By Natasha Barbieri
Margaret Keys is an Irish classical crossover soprano. With a clear, warm voice and model looks (am I the only one who thinks she looks like a mix of Kate Middleton and Jean Simmons?) it is easy to understand the success she has achieved. Margaret grew up in the city of Derry in the north of Ireland. “I come from a family of 4 children, one of which is my twin sister,” she writes. Her childhood was filled with music. “I studied piano, singing and cello whilst at school and took part in many festivals and productions throughout my school years.” Originally Margaret trained to become a teacher but after receiving a scholarship to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music her plans evolved. After graduation she perused a career as a primary teacher but was sure to make time for musical ambitions. She was soon seen on stage in My Fair Lady and a Miracle in Ballymore. “As soon as I graduated from music college I auditioned for both of these roles. Within a few weeks, I was offered both parts as well as being offered a job as a music specialist teacher in Ireland. I wanted to accept both of the roles but knew that with the daytime job I would need to be exceptionally well organized.” Juggling both wasn’t an easy task but it was effort well worth it for Margaret. “Eliza in My Fair Lady was a dream musical theatre part and my role as a young Irish girl in A Miracle in Ballymore enabled me to call upon my acting skills, as it was primarily a play, although I also had to sing in it. I suppose looking back these roles were the catalyst to me launching into a full-time professional performing career.” Eventually, Margaret had to make the decision to choose music or teaching. “As that side of my career became busier I decided to leave the classroom teaching and concentrate on singing and performing.”
Margaret was invited to perform at big events in New Zealand, Australia and even the United States. One of the vents called the Lakeside Proms saw her perform to an audience of 35,000. The performances did not go unnoticed. She was advised to record a demo and send it to Universal records. “I was invited to a few meetings and was then offered a deal with Universal.” She released a full-length album entitled, “Legato” that reached No. 14 in the charts. “It was an honor to be sitting in the charts as an individual artist alongside some heavyweight music artists. My album was sandwiched between Michael Jackson and Black Sabbath and that felt pretty surreal.”
The album led to high-profile television performances. Though exciting Margaret calmly prepared for them the same way she always does. “The first thing I always consider is the song choice. What works in a live concert setting doesn’t always transfer in the same way for a TV broadcast,” she shares. “Usually you are asked to sing one song for a TV Broadcast so the song needs to have the ability to connect with a wider range of audience. Therefore, I generally choose something that is well known.” She offers a bit of insight for other singers. “A good TV performer sings to the audience but also needs to be aware of where the cameras are. With this in mind, I always make sure to have a good technical rehearsal taking note of the camera angles and working out when and where to move in relation to the story of the song I’m singing.” Another highlight of preparation is choosing a wardrobe. “That’s a nice part of my job as I’m very much a girly girl!”
For Margaret, there is something particularly special about performing for a live audience. “I love to get to know the audiences, both during and after concerts. Being an Irish girl I do like to talk and have a little bit of banter now and then. Whilst they are ultimately there to hear you sing, I think it’s important for them to get to know you as a person too.”
So who has she been most excited to meet and work with? “That’s a really tough question as I have had quite a few moments when I have felt a little starstruck. I have had the opportunity to perform with Alfie Boe, Russell Watson and Paul Potts and have performed in some fantastic concert halls with great orchestras. Recently I have been involved in concerts which involved celebrity guests and stars from the stage and screen which have been great moments and have given me memories that I hope to share with my own children one day.” One of her personal highlights was a recent Christmas concert with Julian Fellowes, writer of Downton Abbey. ”He is the ultimate gentleman and so very down to earth, which is something I really admired about him. He is very intelligent and shared with me a lot of knowledge about the industry. I was also delighted and very humbled when he openly stated that “The night belonged to Margaret. What a talented young lady”. That will stay with me forever. It’s such a tough industry but when someone of that caliber takes the time to mention you in that way it makes it all worthwhile.”
Although most widely recognized for her classical crossover efforts Margaret has a special place in her heart for musical theater. “I grew up watching all the musicals with my grandfather and I suppose I began to look up to the original musical stars like Julie Andrews and Kathyrn Grayson. My style icon was always Audrey Hepburn and I particularly loved the film version of My Fair Lady. Although Audrey Hepburn’s singing voice was dubbed by Marni Nixon I loved to watch her for the sheer grace and elegance that she brought to the role.” Dream roles include Christine in “Phantom of the Opera” and the title role of the magical nanny in “Mary Poppins.”
In addition to her musical activities, Margaret has been invited to model. “I am first and foremost a singer and performer but sometimes I am asked to model or wear a brand for a particular event or magazine publication.” Margaret enjoys the fashion side but admits “it can take a little getting used to.”
Her focus is clear. “For me, as a singer, it is always firstly about the voice. For a recording artist people will listen for the voice first and probably look at your appearance and image secondly. Image is a very personal thing. The style of singing that I perform probably suits a more classic look. When people hear a classical voice they more than likely relate it to long, flowing dresses. It really depends on the individual but in this industry, we are constantly reminded of the term “the full package” so I suppose, particularly in concert settings, it can be an added bonus if you make an instant impression when you walk on the stage. However, for me, the voice is always the deciding factor not how you look!”
Margaret’s determination is seen in the development of her own production company. “I created my own production company MKeys productions a few years ago. I staged several productions and worked with children aged between 6-18. I am a huge supporter of the arts for children and have since become an ambassador for HRH Prince’s Foundation for Children and Arts. This allows me to work and encourage the arts for children, in particular, those who are disadvantaged.” She also has resumed work teaching as a vocal coach. “Teaching and performing are my greatest passions and so the fact that I can combine the two by bringing my own knowledge and experiences of the arts to children and young adults is an added bonus!”
When asked about the future Margaret tells us, “I have always tried to set myself goals and work towards dreams and ambitions. I think it’s important to do this as it gives you the drive to keep going in an industry that can be quite tough. However, that said, I have learned to realize that it’s important to enjoy everything that I am presently doing. I lost my father very suddenly last year and that has put a lot of things into perspective. I have been so fortunate to date with my career and have had great opportunities to use my singing and turn it into a profession. Everything else from now on with be a bonus!”
This year will be a busy one for Margaret. “I have quite a lot of events, TV appearances and concerts coming up this year, which I am very excited about. The next will be a Gala Concert in London, where I will be performing alongside Classical Brit nominee and West End leading man Robert Meadmore.” Margaret also promises that she is working on releasing new material within the UK Market.
To keep up to date with her career, visit Margaret’s official website: www.margaretkeys.co.uk
