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Greenhead Alumna Katherine Broderick Inspires Students with Opera Masterclass 

Posted on by Carly Granger

Students at Greenhead College enjoyed an inspiring and memorable musical experience this week when alumna and internationally acclaimed opera singer Katherine Broderick returned to deliver a special masterclass. 

Currently on tour with Opera North, Katherine generously took time from her busy schedule to work with both Greenhead students and local high schoolers passionate about music. The College was thrilled to welcome her back for such a meaningful session. 

Katherine led an engaging workshop, sharing her personal journey through the world of opera and providing valuable insights into the life of a professional performer. The session included hands-on work with the students and a live performance that captivated the audience. 

The workshop was further enriched by support from former student Chris Pulleyn, who accompanied the session on piano and shared his own industry insights, giving students an additional perspective on careers in music. 

Head of Music Simon Jacobs described the visit as ‘a privilege,’ noting how Katherine’s warmth and enthusiasm helped demystify opera – often viewed as an intimidating genre – and left students with a deeper appreciation and understanding. 

The event offered a rare opportunity for aspiring musicians to learn directly from industry leaders, reinforcing the College’s commitment to enriching both its students’ academic and creative lives. 

For those inspired to experience even more live music, the renowned Leeds International Piano Competition Festival 2026, organised by Chris, will take place locally from 25 April to 2 May, presenting a wonderful programme of performances and events. 

Young Cellist Triele Secures Places at Four UK Conservatoires 

Posted on by Carly Granger

Talented young cellist Triele has achieved a major milestone in her musical journey at Greenhead College, securing offers from four of the UK’s leading music conservatoires: the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal Northern College of Music, and Leeds Conservatoire. 

Having played the cello for almost ten years, Triele described the news as both exciting and unexpected. ‘I’m really excited to be on a good music pathway and actually quite surprised to be accepted into all of the colleges I auditioned for,’ she said. 

After careful consideration, Triele has chosen to attend the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland following a gap year. The decision is deeply personal as well as professional. Her music mentor, Jenny Hanson, is an alumna of the conservatoire and has played a significant role in shaping Triele’s development. Triele also performs in the Rossignol String Quartet alongside her sister and Hanson’s daughters, a group that has been playing together for six years. 

One of the quartet’s highlights came last year when they performed at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Music for Youth Festival – an experience Triele describes as the best of her musical career so far. 

Beyond its musical reputation, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland appealed to Triele because of its interdisciplinary approach. With music, drama, and dance departments working closely together, she is eager to explore collaborative performances, including theatre, opera, and musical productions. Scotland’s strong folk music tradition was another key factor, aligning perfectly with her interests as a folk and classical cellist. 

During her gap year, Triele plans to continue performing with the Opera North Youth Orchestra, begin teaching cello at the North of England Centre for Music and Arts, and hopes to tour with the Rossignol String Quartet. 

Looking ahead to her studies, she is keen to develop her technical skills, musicality, ensemble playing, and disciplined practice habits ‘and elbows,’ she added with a smile. Ultimately, Triele dreams of a career in large-scale collaborative projects, particularly in musical theatre. Her ambition is to one day play in a pit orchestra for productions such as Hadestown, combining her love of storytelling, teamwork, and live performance. 

With a strong foundation and clear artistic vision, Triele’s future in music looks exceptionally promising.