Katherine Jenkins OBE

Trustee

Welsh Superstar Mezzo Soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE officially became the world’s most successful Classical Singer in 2019, having 12 number one albums in 12 years since signing to Universal Classics at the tender age of 23.

Then a school teacher, she burst onto the music scene in 2003 when she performed at Westminster Cathedral in honour of Pope John Paul II's Silver Jubilee, became the mascot for her much beloved Welsh Rugby Team, singing the anthem before important international matches and had her debut performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Born in South Wales, Katherine learned to sing as a chorister of St David's Church choir, Neath. Her love of music was well nurtured in the Welsh Valleys, where she had the opportunity to join choral groups, perform with Welsh male voice choirs as well as participate in Eisteddfods and other musical events. She has always accredited her down to earth nature with her Welsh roots and her amazing family who she lovingly calls 'The Taffia'. Sadly, Katherine's father Selwyn passed away from cancer when she was just 15 and since then his memory has been a driving force in her life – every album, every award has been dedicated to him.

Within months of graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, Katherine signed the 'biggest recording deal in UK classical music history' and released her first album 'Premiere' which earned Jenkins her first classical number one as well as her first BRIT Award for best album. Sold out tours followed and performances and recordings with Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Jose Carreras, David Foster, Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Bryn Terfyl, Rolando Villazon, Juan Diego Florez and Il Divo.

She has performed all over the world and is a favourite of the Royal Family, having been invited to sing God Save The Queen at Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, perform at The Queen's coronation Concerts at Buckingham Palace and more recently at Her Majesty's 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle.

Not afraid of stepping outside of her comfort zone, Katherine has appeared as a mentor in ITV's Popstar to Operastar, played the role of Abigail in the BBC's iconic Dr Who Christmas Special, tap danced her way through Viva la Diva with Prima Ballerina Darcey Bussell as well as, most notably, winning second place in the US hit TV show Dancing with the Stars in 2012.

Also known as the 'Forces Sweetheart', Charity work has always played an important role for JKatherine. After singing We'll Meet Again with Dame Vera Lynn at the 60th Anniversary of VE Day, she became a Trustee of the British Forces Foundation – travelling to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Cyprus and Northern Ireland to entertain the troops.

Katherine and her husband, artist and film-maker Andrew Levitas, welcomed their first child Aaliyah into the world in September 2015 and after taking some well earned time off, Katherine came back to a year of 'Celebration' leading Her Majesty The Queen's 90th birthday concert at Windsor Castle.

2017 saw Katherine’s debut on the West End stage playing Julie Jordan in Carousel with the English National Opera at the London Coliseum; her performance earning her rave reviews from both the British and International press. In 2019 Katherine made her film role debut alongside Jonny Depp and Bill Nighy in Minamata.

In 2018 Katherine and Andrew welcomed their second child Xander Robert Selwyn who was the inspiration for Xander’s Song, a newly written lullaby for her son on her 13th number one album Guiding Light.