With their four children at school , there is time to talk about the couple’s intriguing past careers and an exciting new venture that is bringing opera to a whole new audience.

Family and music are the twin passions of this Harrogate couple who have worked with some of the world’s top performing artists at the UK’s best known venues.

John Cunningham has been a professional bass baritone for more than 25 years and has performed with English National Opera and Opera North.

He left full-time employment with Opera North 12 months ago to work freelance and launch his business Ultimate Voice with his wife Anna. A leap of faith, but one they don’t regret having made.

During his career John appeared on radio and television, including Michael Parkinson’s All Star Secrets and Harry Enfield’s Guide to Opera. Anna is no stranger to the music industry either, having worked in the West End for promoter Cameron Mackintosh and prepared scores for musicians and composers such as Michael Nyman.

Harrogate business expert Mike Pywell, of Creative Partners, is co-author of the Which Essential Guide to Working for Yourself and immediately recognised a winning business combination in John and Anna.

“I believe they are exceptionally unique,” says Mike, a father of four himself and good friend of the Cunningham family.

“John is immensely talented and Anna is one of the most organised people I’ve ever come across. Together they form a superb business structure.”

Mike started working with John and Anna in November 2008 and helped them develop their brand and put the building blocks in place for a unique entertainments business.

“Having Mike, a third party, come in and tell us we had a viable business idea was hugely important,” recalls Anna.

“Getting that validation gave us the confidence to move forward.”

Mike recalls that when he first met John and Anna they were contemplating having to rely on one-off bookings from choral societies.

“With four children under 13 it wasn’t an ideal situation and after initial discussions they agreed that rather than waiting for the future to happen, they'd be pro-active and create something unique and very special.

“We've worked with them on the business strategy, concept, developing their image, website, and marketing materials.

“Their first real local event was a fundraising Spaghetti Opera for St Roberts Parish held at St Robert School, Harrogate, where they raised around £1,300 for the local parish. Now they’ve booked the Old Swan for a gala evening on November 7.”

As the main driver of the business Anna is now organising events across the UK, from a harpist for a small church wedding to a whole line of singers for a Viennese evening.