A FORMER civil servant will take to the stage at a prestigious college concert on Saturday (June 19).

Fifty-three-year-old Despoulla Sotirio Rafti-Hill will perform at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCDM) with the hope of inspiring others from her generation to follow their dreams.

She says that she was herself inspired by 49-year-old Britain’s Got Talent singing sensation Susan Boyle.

Despoulla, who also worked as a legal assistant and volunteered for the Citizens Advice Bureau, is now pursuing her love of singing thanks to the college’s access course that for 20 years has enabled musicians from the wider community to work with a tutor to develop their skills.

Despoulla, of Cwm Talwg, Barry, said: "I always wanted my music career to be my main thing, but I had to pay my way."

The former Barry Island Primary and Bryn Hafren pupil studied violin, piano, flute and recorder under the guidance of Dilys Wales, using her day job to pay for lessons.

And in February last year she began perfecting her vocal technique thanks to the expertise of RWCMD tutor Guy Harbottle, who taught her about the lowering and posturing of the larynx.

The Bethesda Community Choir member said: "Before I had lessons I realised there was something missing in my singing.

"I am so grateful to have learned with the RWCMD – it’s been a great privilege "I’m 53 and I feel like this is a new lease of life - I feel as if my dreams are coming true!"

She now hopes to apply for her M Mus (Master of Music and Performance) and progress as a solo opera singer.

"When Susan Boyle came on, everyone was sniggering, even the judges," she added.

"But it doesn’t matter what you look like or how old you are, if you have an ability or a talent.

"Don’t give up on your dreams.

"You may not become a superstar, but for me getting on the access course was an achievement – to perform in front of people – and if that’s all I achieve I feel I have achieved something great."

Despoulla said her husband, retired tradesman Robert Hill, had been a tremendous support.

"It’s because of him that my dream has been realised," she added.

Head of Junior Music and Access Studies, Patricia Keir said: "Des has now been having lessons with us for over a year.

"During this time, she has made very good progress and has shown commitment and enthusiasm for her studies.

"We’re very pleased to be able to encourage and support her obvious love of singing."

Des will sing Mozart’s Agnus Dei Coronation Mass in C Major K317 and If I Loved You from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel at the Weston Gallery, RWCMD, at 3pm on June 19.