The performers were, without exception, stellar. Simone Ibbett-Brown sang with an exquisite tone, drawing long phrases through tricky, winding melismas… both singers were virtuosic.
Tempo on Alastair White’s fashion-opera RUNE
Simone Ibbett-Brown proved utterly in control of her instrument… dazzlingly so when dovetailing with other members of the ensemble.
Seen and Heard International on Berio’s O King with London Sinfonietta
The two leading ladies stood out head and shoulders above all else, and you’d go a long way to find a better Aida and Amneris… [Simone] is a mezzo soprano I would dearly love to hear again, extracting every ounce of passion and drama in a role as demanding as that of Aida.
The Courier on Aida with Opera Festival Scotland
In rehearsal for Mami Wata at the Royal Opera HousePassepartout in Around the world in 80 days at West Green House OperaCover Annie in Porgy & Bess at Theater an der WienKhye-Rell in RUNE for UU StudiosWith Earth Ensemble at an Extinction Rebellion peaceful (but musical) protest against the green-washing of oil companiesPreparing for Carmen in R’Otello at Opera in the City Festival/Bridewell TheatreGrace in Bryony Kimmings and Vahan Salorian’s Opera Mums on BBC FourJo in the premiere of Palmer & Hall’s award-winning Dead Equal at Summerhall, directed by Miranda CromwellExtra Chorus in English National Opera’s RusalkaEnsemble in Alison Balsom’s Gabriel for the Barbican Centre/Saffron Hall, directed by Dominic DromgoolePerforming and facilitating workshops with ENO Baylis’ Opera SquadDvořák’s Stabat Mater with the wonderful Linda Richardson and the Elgar Sinfonia, Kidderminster Step-out soloist in the chorus for English and Dutch National Opera’s Olivier- and Sky Arts Award-winning Porgy & BessExtra Chorus in ENO’s War RequiemBrahms’ Liebeslieder Wälzer coached by Stacey Bartsch and Julius DrakeBackstage at The Grange Festival, 2018Premiering new works at Wigmore HallWorkshopping Esther for the Royal Opera/Guildhall School/Hackney Empire’s premiere of Mamzer | Bastard by Na’ama ZisserRaising Abel by David Neita, VOX and Kingdom Records at Sands Film StudiosBacking vocals for Mercury Award-winner Benjamin Clementine’s Wandering TourMeeting with Thai dignitaries on tour with Cambridge International Opera Find the smashEDIT EP hereBackstage at the BBC Folk Awards, after singing bvs for award-winner Sam Lee, 2017Workshopping and premiering new works with a cappella collective VOX at Kemble House
Simone Ibbett-Brown’s Melissa is the glowing, warm-hearted voice of reassurance as she calls Ruggiero back to his senses.
Classical Source on La liberazione di Ruggiero at Longborough Festival Opera
Ibbett-Brown handed down her moral judgements with an august, wide-grained mezzo, streaked with pain.
Midlands Music Reviews on La liberazione di Ruggiero at Longborough Festival Opera
Simone Ibbett-Brown 