The mezzo-soprano Cynthia Buchan was educated at Trinity Academy in Edinburgh, before proceeding to a study of French, German and Fine Art at Edinburgh University. At the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama she was awarded numerous prizes, including the Governor's Recital Prize and prizes for Lieder and Opera and continued her studies with the help of a Richard Tauber Memorial Scholarship in Vienna and in Munich, with Hans Hotter. Making her professional début while still at school, Cynthia Buchan enjoys a successful and varied career appearing in major opera houses throughout the world. She has made many recordings and many of her roles may be seen on video, including an acclaimed Mistress Quickly, with which she made her debut at La Scala, Milan. In addition to her distinguished performance in more conventional operatic repertoire, she has also appeared in contemporary opera, and has often worked with Hans Werner Henze. Oliver Knussen created the role of Jennie in Higgelty, Piggelty, Pop! for her and she has since sung it at Glyndebourne, The Barbican and in Los Angeles. Cynthia Buchan's extensive concert and recital repertoire has resulted in appearances in all the major London concert halls, and in many major European cities, and has brought collaboration with leading conductors. She has recently turned her attention also to teaching and directing, working both privately and in workshops and master-classes.