We say it time and time again, for such a tiny county, Rutland contributes a lot to the wider world. We put this down to the people, and we’ve been chatting to one such individual, local soprano Katie Marshall…

Oakham isn’t shy of producing talent. Take Matthew Macfadyen for example, he only went and played the glorious Mr Darcy later in life. Then there are the sporting legends, Stuart Broad, Lewis Moody, Lucy Pearson, Tom Croft, Alex Goode, there are too many to mention. You could even say that Dr Who came from Oakham!

The infamous Matt Smith attended the school and most recently has wowed everyone with his portrayal of Prince Philip on screen in the Netflix series, The Crown (if you haven’t watched it yet, it’s worth the subscription alone.)

A younger generation is making its way through the ranks and among them is Katie Marshall, a Rutland girl through and through who is making her name as a Soprano. They say that passion is one of the most powerful forces in this world and Katie is proof. She is extremely focused on her singing and a force of nature in the musical world. You may have even heard Katie’s voice already. She sang ‘The 12 Days Of Christmas’, with the Downton Abbey and Broadway actor Julian Ovenden who played Charles Blake in Downton Abbey (lady Mary’s suitor) on Warner Music’s ‘Christmas at Downton Abbey’ Album (2014) This was produced by the acclaimed producer, Nick Patrick.

“My singing has been such an important part of my life since I first fell in love with classical music at six years of age,” says Katie. “I grew up in a very musical family. My sister studied Classical singing and my brother sings and plays the guitar. I started having lessons with singing teacher Rodney Dawkins of Oakham, who also taught my older sister. I now have lessons with different voice coaches around the country.” Katie can sing in Italian, Latin, German and French and the more she sings the more she learns!

Although singing may be her world, Katie also enjoys dance, drama, yoga, swimming, cooking and many wonderful walks in the beautiful Rutland countryside. The yoga can be a great help to sopranos as it helps with relaxation and looks after the all important vocal chords.

Katie is currently home schooled so that she can focus on her singing, “I’m working hard at present with my A Levels alongside my performing life and vocal studies,” she says.

In the past she has attended Leighfield Junior School in Uppingham and Catmose College in Oakham.

“Alongside being part of the Chamber Choir, I was chosen for the lead roles in the musical theatre productions at Catmose College of Beauty & the Beast (Belle) and West Side Story (Maria),” Katie tells me, singing really is her life.

After achieving A and A*s for her GCSEs, Katie chose to continue her studies with online tutoring and local tutors.

“I enjoy this very much and it works really well for me as a performer,” she says. “I can be anywhere in the world and still continue with my academic work,” that’s showbiz.

After A-levels and no doubt many more performances, Katie will be looking at joining a Music College in London. “At present I am enjoying all the opportunities I have to perform” she says. It’s clear that the nerves of performing have gone, Katie has a gift, and for her, perf­ormance has become a thrill rather than a fright, just listen to her album to hear the sheer power in her voice!

Katie also keeps busy working as an ambassador for lots of charities and many of her performances help to raise money for them. Charities include the Prince’s Trust, Children’s Air Ambulance and Born Free Wildlife and a new charity called Sponsor Stars helping disadvantaged children in the U.K where she is an Ambassador alongside their Patron Aled Jones. An angelic voice and a heart of gold.

• To purchase Katie’s Album, see www.katiemarshallmusic.com.
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