ENO Orchestra: Delyth John

Delyth John

Viola

When did you join?
In December 1990, in the middle of the ‘20th Century’ season.

Favourite ENO opera?
Difficult! My top 3 are: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (great viola part, and a very exciting piece to play); Der Rosenkavalier (the Act III Trio is as close to musical perfection as I can imagine); Ariadne on Naxos – sadly, we don’t do very often, which is a shame. It’s such great music. If I had to choose one, I’d probably go for Ariadne.

Best ENO moment?
My best ENO moments were when my daughters sang in the children’s chorus – the older one offstage in Otello in 2014, and the younger one onstage in Carmen in 2015.

How did you start?
I started the violin when I was 5 and switched to the viola when I was 16.

Passion outside of opera?
I wouldn’t say I have any burning passions, but I like going to yoga classes and I am trying to learn t’ai chi.

Last updated: 9th October 2019