About Victoria
ABOUT
VICTORIA
Acclaimed soprano Victoria Oruwari is a Nigerian-born, London-based singer renowned for her versatile repertoire, spanning art songs, operatic arias, musical theatre, folk songs, and jazz. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in Voice with distinction from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
Victoria has performed at prestigious venues and collaborated with leading ensembles. Notable performances include: Soloist in Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs with Paraorchestra, conducted by Charles Hazlewood, on a UK and Ireland tour, Xaven in Serenoid as part of the Tête à Tête Festival, Soloist for Vache Baroque’s Visionaries concerts, Mother in The Royal Opera House and Candoco Dance Company’s production of Shaun Tan’s The Lost Thing, Featured soloist on BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert with the BBC Singers, Vocalist on Hannah Peel’s album The Unfolding with Paraorchestra, performed at The Barbican, Performer at the lighting of the Paralympic Torch at Stoke Mandeville, Guest soloist for Play at Barbican with Army of Generals and Paraorchestra, conducted by Charles Hazlewood and Mrs. Peachum in Graeae Theatre’s production of Kurt Weill’s The Threepenny Opera, touring major UK venues.
Victoria is currently touring The Colour of Dinosaurs, a production inspired by the cast’s personal stories. Written by Lloyd Coleman and Dom Coyote, her role reflects her journey as a singer and her experience of synesthesia.
EARLY YEARS & EDUCATION
Victoria began singing at the age of eight after studying piano for two years. Under the guidance of John Yekini, she developed her vocal skills and performed with the Pacelli School ensemble at national charity events in Nigeria, including at the National Arts Theatre and MUSON Centre.
She continued her musical education at Queen’s College, Lagos, where she received classical singing lessons from Miss Ada and performed in the Musical Society of Nigeria’s Lunchtime Concert Series.
After moving to England, Victoria attended New College Worcester, studying English, Sociology, and Music at A-level. She trained in classical singing with Amanda Ballard and continued piano lessons with Angela Allard. During this time, she performed at venues such as Birmingham Symphony Hall, Worcester Cathedral, and Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Victoria went on to study at Trinity College of Music (TCM), where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma with distinction. She sang in TCM’s lunchtime concert series and performed major choral works, including Britten’s War Requiem, Tippett’s A Child of Our Time, and Tallis’s Spem in Alium. Her operatic debut was as the Consultant in David Johnston’s Sorry, False Alarm. She also participated in outreach programs, leading singing workshops and assisting music teachers.
During her postgraduate studies, Victoria trained with Wendy Eathorne, Robert Aldwinkle, and Linda Hirst, while attending masterclasses with renowned artists such as Richard Jackson, Nick Clapton, and Mary King. She studied acting with Dr. Jane Davidson and expanded her repertoire to include musical theatre and jazz, training under Robert Purvis and jazz singer Victoria Newton. She performed in TCM’s musical theatre showcases at Blackheath Halls, accompanied by the TCM Orchestra.
Victoria continues to refine her artistry as an opera singer, bringing a diverse and dynamic presence to the stage.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Victoria has been recognised for her talent and dedication with numerous awards, including: the Mark Plummer Award – Hard work and fortitude, the Fletcher Butcher Award – Distinguished musicianship, the Elizabeth Eagle Bott Memorial Scholarship, the Newman Thomas Commonwealth Award – Outstanding progress, and the Eva Noreen Student Scholarship Award.
MEDIA AND TELEVISION APPEARANCES
Victoria’s work has attracted media attention, including features on Attitude TV, the world’s leading disability-focused broadcaster. She was the subject of two documentaries—The Soprano’s Colourful Sounds and Victoria’s Kiwi Adventure—which led to an invitation to perform at the Attitude Trust Awards Night in Auckland, accompanied by the Royal Navy Brass Band.
Her television appearances include Sky Arts – Beethoven and Me (Charles Hazlewood documentary), Amazon Prime – Braille Music (Michael House documentary), BBC One – The One Show and All Together Now, Channel 4 – The Last Leg and WOMEX 24 & RichMix Cinema – The Colours of Sound (Cécile Embleton short film).
CORPORATE AND PRIVATE PERFORMANCES
Victoria has performed at exclusive events and venues, including Glastonbury Festival, Kensington Palace Gallery, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Clothworkers’ Hall, the Ferrari Museum in Modena, and Agip Recital Hall in Lagos. With her commanding stage presence and expressive artistry, Victoria continues to captivate audiences worldwide.