Jessica joined More House in 2004 after she moved with her family to London from Monkstown, Co Dublin. Her father is the renowned fashion designer Paul Costelloe. At first she found London a bit of a culture shock but found the smaller nurturing environment at More House helped her settle and feel at home.
Jessica remembers her time fondly at More House and particular highlights for her were the Music Tours she went on with the school to places including Portugal and Florida. She was given the opportunity to sing solos in some amazing venues and remembers enjoying the adrenaline rush of performing in front of an audience which she found exhilarating. For a young musician she feels that support and encouragement in the early days is very important and More House was always very good at this having such fantastic music and drama reputation.
Whilst doing her A levels at More House in Music and History of Art she auditioned to be ‘an exhibitioner’ at The Junior College of Music and was accepted. She continued to hone her craft every weekend with the Royal College of Music completing her A levels and leaving More House in 2009. She then continued full time for a year at college and during this time whilst auditioning for various conservatoires was encouraged by her mum Anne to send some tapes, which were a mixture of Irish folk songs and arias, to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York.
Her amazing talent was recognised immediately and she began her vocal studies under the tutelage of Marlena Malas. She remained at Juilliard in New York completing her undergraduate degree and her masters in vocal arts with them. Her rich, toned mezzo soprano voice marks her out as a talent to watch in the international opera world.
It has been a busy year for Jessica, who has earned critical acclaim for her compelling stage presence, completing a season with Grange Park Opera, performing in ‘Eugene Onegin’ and with Bryn Terfel in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at the BBC Proms in July.
She has also signed for global representation with Silverapples Media, run by Avril MacRory, formerly head of variety at RTÉ.
Jessica has been described as ‘an extraordinary operatic mezzo, with the most beautiful voice and astonishing dramatic stage presence. She is as accomplished an actress as she is a singer and that is a rare combination.’
Jessica still has her friends from More House and feels very lucky to have been part of More House School.
If I had to give any advice to a budding singer, it would be as the Italians say ‘piano piano’. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
Video: Daria in Year 10 Interviews Opera Singer Jessica Costelloe
https://youtu.be/yhTVv69dI9o
Video: Daria & Jessica Costelloe Sing Sull’aria from The Marriage of Figaro
https://youtu.be/XexPO-ZFqQA