Black and white profile portrait Delyth John

Delyth John

Viola

When did you join?
In December 1990, in the middle of the ‘20th Century’ season.

Favourite ENO opera?
Difficult! My top 3 are: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (great viola part, and a very exciting piece to play); Der Rosenkavalier (the Act III Trio is as close to musical perfection as I can imagine); Ariadne on Naxos – sadly, we don’t do very often, which is a shame. It’s such great music. If I had to choose one, I’d probably go for Ariadne.

Best ENO moment?
My best ENO moments were when my daughters sang in the children’s chorus – the older one offstage in Otello in 2014, and the younger one onstage in Carmen in 2015.

How did you start?
I started the violin when I was 5 and switched to the viola when I was 16.

Passion outside of opera?
I wouldn’t say I have any burning passions, but I like going to yoga classes and I am trying to learn t’ai chi.

Last updated: 6th December 2023