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The Dutch mezzo-soprano, Iris Korfker ((Iris Korfker-Neal)), began her choral at the age of 8 in the Netherlands Children’s Choir. As a 12-year-old tourist in London, she visited Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Windsor Castle, insisting on hearing the renowned church choirs perform. She became deeply passionate about the English choral tradition, which played a key role in her decision to study singing in the UK. After a few summer Dartington International Sumerschools where she had master-classes with singers like Dame Emma Kirkby, In 2000 Iris decided to move to the UK to study at Trinity Laban College of Music, where she obtained her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice (2002-2006) and post Graduate Diploma (Class of 2008). She continued her training at the Royal Academy of Music, where she obtained Preparatory Opera Master of Arts degree in Voice and Opera (2011-2013). During her studies, she won various prizes. Having had lessons with teachers like Ryland Davies, Alison Wells and Adrian Thompson she now works with Susan Roberts.
Alongside her studies, Iris Korfker established a prominent presence on the London choral scene, performing regularly with many of Londons leading church choirs. She is an accomplished classical vocalist, versatile in both soprano and alto repertoire. She has lived in the UK for over 20 years, where she has established a distinguished career in choral, solo, and operatic performance. Since August 2021, she has sung with John Eliot Gardiner's Monteverdi Choir, who encouraged her exploration of the alto range, adding depth and versatility to her vocal expression.
Iris Korfker currently holds the soprano position at St Etheldreda’s, Ely Place (since May 2023) and recently joined the deplist of Westminster Abbey as most likely the first Dutch female alto Lay clerk deputy in history. She has also sung with a number of other prestigious church choirs, including The London Oratory Choir (Soprano & Alto), St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street (Soprano & Alto), Westminster Cathedral Choir (Soprano), Westminster Abbey Choir (Soprano & Alto), Farm Street Church Choir (Soprano & Alto), St Clement Danes Church (Soprano & Alto), St Marylebone Parish Church (Soprano & Alto), and St Mary’s, Bourne Street (Soprano & Alto).
Iris Korfker' solo engagements have featured diverse and challenging works, including Benjamin Britten’s Les Illuminations with the Orchestra of St John’s at King’s Place, Strauss’s Four Last Songs and Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8 with the Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra, and W.A. Mozart’s Requiem at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Notable performances last year included the Constellation Choir & Orchestra's inaugural tour (December 2024) with Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Where she was Alto Soloist at the Palace of Versailles, the previous year a North American tour with concerts at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, as well as the distinct honour of singing at the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. She will be joining Westminster Abbey for the performance of J.S. Bach's Johannes-Passion BWV 245 this April. 2025 will see her tour further with the Constellation Choir, join the Jupiter Ensemble for the first time for a tour through France and revisit, after quite a few years, the role of Queen of the Night at the Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, London.
In addition, Iris Korfker has been Singing teacher at The Cedars School and Cumnor House School for Boys in South Croydon, England (November 2015-November 2017); and at St Paul's School in Greater London (September 2017-September 2022).
For Iris Korfker, music is an essential part of elevating services, weddings, and funerals, whether as a soloist or as a member of a choir. This work forms a cherished and significant part of her musical portfolio. When not performing, she enjoys sharing her love of music with her six-year-old daughter, bringing her to concerts and on tour when she can. She currently lives in London. |
