Opera Forge

As Katerina Mina - Soprano steps into the role of Brünnhilde in Opera Forge’s inaugural production of Wagner’s Die Walküre, she takes on one of opera’s most demanding and transformative heroines — a role that calls for exceptional vocal power, dramatic depth, and endurance.

In this personal reflection, Katerina shares the realities of preparing this monumental Wagnerian journey, shaped in part by her recent work with legendary dramatic soprano Susan Bullock.

“There are operatic roles, and then there are life-altering journeys. Brünnhilde in Wagner’s Die Walküre firmly belongs to the latter.

Over the past weeks, I have completed an intense block of lessons and coaching sessions with the legendary British dramatic soprano Susan Bullock, who’s own Brünnhilde remains one of her most iconic interpretations. Working with a singer who has inhabited this role at the highest level, is both humbling and electrifying for me. Susan brings not only vocal technical mastery but a deep, lived understanding of Wagner’s world: of how Brünnhilde thinks, breathes, fights, loves, and ultimately transforms!

Vocally, Brünnhilde requires sustained power, flexibility, and careful pacing across long, demanding scenes, and across the full vocal range of the dramatic soprano. Physically, the role calls for strength, grounding, and stamina. Added to this is Wagner’s highly charged German text, which must be mastered with absolute clarity and intention.

But Die Walküre is not only sung; it is physically inhabited. Brünnhilde is a warrior, a daughter of the gods, constantly in motion, emotionally and dramatically charged. Training for this role involves thinking like an athlete as much as a musician: grounding, breath coordination, posture, and resilience. The body must support the voice over long stretches of intense music without collapse.

Crucially, learning the role of Brünnhilde means understanding the entire drama, especially her relationship with Wotan, her father, whose conflict lies at the heart of Die Walküre. Their exchanges form the emotional and philosophical core of Die Walküre. To sing Brünnhilde truthfully, one must understand Wotan’s conflict, his power, his fear, and his heartbreak. Every phrase Brünnhilde sings is a reaction to his authority, his disappointment, his love… Knowing his text as thoroughly as my own, is essential.

Brünnhilde represents courage, moral awakening, and ultimately compassion. To begin walking her path is a privilege—and standing at the start of this journey fills me with excitement, determination, and deep gratitude.

The fire has been lit” - Katerina Mina

If you haven’t booked your tickets yet for Wagner’s Die Walküre, semi-staged by Wagnerian legend Sir John Tomlinson, with Kelvin Lim conducting Orpheus Sinfonia, this is your chance to do so! 🙂

🎟️ 22 NOV & 6 DEC 2026, at 3:30pm
Follow the link below 👇 and the QR code on our flyer to book your tickets!

https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on/opera-forge-presents-wagners-die-walküre

🔥 Welcome to Opera Forge 🔥
www.operaforge.com

Photo credit: Jedrek Koh

Arguably the most famous and celebrated of Wagner’s operatic themes ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ will be a glorious climax within Opera Forge’s upcoming production of Wagner’s Die Walküre. Tracing back to Nordic mythology, valkyries (‘choosers of the slain’) acted as supernatural warrior women – rescuing the souls of only the worthiest soldiers to spend eternity serving the gods in Valhalla. Armoured and riding great winged horses, Wagner’s Valkyries are brought to life through his thrilling and majestic war cries ‘Hojotoho!’.

In Die Walküre, Wagner’s Valkyries are nine sisters – daughters of the formidable God Wotan. Brünnhilde, Wotan’s most beloved and fierce valkyrie daughter is torn between duty and her heart and dares to defy her father’s orders. As the valkyrie sisters learn of this, panic replaces their war cries as they await their father Wotan’s wrath amongst a thunderous incoming storm.

Opera Forge is thrilled to welcome nine powerhouse dramatic voices to sing the Valkyrie sisters:

Katerina Mina - Soprano - Brünnhilde
Lauren Roscoe - Helmwige
Anna Gregory - Gerhilde
Christina Orjis - Ortlinde
Angharad Lyndon - Waltraute
Georgia Mae Bishop- Schwertleite
Louisa Petais - Siegrune
Kathy Taylor-Jones - Grimgerde
Gemma Morsley - Rossweisse

If you haven’t booked your tickets yet for Wagner’s Die Walküre, semi-staged by Wagnerian legend Sir John Tomlinson, with Kelvin Lim conducting Orpheus Sinfonia, this is your chance to do so! 🙂

🎟️ 22 NOV & 6 DEC 2026, at 3:30pm
Follow the link below 👇 and the QR code on our flyer to book your tickets!

https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on/opera-forge-presents-wagners-die-walküre

🔥 Welcome to Opera Forge 🔥
www.operaforge.com

Dear all, we will be emailing our first Newsletter very soon with lots of exciting news, and would love everyone to receive it. All you have to do is click the link below 👇 to subscribe to Opera Forge’s Newsletter! 🙂

Opera Forge was born from a belief: great voices in great repertoire need real stages, not just practice rooms. We launch in London on Opera Forge presents “Die Walküre” 22 November & 6 December 2026 Opera Forge presents “Die Walküre”with a semi-staged performance of Wagner’s Die Walküre — a work at the heart of the dramatic operatic tradition.

Director: Sir John Tomlinson
Conductor: Kelvin Lim
Orchestra: Orpheus Sinfonia

Full cast details on Opera Forge’s website!

🔥 Welcome to Opera Forge 🔥

Contact – Opera Forge – Official Website

We are deeply honoured that Mastersingers are supporting Opera Forge in the lead up to our inaugural project of Wagner’s Die Walküre.

Working Day & Concert, led by prolific British Bass Sir John Tomlinson, takes place on Monday 13 July at the Peacock Room in Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London SE10 9JF.

Join us in person for an exciting day diving into Wagner’s epic Die Walküre! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or curious newcomer, this working day, plus concert, offers a unique chance to experience the magic behind the scenes with newly established London-based opera company, .forge. Don’t miss the chance to see Sir John Tomlinson rehearsing scenes from this masterpiece with the main singers of this Opera Forge production and conductor Kelvin Lim, ahead of Opera Forge’s inaugural production of Wagner’s Die Walküre, on 22 Nov & 6 Dec 2026.

Led by the incomparable Sir John Tomlinson, this is a rare opportunity to witness one of the great Wagnerian artists of our time coaching our singers on Die Walküre—sharing insight, experience, and the highest level of operatic craft.

We are profoundly grateful to Mastersingers for making this possible, and for their commitment to supporting emerging excellence.

🎟 Tickets are limited—secure yours now in the link below ⬇️

https://operaforge.com/july-13-mastersingers-working-day-concert-with-sir-john-tomlinson/

Siegmund: Mark Le Brocq
Sieglinde: Sky Ingram
Brünnhilde: Katerina Mina - Soprano
Wotan: Pauls Putnins
Fricka: Rozanna Madylus

Duke’s Hall! For the inaugural performances of Opera Forge, this was not simply a choice of venue - it was a statement of intent.

At the heart of the Royal Academy of Music - an institution whose roots reach back to 1822 - Duke’s Hall has stood since 1912 as a crucible for generations of artists. This is a space where craft is not displayed, but forged.

Its design holds a rare equilibrium: Edwardian grandeur, yet profound intimacy. Here, the distance between artist and audience dissolves. Even the hall’s fabric carries legacy. Its great organ, gifted by Elton John, speaks to a lineage of artists who return not only to remember, but to shape what endures.

Duke’s Hall offers also an incredible Balcony (see Photo 2 above) with the best stage view ever, which is why we decided to open the Balcony to the public so early on.

If you haven’t booked your tickets yet for Wagner’s Die Walküre, directed by Wagnerian legend Sir John Tomlinson, with Kelvin Lim conducting Orpheus Sinfonia, this is your chance to do so! 🙂

🎟️ 22 NOV & 6 DEC 2026, at 3:30pm
Follow the link below 👇 and the QR code on our flyer to book your tickets!

🔥 Welcome to Opera Forge 🔥

https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on/opera-forge-presents-wagners-die-walküre

When we met with Sir John Tomlinson in December to discuss the possibility of directing Wagner’s Die Walküre, he had already drafted sketches of his staging…

Wow! What an honour and a privilege for Opera Forge to have the Wagnerian legend, Sir John Tomlinson, on board our inaugural production of Wagner’s Die Walküre. The story of Opera Forge continues exactly as it started in 2013. This launch is not the start of a company, but the awakening of a long-forged vision.

Come to see our two inaugural shows of Wagner’s Die Walküre, on Sunday 22 November & Sunday 6 December, kick off time 3:30pm! Tickets are beginning to sell fast, so book yours early to avoid disappointment.

Venue: Duke’s Hall at the
Conductor:
Orchestra:

🎟️ Follow the links below 👇 or the QR code on our flyer to book your tickets!

https://operaforge.com/production/die-walkure-2026/

https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on/opera-forge-presents-wagners-die-walküre

Our beautiful flyer is ready! Our cast is complete, and careful planning towards our inaugural shows of Wagner’s Die Walküre is underway. Opera Forge has more exciting news to share, but for now, book your tickets early to avoid disappointment and stay tuned. We are updating you every step of the journey. Thank you for being a part of it!

Welcome to 🔥 Opera Forge 🔥 Follow the links below and the QR code on the flyer to book your tickets!

https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on/opera-forge-presents-wagners-die-walküre

https://operaforge.com

22 NOV & 6 DEC 2026, at 3:30pm
Venue: Duke’s Hall at the Royal Academy of Music

Opera Forge is honoured beyond measure to welcome our two Honorary Patrons: Susan Bullock CBE and Sir John Tomlinson.

These towering artists of the international operatic stage have shaped the Wagnerian landscape for decades. Their voices, artistry, and dramatic truth have defined an era — and inspired generations.

To have their belief in Opera Forge is not only a privilege, but a powerful endorsement of our artistic vision: bold work, fearless storytelling, and opera forged in fire.

We are profoundly grateful for their support as we build something mythic.

Below you can read what Susan Bullock and Sir John Tomlinson have quoted for Opera Forge:

“I am absolutely delighted to be an Honorary Patron of the newly formed company Opera Forge as they embark upon their inaugural production of Wagner’s Die Walküre, which will be semi-staged by none other than the Wagnerian legend, Sir John Tomlinson, and conducted by artistic and musical director of Opera Forge, Kelvin Lim. Please support this exciting venture, which is giving much needed opportunities to Wagnerian singers. I send Opera Forge my very best wishes for this, and for all future productions” - Susan Bullock CBE

“I am delighted to see the renaissance of Opera Forge, and it is a pleasure and honour to become a Patron of the resurgent Company. As well as supporting the Company, and in particular its intention to bring on UK based Wagnerian singers, for the first performances of its new life I will be involved in working with the cast alongside Kelvin Lim, on the semi-staging of Wagner’s Die Walküre (is there a greater music-drama?!). I look forward to it enormously” - Sir John Tomlinson

Follow the links below to book your tickets. Thank you for supporting 🔥 Opera Forge! 🔥

https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on/opera-forge-presents-wagners-die-walküre

https://operaforge.com/patrons/

22 November & 6 December 2026

The Awakening of Opera Forge — 2025
Once again driven by singers standing at the threshold of the dramatic repertoire, Opera Forge reawakened in 2025.

Kelvin Lim, founder and Artistic & Musical Director of Opera Forge, was coaching Katerina Mina, a soprano developing into the great dramatic roles, including Brünnhilde, while studying with world-renowned British dramatic soprano Susan Bullock. Around the same time, Kelvin reconnected with Sky Ingram, whom he had met earlier at the Mastersingers Competition — a singer evolving from lyric repertoire into dramatic roles such as Sieglinde and Strauss heroines.

Both artists represented the very need Opera Forge had been created to serve: exceptional voices, ready for this repertoire, but with too few platforms to explore it in performance.

From these collaborations, Opera Forge was reborn — this time as a company shaped not only by a conductor and coach, but by the singers themselves.

• Katerina Mina is Managing Director and founding member of Opera Forge, singing Brünnhilde in the 2026 launch performance of Wagner’s Die Walküre.

• Sky Ingram is a founding member and Ambassador of Opera Forge, singing Sieglinde.

Opera Forge is therefore built from within the art form — guided by those living the vocal journey into this repertoire.

The 2026 launch of Die Walküre is the realisation of a vision for conductor Kelvin Lim, forged over nearly three decades — in rehearsal rooms, competitions, coaching studios, and major Wagner productions.

At its heart, Opera Forge remains what it was at the beginning: A place where voices are forged in performance.

Follow the link below and in the bio ☝️ to book your tickets and be part of this awakening. Thank you for supporting 🔥 www.operaforge.com ! 🔥

Tickets -
https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on/opera-forge-presents-wagners-die-walküre

22 November & 6 December 2026

The Birth of Opera Forge - 2013

Opera Forge was first formed in 2013, by the then music director Kelvin Lim and artistic director William Relton, during the Wagner 200 anniversary year.

While coaching singers learning major Ring roles for their future careers, Kelvin felt strongly that singers at this stage needed more than coaching — they needed the chance to perform the repertoire in front of an audience.

He founded Opera Forge to give them that opportunity.

Scenes from The Ring were performed with piano at St John’s Smith Square and at the Royal Festival Hall, with the ambition of building towards a staged Ring Cycle. The project drew remarkable support: Sir John Tomlinson became Patron, and distinguished Wagnerian artists such as Graham Clark offered encouragement.

But Wagner requires scale, and scale requires funding. When resources could not be secured, Opera Forge entered a long silence.

As Kelvin later described it, the company “went to sleep — like Fafner guarding his treasure” — while he continued his Wagner work at Longborough and beyond.

Watch out for our next post on Opera Forge’s awakening in 2026!

Opera Forge is live! Our website has officially launched, and ticket sales are now open for Wagner’s Die Walküre.

A new operatic force begins with fire, courage, and conviction.

Join us.
Secure your seats.
Be there at the forging.

🔥 Welcome to Opera Forge 🔥

https://operaforge.com