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The Welsh soprano choral conductor and music teacher, Ruth Saye, was born in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, of French descent. She studied at Trinity College of Music with Charles Kennedy Scott and later with Mme Vera Rozsa.
Beginning a busy life of recitals and concert appearances, Ruth Saye sang with the eminent Oriana Madrigal Singers in broadcasts and performances at the Wigmore Hall. She later added opera to her accomplishments performing with such conductors as William Reid of the English National Opera and Sydney Opera House, and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden with Sir Georg Solti.
While at Covent Garden Ruth Saye appeared in the first British performances of Arnold Schoenberg’s Moses and Aaron (directed by Sir Peter Hall) and of that repeated at a Henry Wood promenade concert. Her first major role was as Adele in Die Fledermaus. This led to engagements abroad, particularly in Hamburg in the late 1970’s, where her high coloratura ability was especially acclaimed. Her opera repertoire includes the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte, Elvira in I Puritani, Norina in Don Pasquale, Micaela in Carmen, Marenka in Bartered Bride,Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana and Olympia in Tales of Hoffmann. At home, she has appeared frequently at the South Bank and all major concert halls in London as well as throughout the country. She performs regularly in oratorio, particularly in the works of J.S. Bach - the B minor Mass (BWV 232), Passion performances - and has made several recordings. Her most recent engagements have been in Germany, Italy and Russia.
Ruth Saye married the conductor Peter Macdonald on November 4, 1978; they have 1 son.
She was founder and director of Redbridge Youth Choir. |
