Born in 1997, Greek mezzo-soprano Alexandra Achillea Pouta is a performer whose musical interests are vast and varied.
Recent performance highlights include her Carnegie Hall debut in recital with pianist Élisabeth Pion, Lili Boulanger’s Psalm 130: “Du fond de l’abîme” at Barbican Hall with Guildhall Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, performances of Messiaen’s Harawi with Élisabeth Pion, and recitals at Milton Court Concert Hall and Union Chapel among other venues.
The winner of the 2023 Guildhall Gold Medal Prize and two-time finalist in the Maria Callas Foundation Competition, Alexandra was a 2022 Snape Artist in Residence at Britten Pears Arts along with composer Thomas Fournil. A keen improviser and collaborator, Alexandra is committed to investigating and premiering emerging music; recently premiering multimedia pieces and improvising along with visual artists for projects presented in London and Singapore galleries.
Supported by the Arts Council England and PRS Foundation, she works closely with Idrîsî Ensemble, through which she explores the interconnections between her Mediterranean heritage, and her passion for new and ancient repertoires, pioneering new ways to perform troubadour songs, Hildegard von Bingen, Old Roman, and UNESCO- protected Corsican traditions.
Her opera experience includes the roles of Sister Helen (Dead Man Walking), Ottavia (L’ incoronazione di Poppea), Signora Guidotti (I due timidi), The Queen (Fête Galante), Nicole (Lucid*), Dhalia (Samhain Bloom*), in scenes Dorabella (Così fan tutte), Ursule (Béatrice et Bénédict), Sara (Roberto Devereux), Concepción (L’ heure espagnole), Carmen (Carmen), Offred (The Handmaid’s Tale), Lucienne (Die tote Stadt) and Romeo (I Capuleti e I Montecchi).*premiere
Having studied Musicology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and Historical Performance at the Early Music Centre of the Athens Conservatoire, Alexandra received her Bachelor of Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a Concert Recital Diploma and is in the final year postgraduate studies on Guildhall’s Opera Course. She is supported by the Sybil Tutton Opera Award, Jane Ades Ingenuity Scholarship, the Dow Clewer Scholarship, and the Athena Scholarship.
Alexandra is currently a member of Glyndebourne Opera Chorus. Future engagements include her Wigmore Hall debut, in masterclass with Anne Sofie von Otter, performances with Idrîsî Ensemble at Durham Cathedral, Fesch Museum in Ajaccio, Corsica, and a residency at the VOCE Centre of Pigna, Corsica.