Hailed as ‘superb’ (The Observer), and 'a delight' on stage, with 'a subtly expressive face and a soprano voice which soars in solo but blends beautifully' (Susanna, Le nozze di Figaro, Mozart, August 2024), and praised for having ‘the flexibility of tone and dramatic power that holds an audience rapt’ (Emilie, Les Indes Galantes, Rameau, February 2022), British soprano Helen May has been recognised for her ‘vibrant, powerful and alluring’ vocal and dramatic delivery (Alcina, Alcina, Handel, August 2021), and applauded by critics for her 'exquisite' voice, 'crystalline tone', her 'vocal bravura', and the 'blistering eroticism' of her dramatic characterisation (Poppea, L'Incoronazione di Poppea, July 2022). This production at the Arcola Theatre was OFFIE nominated for best opera performance and best opera production. (Reviews). Helen was also OFFIE nominated for best opera performance for her role as Calisto in Cavalli’s La Calisto at The Cockpit in February 2020 - 'As Calisto Helen May excels' (Plays to See)
Helen has undertaken lead roles for Opera South East, Woodhouse Opera, Hampstead Garden Opera, Royal Academy Opera, Ensemble OrQuesta, Barefoot Opera, Bury Court Opera, London Opera Players, Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra, and Oxfordshire Contemporary Opera. Roles have included: Mimi (La bohème, Puccini); Mozart’s Susanna, La Contessa, and Barbarina (Le Nozze di Figaro); Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni); Pamina (Die Zauberflöte); Despina (Così fan tutte); First Lady (The Magic Flute); Adina and Gianetta (L'elisir d'amore, Donizetti); Emilie (Les Indes Galantes, Rameau); L'Aurore (Céphale et Procris, Jacquet de la Guerre); Climene (L’Egisto, Cavalli); Alcina and Morgana (Alcina, Handel); Galatea (Acis and Galatea, Handel); Poppea, Nerone and Valletto (L’Incoronazione di Poppea, Monteverdi); Diane (Hippolyte et Aricie, Rameau); Woodpecker (Cunning Little Vixen, Janáček); cover Jenůfa (Jenůfa, Janáček); Nimue (Merlin, premiere, Keith Beal); and cover Aurora (Aurora, premiere, Noah Mosley). Roles>
Oratorio highlights include: Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem and Beethoven Missa Solemnis with Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra; Verdi Requiem with Grange Choral Society in Christ Church Priory; Mendelssohn Elijah; Mozart, Requiem, Great Mass in C-minor, and Vesperae solennes de confessore; Haydn The Creation; Handel Messiah; Verdi, Quattro pezzi sacri; Charpentier, Te Deum; Bach, Magnificat; Saint Saens Oratorio de Noel; and Schubert Mass in G; and in recital, Villa-Lobos, Bachianas No. 5; Berg, Sieben Frühe Lieder; and Schubert, Der Hirt auf dem Felsen. Recent engagements have included Dvořák Stabat Mater, Beethoven Symphony No.9 and Mozart Solemn Vespers. Future engagements include Haydn The Creation. Concert>
Helen holds a Master's in Vocal Performance with Distinction from the Royal Academy of Music where she was awarded a DipRAM for an outstanding final recital. She studied on the prestigious Preparatory Opera Course under the tutelage of Nuccia Focile, Iain Ledingham, and Philip Sunderland. Her studies were supported by the William Gibbs Trust and the Josephine Baker Trust.
May’s Despina really stood out. She showed great wit, excellent comic timing and physicality, whilst also demonstrating a vast vocal range with clarity and expression.'
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Donna Elvira - 'May is superb at lighting every flicker of her tragic obsession: from steely to outraged to melting and finally, resignation.'
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'Helen May, Adina, ..voice and movement .. beautifully realised'. >
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‘Helen May delights as Susanna. She has a subtly expressive face and a soprano voice which soars in solo but blends beautifully.' >
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'Helen May's wonderful Climine..' - 'She's a hugely expressive singer... with velvety rich tones'. >
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'As Calisto Helen May excels..she keeps the tragic heart of the opera beating with admirable passion.' >
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'As Nerone and Poppea, Helen May and Kathleen Nic Dhiarmada are superb.. ..the final duet is spellbinding' >
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'Helen May's Despina was outstanding:
a name to watch'. > |
Amastre: 'The ever impressive Helen May..' 'May drew out the disguised princess’s anger, shame and angst to perfection'. >
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'May's passionate acting..is more than credible and convincing.' a..'terrifically bolshy, punky, cocksure performance as Valletto.' >
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Helen has enjoyed public masterclasses with renowned singers such as Nelly Miricioiu, Toby Spence, and Isobel Buchanan; she continues to benefit from private coaching with Nuccia Focile.
Helen's undergraduate studies in music took place at Cardiff University, where she held the David Lloyd Vocal Scholarship and was awarded the Geraint Evans Prize for outstanding recital performance. Helen is an alumna of Wells Cathedral School, one of the UK's five specialist music schools, where she was awarded a sixth-form place as a 'Special Provisions' musician.
Helen is married to Marcio da Silva with whom she shares two daughters (born January 2025 & June 2023) and two step-children. She is the General Manager of Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra.. Helen is also the Company Manager of Ensemble OrQuesta and is a leading member of the professional EO Company. Through both organisations Helen is active in developing a range of community based Outreach projects.