Mezzo‑soprano Cecily Shaw grew up in Stratford, Taranaki, before moving to Kirikiriroa Hamilton to study voice at the University of Waikato with Glenese Blake. During this time she became deeply involved in the musical life of St Peter’s Cathedral, Hamilton Civic Choir, and the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus. In 2023 she relocated to London to study at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, completing her Guildhall Artist Masters in 2025 under the tutelage of Samantha Malk. She is one of seven singers selected for the 2025/26 Guildhall Opera Course and is the recipient of the Sally Cohen Opera Scholarship.
Cecily’s earlier studies at the University of Waikato, with Glenese Blake, Stephanie Acraman, and Dr Rachael Griffiths‑Hughes, combined vocal performance with research into the experiences of neurodivergent musicians. As an autistic artist, she is committed to advocating for neurodivergent performers and hopes to contribute to greater visibility and opportunity within the profession.
An experienced concert and oratorio soloist, Cecily has appeared with Hamilton Civic Choir, Bach Musica, and Scholars Baroque Aotearoa, and participated in Chamber Music New Zealand’s 2017 Bach Cantata Residency with Masaaki Suzuki and Juilliard415. Recent performances include Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody at Exeter Cathedral and engagements for several London Livery companies. Alongside her classical work, she has gained recognition for her original music and comedic cabaret, including Guildhall’s 2025 “Making It” award. Cecily looks forward to a diverse and collaborative international career across opera, oratorio, and contemporary performance.