigle on OehmsClassics (also available on DVD), and the title role in Salome with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Sir Charles Mackerras for Chandos. Current season highlights include Elektra in Keith Warner’s new production at National Theatre Prague and a return to Oper Frankfurt to reprise Emilia Marty under Jonathan Darlington.
2015/2016 season
Photo: Christina Raphaelle