Sophia Grech is an internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano with a career spanning over two decades. She has won great acclaim and notoriety for her performances at leading concert halls, opera houses and international festivals worldwide, leading to numerous recordings and regular invitations to give masterclasses around the world. In 2015 Sophia was diagnosed with autism and is now a leading Ambassador on behalf of associated organisations alongside her performing career.

In 2020 Sophia had her first book titled I Wish I Could Sing, published by Olympia which was released for sale in the UK and abroad.

 

What would be your perfect day out in Dorset?

My perfect day out would be going for a picnic and bike ride in Puddletown forest with my partner Andy, followed by a ‘cheeky’ cream tea on the way home.

 

What are your fondest memories of the county?

In the 1990s I recall visiting Bowleaze Cove in Weymouth where I watched the solar eclipse with my mum, who sadly passed away in 2007; this was a very special memory for me.

 

What has been your proudest achievement?

Achieving an international career despite being autistic and not knowing this, having only been diagnosed in 2015.

 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My father, who is Maltese, is an amazing and extremely talented man, everything he has achieved in his life has inspired me. We moved to Dorset when I was 13, in 2012 I built my own house close to my family home and have a beautiful back garden which is a wildlife haven and my own special bit of Dorset.

 

What would be your favourite thing to do when you have a day off?

Enjoying a lazy morning drinking coffee, feeding the wildlife in the garden, the squirrels and water voles, who have made their homes near to the stream and then a trip to the local shops and garden centre.

 

Where is your favourite place to eat in the county?

Morton Tearooms, near Dorchester.

 

What three things do you associate with Dorset?

Farmer’s markets, Dorset apple cake and the Jurassic coastline.

 

If you could summarise the county in one word what would it be?

Picturesque.