Sound check: Denise Leigh

British soprano Denise Leigh returns to Dubai next Thursday for Music by Moonlight. The event, at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, is in aid of the non-profit organisation Foresight, which seeks funds to accelerate a cure for hereditary eye disease and support visually impaired people – and both Leigh and accompanist Stefan Andrusyschyn are blind. Details on the show are available at www.foresightrp.com.

Emirates Business caught up with Leigh, who describes herself "an artist who is blind rather than a blind artist", before her trip.


What can we expect from your show?

A beautiful evening under the stars with a broad repertoire from opera to seasonal songs, from Carl Orff to Handel. And Stefan is bringing his accordion, too!


You won an amateur TV contest and managed to make a name as a classical singer. What's the ride been like?

Amazing – with many unexpected twists and turns. This year has been an especially good one – I received an honourary doctorate from Staffordshire University and travelled to the Beijing Olympics to represent the UK in the opening and closing ceremonies. I've had some real downs like when I was stung by an agent, and some real highs like Beijing.


Why are you drawn to classical music? Obviously, there's more money in pop?

You're right about that so I must be really drawn to classical music! I think you find a niche as a performer; besides, classical music gives me more emotional range to express myself. But I'd love to have a go at pop – I have a go on my karaoke machine sometimes but that's probably not for human consumption!


Why do you sing in bare feet?

I feel grounded performing with bare feet and I also pick up a lot of stuff that I lose from not having a sighted reference, through vibrations. If I do have nerves, experience has shown they go straight to the ankles so I might fall off stilettos!


What new recordings are you working on?

My third solo album is just being finalised and I am also working on a recording of early music with Stefan featuring accordion and chamber organ.

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