Mary McCabe is a 30 year old Opera Singer from Downpatrick. Mary first discovered her love of music during her teenage years where she attended singing lessons at Assumption Grammar School. Mary then pursued her love of music by studying music and french at Queen’s University Belfast and then achieving a Masters in vocal studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Mary has participated in many career building opportunities like NI Opera’s Young Artist programme and was supported by the arts council of Northern Ireland.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
Singing Wagner’s operas in the world renowned Bayreuth Festival Chorus each summer.
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
There will be many setbacks and challenges to keep striving ahead but you have to not compare your journey with others and hold on to your passion for performing.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Making the step from being considered a young artist to a respected professional.
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
My hobbies include chess and painting. Currently single with no kids.
Tell us about your most recent work?
I have been using lockdown to create recordings and promote my singing. I will fly to Rome next week to perform in an international sacred music competition for classical singers.
What would you like us to tell people about?
I’m a local opera singer who appreciated the support from Northern Ireland and I hope to continue to build my career both locally and internationally.
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
Opera singing is an art form that incorporates the visual arts, acting and music. It has the immense ability to impact an audience in the most dramatic and sometimes cathartic manner.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
Being dressed as a pineapple for a production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
To be realistic about the challenges and sacrifices involved and to make sure that your heart is truly devoted to it because the challenges can be great. Keep trying even if you have many setbacks because the rewards of such a beautiful profession are immeasurable. Seek guidance from people around you who have your best interest at heart and never compare yourself to others.
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
I have been generously supported by our local opera company NI Opera and the Art Council of Northern Ireland throughout my career development. I also have my own youtube channel where I upload my performances and recordings.
Check out Mary’s youtube channel here>>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwAkuVDjMWlk4_DvvoBRTAA
Who do you look up to and why?
Mariella Devia, an Italian Soprano who has maintained a very long career through singing with perfect technique.
Mary will be performing as part of the showcase line up for this years Culture Night Belfast Online 2020. For more information visit The Belfast Culture Night website here>>Â https://www.culturenightbelfast.com/cnb-online-2020-events/. Culture Night Belfast will be taking place Friday 18th September and this year it’s all online!