Kelly Poukens

Belgian soprano Kelly Poukens has been praised by the international press as ‘extraordinary’ (BBC Radio UK), ‘excellent’ (Opera Magazine UK) and ‘impressive’ (Operamagazine NL). She was the only Flemish soprano selected for the Queen Elisabeth Competition 2023, with the Belgian press describing her as a singer with a ‘warm rich voice and personality’ (VRT), ‘singing from soul to soul’ (Klara radio), ‘most colourful candidate ever’ (DS Standaard) and ‘a beautifully moving vocal timbre’ (Le Soir). She achieved many international nominations (Uk stage award 2024, Creative Edinburgh award 2019, Scottish New Music Awards 2019, etc) and awards (Stiftung Blatow prize 2018 Germany, 2nd award IMC France, 2nd award Honda Competition Belgium, Prix Sophie 2012 Netherlands, etc).

With a tremendous love for the art of song, Kelly also obtained her master's degree in chamber music with highest distinction, in addition to her master's degree in voice and classical music theatre.

She has given song recitals in such renowned venues as the Henry Le Boeuf hall BOZAR, Concertgebouw Brugge, Studio 4 Flagey, Muziekgebouw Frits Philips and others. Her great inspirations Dame Felicity Lott and Roberta Alexander are among her regular song coaches. An interdisciplinary artist, Kelly loves crossover work and we regularly see her in various opera and (music) theatre productions where she likes to push boundaries and engage with other disciplines. In 2023, the four-part podcast documentary Queen Kelly about her that was nominated for the Ultimas Audience Award in 2024.