From Bilton to Rome: Harrogate man to perform in big Six Nations match after rise to opera fame in Italy

Bilton man Joseph Spratt, who had overcome illness on the way to becoming a renowned tenor, will have a starring moment on the pitch at the Stadio Olimpico before the kick-off of England’s big rugby union match.

"I was asked to sing at the England match in Rome because of my singing in Lucca, said Joseph or Joe Sprattannia as he is sometimes known in Italy.

"I first came to Lucca to study with Giancarlo Monsalve, back in 2022.

"Throughout the time from when I finished studying at the Royal Northern College of Music until now, I have supported my training by doing Deliveroo on a bicycle in York.

"Even by opera standards I am told have one of the loudest voices around.

"And it all started in the costa del Bilton!"

Joseph, who specialises in Puccini, Verdi and Wagner, was educated at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, St John Fisher Catholic Academy and St Aidan’s High School, before graduating with a BMus (Hons) 1st class degree from the Royal Northern College of Music in 2016.

Having sung in the school concert band as a youngster and various local choirs including The Fisher Singers, Joseph began studying operatic singing in earnest at the relatively late age of 21.

Since he bounced back from a severe illness to become a rising star of opera, he has been flying back and forward between Harrogate and Lucca in Tuscany where he sings primarily with the Puccini e La Sua Lucca festival all year round.

But it has not been all plain sailing for Joseph, a man of character who is as resilient as he is talented.

"I was born with a congenital foot problem which led to surgery during primary school,” he said.

"I am also a keen weightlifter and competed in powerlifting while at the RNCM.

"I even managed to win the North West team competition in 2016.

"It is important for my singing to develop the core muscular strength.”

Known for roles like Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi and Calaf in Turandot, Joseph has performed across the UK and Europe.

Despite his success, Joseph has not forgotten his roots or the people in Harrogate who inspired him in those early days.

His first singing teacher was Sarah MacCallum, while other notable local teachers in the early days included Andrew Matthews and Paul Dutton.

Joseph said: “Taking part in the school concert band and various choirs was a large impetus in my decision to pursue a singing career.

"June Garbutt and Nigel Beetles were both instrumental in my development.

"Bing involved in the St Aidan's production of Les Miserables in 2010 was a key moment in my love of the stage.”

Even as he prepares to sing in Rome in the big rugby union clash between England and Italy, Joseph Spratt has Harrogate in mind.

"I still love to sing with The Fisher's Singers occasionally,” he said.

"I will be putting on a concert with a few other singers at my home church of St Joseph's Parish Church in Bilton next month on St George's Day.

Italy v England, Saturday, March 7, 4.40pm.