Elin Manahan Thomas is one of Britain's most gifted young sopranos and in a new series on S4C Sopranos the Swansea-born singer travels throughout Europe tracing the history of the music and the voice.
The six-part series combines majestic scenery, some of the world's most stunning locations and music which is both classical and popular sung by some of today's top sopranos.
As well as items sung by Elin herself, the series will include performances by some of the leading modern exponents of the soprano voice, including Orla Boylan from Ireland, Ana James from New Zealand, Welsh soprano , Camilla Roberts, and English singers, Sarah Tynan and Claire Surman.
The leading English countertenor, Robin Blaze, the tenor from Carmarthen, Wynne Evans and the baritone, Robert Davies will also perform as guests in the series.
And you don't need to be an expert on classical music to enjoy a series which is wide in its appeal. "Many of the pieces performed are very popular even as music in television adverts and as background music for well-known films," said Rob Nicholls.
Among the popular items performed will be the aria 'Mia Babbino Caro' by Puccini, 'Pie Jesu' from Fauré's Requiem and the famous song for two sopranos, 'The Flower Duet' from the opera 'Lakmé' by Delibes.
Each programme will come from a different location beginning with one of Europe's most romantic cities - Venice, a city with strong links with the world of music and opera in particular. The composer, Antonio Vivaldi was born there in 1678 and the composer, Claudio Monteverdi died there in 1643 after living in the city for a period.
Elin's own clear, pure voice will be heard in each programme interpreting works by a range of composers. She describes Bach, Handel and Henry Purcell as her favourites but she has also performed leading roles in operas by other composers such as Mozart and Benjamin Britten.
© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales