Kate Witney was born in Louth and studied at Homerton College, Cambridge and The Royal Northern College of Music. She has appeared as soloist in venues such as The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, The Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham and Lincoln and Southwark Cathedrals. In 2002 she was asked to sing an Armenian folk song at the National Holocaust Memorial event, which was televised. In opera, with Opera North amongst others, and in recitals and concerts, Kate has sung throughout this country as well as in France and Germany. With the actor Ian Hogg she has presented an evening of readings and songs by James Hogg as part of the Lincoln Book Festival. Recently she gave recitals in Tewkesbury Abbey, as part of the Tewkesbury Medieval Fair, and at the Lincoln Early Music Festival.
As a busy recitalist Kate works regularly with the lutenist Robert Foster and the pianist Stuart Bower. Kate and Stuart gave a recital in the inaugural Lincoln International Chamber Music Festival, whilst Kate and Robert are currently working on 16th and 17th English, Italian and Spanish repertoire for a series of concerts. The CD of their popular Christmas programme 'Rejoice and be merry' is proving very successful. Kate was very excited to be involved in the music for the short film 'The Luttrell Psalter' which involved her transcribing plainchant from the 15th century Luttrell Psalter and directing its recording in Irnham church. To mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Tennyson in 2009 Kate is presenting several lecture recitals on the poet and his musical connections. Kate very much enjoys presenting illustrated lectures such as these, on a number of subjects, and they are extremely popular with audiences. Do contact Kate to discuss the wide range of subjects available. A noted exponent of unaccompanied traditional folk songs, Kate has appeared at folk clubs and venues throughout the country, including an appearance at the National Folk Festival as a finalist in the Brewhouse Competition, and has released two CDs, 'Songs for my supper' and 'With mortal voice'. Kate is Vocal Co-ordinator for Lincolnshire Music Service and conducts the Lincolnshire Youth Choir and Louth Children's Choir. On BBC Radio Lincolnshire Kate presents a weekly round up of classical music news and events (Tuesday evenings 6.30 p.m.). Press Comment: "Kate Witney showing signs of great things to come�" Ronald Milnes in 'Opera' magazine "Elle a seduit le public avec sa belle voix et de nombreux applaudissements ont affirme son succes." 'Le Progres' : "Her voice is rich and clear�timing and pace show the hallmarks of a polished singer." 'Folk Buzz' "....thoughtful and expressive singing�her voice is clear and precise�" 'Folktalk'