We all sing, some on the world stage, some reserving our talents for the shower. Singing can bring people together and stir the soul like nothing else. Sir John Tomlinson’s journey to opera stardom began in a humble Lancashire community where singing was a way of life. Nadine Benjamin set aside a career in banking to fulfil her calling, and is now one of Britain’s most exciting sopranos. Susie Gorgeous is Co-Executive Director of Streetwise Opera which powerfully raises the aspirations of the homeless by empowering them to sing opera. They talked to each other and to Katy Hamilton about the nation’s love of singing and how it enriches all our lives.

Filmed at Southbank Centre in September, you can watch an extract of their fascinating conversation above. If you’re an RPS Member, you can enjoy the whole conversation in full in the Members Area of our website. RPS Members can enjoy films of all our talks which in the coming months include events with Nicola Benedetti, Sir Thomas Allen, Sarah Connolly, John Wilson, Joanna MacGregor, Roderick Williams and others. RPS Members can also book first to attend the events in person, amid a range of other benefits.

Click the button below to find out more about becoming an RPS Member.

If you’re already an RPS Member, you can log in to the Members Area and watch the complete film.