Graduate Destinations: Marie Cayeux, MMus Opera graduate
We recently caught up with Soprano Marie Cayeux, who graduated from our MMus Opera programme in 2023, about what she’s been up to since leaving RCS:
What are you working on at the moment?
I have just performed a big programme of songs for my debut recital at Salle Cortot in Paris last month, with my sister at the keys, and finished a concert tour with Pegasus Opera with whom I sang excerpts of L’amant anonyme by the Chevalier de Saint-George! I am now working on a few projects for this summer (2024), notably readying the role of the Waldvogel which I am covering in Longborough Festival Opera’s production of Siegfried as well as preparing If Opera’s productions of Die Fledermaus and Lucia di Lammermoor.
What were your first jobs after graduating?
My very first job after graduating was singing in the chorus of the Bayreuth Festival in Germany: it was very impressive to be part of such an important institution. Afterwards, I was invited to sing the Prizewinners’ recital with Hurn Court Opera. Then I sang the Dew Fairy for Hampstead Garden Opera: it was lovely to explore this character again after having performed it in RCS’s production of Hänsel und Gretel in 2022.
Any career highlights?
Singing the three coloratura roles in Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges at Opéra de Monte-Carlo. I was part of their Young Artists Programme this season: it was amazing to sing the Fire, the Princess and the Nightingale with such a company and meet Cecilia Bartoli.
How did RCS prepare you for the industry?
We got to do countless mock auditions for industry professionals so that we’re quite used to them by the time we got out in the real world. Also, we took part in many productions which gave us an opportunity to refine our acting and singing skills and learn how to work with professional directors and conductors, very much reproducing work conditions of the industry. I really felt like I got to know myself and how I approached different situations whilst I was at RCS, which gave me confidence and somewhat smoothed my entry into my career.
Marie performing in the 2023 production of A Feast in Time of Plague, as part of the Russian Double Bill, by Duncan McGlynn
What did you enjoy most about your studies?
I loved every opportunity I had to perform with the orchestra, not only during the opera productions but also in masterclasses and workshops with Scottish Opera and during other projects with the Ballet or the Conducting departments.
Otherwise, I loved my teachers, Scott Johnson and Elizabeth McCormack. They were so caring and supportive, while still pushing me to give my best. I felt that they respected the vision I had for my voice and career and helped me develop vocally and achieve my goals.
Does anything stand out from your training that you’ve carried into your professional life?
On the one hand, a conservatoire is a great place to get to know one’s limits and learn how to say no. On the other hand, at the beginning of your career, it can be very hard to get jobs and offers often come last minute, so being able to say yes and learn music quickly, under pressure, is a great skill. Resilience and determination are some of the most important virtues to do this job… and it starts at a conservatoire! All one can do is believe in oneself, not be afraid to try things out and dare to ask for support, then trust that hard work will ultimately pay off.
What would you say to those thinking about studying at RCS?
The facilities at RCS are fabulous, the staff are great and very supportive and there are lots of interesting musical projects to take part in. RCS really offers a positive environment for students and gathers such a nice community! They say people make Glasgow: this is also true for RCS. Glasgow is a great city to live and study. There’s all you need there, yet it is not too big a place. I can say that I have been very happy there, it was a great environment to pursue a course as intensive as an opera school can be and I miss it a lot now that I am back in London.