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A former student from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ has found success in Europe’s prestigious opera scene.

Bass-baritone, Liam James Karai, is currently a member of the , appearing in productions of Carmen, Tosca, and Le Nozze di Figaro amongst others during the 2023/2024 season.

However, Liam started his opera career at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ, where he studied for a BSc in Banking and Finance.

Whilst studying at Leicester, Liam successfully applied for one of the University’s Music Scholarships, which helps students cover the cost of music lessons.

Attenborough Arts Centre and Dr Paul Jenkins, Honorary Director of Student Music at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ, deliver the scholarships.

Liam said: “The Â鶹ÊÓƵ was my second choice originally so I didn’t have a singing scholarship lined up when I arrived. I joined the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Chorus and that is where I met Paul Jenkins and he told me that they were auditioning for vocal scholarships.

“Paul is such an important person to me in terms of my career because I don’t think I would be a singer at this level without him pushing me. When I joined the Â鶹ÊÓƵ, I played basketball and studied, that was my main thing. Paul pushed me to learn a lot of music and a lot of languages which I think was crucial.”

Dr Jenkins recently made the trip to Germany to watch Liam perform as lead baritone, Escamillo in Carmen at Mainz Opera House.

Dr Jenkins said: “Music at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a student-led recreational activity. We have eight music groups covering a wide range of genres from the Band and Gig Society to the Chamber Choir.

“About 300 students are involved in these music groups and many put in a large amount of time organising and performing music.

“It was very rewarding to see Liam Karai in a leading role in the opera Carmen at a professional opera house in Mainz, Germany. Well done, Liam."

After his studies at Leicester, Liam enrolled in the to complete his Master of Music and Postgraduate Diploma.

More information on opportunities available to musicians at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ can be found on the University website.