Shirley Sparks, a Finnish crossover vocalist with extensive experience in the music and entertainment industry, transitioned from her earlier repertoire as a high soprano, encompassing opera and classical music, to a focus on lighter genres since 2015. Collaborating with a diverse array of musicians and bands in both Finland and the UK, Shirley's elegant and versatile performances showcase the finest melodies from The Great American Songbook*, featuring jazz standards, swing, movie songs, Broadway show tunes, and West End musicals inspired by the Golden Era of Hollywood. Her repertoire also extends to French chansons, along with evergreen songs in Spanish, Italian, Swedish, and German.
Shirley holds a Bachelor of Arts and Culture with a focus on vocal pedagogy from Helsinki Metropolia Polytechnic, as well as a Master of Arts in Music, History, and Culture from Oxford Brookes University. With experience as a voice artist, composer for short films, and roles in both short films and theatre productions, she has demonstrated versatility in the arts. Her keen interest lies in the history of fashion and theatrical costume design, and she frequently crafts her own performance outfits.
Shirley holds a Bachelor of Arts and Culture with a focus on vocal pedagogy from Helsinki Metropolia Polytechnic, as well as a Master of Arts in Music, History, and Culture from Oxford Brookes University. With experience as a voice artist, composer for short films, and roles in both short films and theatre productions, she has demonstrated versatility in the arts. Her keen interest lies in the history of fashion and theatrical costume design, and she frequently crafts her own performance outfits.
In addition to concerts and private parties, Shirley has performed at the following public venues
The American Cathedral in Paris
Savoy Hotel Strand, London
The Oriole, London
Tampere Hall, Tampere
Sellosali, Espoo
Astoria Klubi, Helsinki
Baltic Jazz Festival, Dalsbruk
Vindängensalen, Espoo
Villa Bella Vista, Turku
Villilä Studiot, Nakkila
Park Hotel, Turku
Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki, Turku
Porin Raatihuone, Pori
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki
Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone, Turku
Yyterin virkistyshotelli, Pori
Restaurant Pörssi, Helsinki
Restaurant Kappeli, Helsinki
Restaurant Elite, Helsinki
Espoo Cathedral
Keski-Pori Church
Reposaari Church
Albergan Kartano, Espoo
Studio Hilkka, Pori
Hakasalmen huvila, Helsinki
Korjaamo Cultural Factory, Helsinki
Kyrö Distillery, Isokyrö
Suomalainen Klubi/Svenska Klubben, Pori
The Church of St Lawrence, Vantaa
Jazzgallery, Steak & Whisky House Galle, Pori
Espan lava, Helsinki
Gallery Vanha Savu, Merikarvia
Petras "Jazz" Cafe, Pori
Hyrsylän Mutka, Nummi-Pusula
Ylihärmä Church, Ylihärmä
Mazzuuni Jazz Cafe, Teijo
Sahakoski Cottage, Pori
Ulvila Church, Ulvila
Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, Espoo
Mukkula Mansion, Lahti
Bokvillan mansion, Helsinki
