How did Promenade first get to perform together?...

Janet Shell and Christopher Goldsack were students together at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, though they didn't work together then. It was four years later, when they both happened to working together on a production of Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites for Lyon Opera in France, that they came to know each other's work. Janet had just won critical recognition by winning the Royal Tunbrisdge Wells International Young Concert Artist's Competition. Janet meanwhile heard Christopher singing Poulenc's Le Bal Masqué - a cantata for baritone and chamber ensemble. It was soon clear that these two artists - both by now passionate about recital song repertoire - could enjoy a fruitful collaboration.

Our first break came when they were invited by the British Council to tour South America. The first stages of getting used to the new partnership proved difficult. The two singers work in very different ways. But in the long term that conflict proved to be an inspiration - both benefiting from the other's critical ear. They have since performed widely together in many different situations: opera galas, small scale operas, oratorios, weddings and so forth. Recital work is however still their absolute love, and the demands it makes musically just helps to increase their commitment to musical excellence.