Liverpool-born mezzo-soprano, Meriel Cunningham is a recent graduate of The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she studied with John Evans and received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees.

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Since graduating Meriel has quickly established herself on the UK operetta scene. A regular performer with Charles Court Opera (King's Head Theatre, International G&S Festival and UK Tour), Meriel's G&S roles include Lady Angela (Patience), Pitti-Sing (The Mikado), Bobstay the Boatswain (HMS Pinafore) and Iolanthe (Iolanthe). For her most recent portrayal of Iolanthe she received critical acclaim; most notably for her performance on the original cast recording (featured in The Sunday Times and Opera Today).

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Operatic highlights include Pastora (Dorilla in Tempe, Wexford Festival Opera), The Muse/Nicklausse (The Tales of Hoffmann, Grimeborn Opera Festival), Louka (The Chocolate Solider, Opera della Luna), Regina (The Princess of Trebizonde, New Sussex Opera) and (cover) Minerva/Fortune (The Return of Ulysses, Royal Opera at The Roundhouse)

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Performance highlights on the concert platform include Handel’s Messiah (Liverpool Cathedral). St John’s Passion (St James’ Piccadilly),  a recital of Kurt Weill Cabaret Songs at Barbican Hall and the ‘My Music’ concert series at St. John Smith Square.

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A versatile performer, Meriel's other career highlights include her West End debut in Doctor Who : Time Fracture (Immersive Everywhere / BBC) and most recently at Hope Mill Theatre in the UK premiere of Spoliansky's cabaret musical It's in the Air!

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Future roles include Iolanthe (Iolanthe) and Princess Kalyba (Utopia Limited) both for National G&S Opera Company, Carmen (Carmen, Prologue Opera) and Count Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus, Opera in the Park). As a 2022 DEBUT Horizon Artist, Meriel will also be featured in a series of concerts at DEBUT's signature venues across London.

Upcoming Performances

Previous Performances 2021-2022