Alwyn Mellor in Recent Years

After more than 30 years performing all over the world, it will look to many like I’ve retired from singing as I haven’t been visible as a performer in recent years.

Experiencing trauma and grief in one’s life has a lasting impact. My experience left me unable to sing for some time as it was just too painful emotionally. I couldn’t separate my voice from how I was feeling. I’m sure this will resonate with many performers reading this who have been through trauma of one kind or another.

I kept my trauma very private, but eventually I was determined to find a way to sing again; I needed to prove to myself that I could still do it. It was beyond painful and challenging, but I did manage to find a way back, just not to where I was previously. I was different, my voice was different and my whole outlook had changed.

I do still sing and am certainly open to performing, but I also feel it’s important to give something back.

The last time I saw Sir Peter Moores in 2013 at the International Opera awards, I remember so clearly what he asked me:

"And how are you helping others.. ? It’s so important to give something back…."

This came out of a conversation we had whereby I thanked him for his many years of support, both at the RNCM and at WNO. I had just returned from singing Brünnhilde in Paris and was about to leave for Seattle for the Ring Cycles.

His words stayed with me and so, here I am helping others.