The soprano that sings before kings and queens
Very few people have the distinct honour of residing in Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and home to generations of British royalty. That’s the reality for Bachelor of Music (Honours) (2000) and Master of Creative Arts (2004) alumna, Miriam Allan.
Miriam has an impressively triumphant career as a leading soprano. She has been based in England since 2003 and has toured around the world performing in numerous concerts and operas.
Miriam’s breathtaking voice has led her to sing with some of the most prestigious choirs in the world. Her career includes performances with the historic Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, who will be performing at the coronation of King Charles III, award-winning Les Arts Florissants (France), world-renowned Leipzig Chamber Orchestra, Concerto Copenhagen (Denmark), one of the leading Baroque orchestras in the world, and many more.
On 17 April 2021, Miriam Allan’s angelic voice was broadcast on the BBC to an audience of over 13 million UK viewers and countless others worldwide. She was the only female in a choir of four singers (three of whom were Lay Clerks of St George's Chapel Choir) during the funeral service of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. This was the first royal ceremonial funeral held since the passing of Margaret Thatcher in 2013.
Performing for royalty is commonplace in Windsor and in Miriam’s career;
“Someone is hearing that music for the first time and someone for the last time. Every performance counts. It was an honour and privilege to sing for HRH Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, representing Australia, women in church music, and the community in which I live."
Miriam has remained connected with the University since her most recent graduation in 2004. She joined the Newcastle University Choir for their final performance of 2017, marking a prestigious finale to their impressive 40th year. Comprised largely of alumni, the Newcastle University Choir has an enviable reputation for mounting performances of major works in the choral canon.
Miriam's father, Dr Christopher Allan, was a lecturer at the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium of Music, the current Director of the Newcastle University Choir and has appeared as a baritone for Opera Australia. Following in his footsteps, Miriam herself has extensive experience as a choir coach and has enjoyed passing on her expertise in various capacities for over 20 years. Her ‘Breathe, Sing, Create’ brand of vocal coaching helps people understand the value and importance of understanding and looking after your voice.
“Being a good singing teacher is only a little bit about technique - it’s mostly about inspiring your students to believe they can use the techniques to make safe and healthy sounds through which they can move and inspire others”.
As well as teaching singing at Christ’s College in Cambridge, she currently teaches at St George’s School, Windsor Castle, which is no ordinary school. This school dates back to 1348 and was originally founded by King Edward III to specially educate the choristers of St Georges Chapel. It now offers an unrivalled contemporary education to 350 children, with Miriam Allan among their staff.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Miriam’s daughter presents the Queen Consort with flowers on Easter Day | The late Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM with Miriam Allan (B Mus Hon degree) and her father Christopher Allan in 2000 |
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.