Donya Rafati
Programme: Summer programme
Discipline: Singer (mezzo soprano)
Role: Mother Goose
Year: 2026
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BMus, New Zealand School of Music, 2019
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Smeraldina / Nicolette, The Love of Three Oranges (orchestral workshop & concert), Regent’s Opera
3rd Maid, Elektra (orchestral workshop & concert), Regent’s Opera
Tisbe (La Cenerentola) and Lucretia (The Rape of Lucretia), Morley Opera School
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“I am a British-Iranian mezzo-soprano whose love of opera began at six, singing along to the ‘La donna è mobile’ demo track on my childhood keyboard. I am drawn to opera for its power to transport and move people. Alongside performing, I work as an assistant director on London productions. I aim to build and perform work that bridges cultures and expands who and what opera represents on the main stage.
I grew up in the UK in a loud, loving Iranian household where gatherings meant food, laughter and many voices. Outside opera, I spent several years campaigning for women and human rights in Iran and have since freelanced as a video journalist. Exploring new countries and cultures keeps me inspired.”