Biography
My name is Poppy Neame and I am a classically trained Soprano. Turkish by birth, I have a typically Mediterranean dramatic depth to my voice as well as a vibrant, charismatic and kind nature. I grew up in Wiltshire, going to schools in Salisbury, Fordingbridge and Dorset. After 12 years of studying, teaching and working in London, I decided to moved back home to my roots and now I live in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
Music and Performing Arts have played a pivotal role in my life since I can remember. I have always had a passion for singing. ‘Born to perform’ was the description used by my very first Music Director at just 11 years old. Singing has always been my passion; I always perform from the heart and establish a real connection with any audience. Whatever the event, I have the performing ability to bring it to life and create a truly memorable occasion.
I love performing Opera, Classical, Musical Theatre, Cabaret, Jazz, and Ballads. I have been performing on stage and at numerous events since the age of 16; one of my favourite assignments was being in front of HRH Princess Anne (The Princess Royal) at Coutts Bank in London for a sailing charity event. Another memorable performance was as the guest soloist at the Rochester Castle Concerts festival “Last night of the Proms” for the 300th anniversary of the Royal Engineers with their military band in front of over 4,000 people. I performed ‘Il Bacio’, ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Jerusalem’.
Since moving to Fordingbridge, I teach singing and piano privately in Wiltshire and Hampshire, which I thoroughly enjoy. I love working with people from all ages and walks of life. I find it hugely rewarding watching their talents develop and getting them though ABRSM exams, auditions and performances.
I am also taking every opportunity to perform at various ‘gigs’, as the opportunity arises, and at private functions, whether it be a private function, charity event, anniversary, wedding or even a funeral. Contact Us.
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES
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May 2020 |
Guest Soprano at a private funeral |
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December 2019 |
Guest Soprano at the West Tytherley Carol Concert |
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July 2019 |
Guest Soloist at the Forrest School of Dance |
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July 2018 |
An Evening of Opera & Cabaret |
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December 2017 |
Christmas Lunch for the Household Cavalry Directors of Music |
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August 2017 |
Mimí in La Bohemé - Barefoot Opera |
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June 2017 |
Final Vocal Recital at Trinity Laban Conservatoire |
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July 2016 |
Solo Performer - The Royal Engineers’ 300th Anniversary |
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July 2016 |
Charity Concert in aid of Motor Neurone Disease |
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December 2014 |
My grandfather’s Victoria Cross Commemoration |
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September 2011 |
An Evening with Poppy |
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October 2009 |
Solo Performer for HRH the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) |
MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
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2006 – 2018 |
Barefoot Opera |
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2013 – 2014 |
Wessex Opera |
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2011 |
Intensive Opera |
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2006 |
AIMS International Opera |
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2003 |
Young Peoples’ Music Festival
Salisbury, Wiltshire |
EDUCATION
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2014 – 2017 |
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London |
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2015 – 2016 |
Guiseppe Verdi Conservatoire di Musica, Milan |
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2008 - 2010 |
Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London |
SPECIAL INTERESTS
In my spare time I enjoy international travel, documentaries, sailing and alpine skiing. I also enjoy going to the Opera, West End theatre, ballet and cinema. I attended 10 years at Stagecoach Performing Arts School in Salisbury and was awarded Gold Jazz Shoes and a Silver Pin. I also attended many orchestral music courses since I was 7 seven having played the clarinet until I was 18.
I attended opera courses from the age of 15 and had the privilege of performing for HRH Princes Anne at Coutts Bank for the Royal Yachting Association Sail ability fund raising evening in November 2009. I also sang ‘Rule Britannia’ in front of over 4,000 people at the Royal Engineers 300th Anniversary at the Rochester Castle Concerts Festival with their Brass Band in 2016.
FACTS
My Great Aunt, Lady Gwendolyn Neame / Astra Desmond CBE was a British contralto of the early and middle twentieth century. In 1932, Vaughan Williams had dedicated his Magnificat to her and later in 1938, she was one of the original 16 singers in Vaughan Williams’s Serenade to Music.
My grandfather, Lieutenant General Sir Philip Neame, VC, KBE, CB, DSO, KStJ was a senior British Army officer and a recipient of the Victoria Cross in the 1st World War and winner of an Olympic Gold medal for Deer Running in 1924; he is the only person to achieve both distinctions.
