A young opera singer from Watford is taking inspiration from her famous relative Benny Goodman, the legendary King of Swing, and pursuing her dream of a career in music.

Jess Bergman, 20, is in her second year of training at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she is working towards a Masters degree in music, with a view to becoming a professional opera singer.

She would also love to attend a dedicated opera school.

“I come from a very musical family,” says Jess, “my great great grandmother was an opera singer in Poland, Benny Goodman, my great grandfather’s nephew, was a great jazz clarinettist and my mum and uncle are also musicians.

“Singing is my passion. It makes me happy and I feel most comfortable on the stage. I do believe it is what I was born to do.”

  • Jess Bergman will be appearing at Chill on the Hill, part of the Edlesborough Festival, at St Mary’s Church, Church End, Edlesborough, Bucks on Saturday, June 20, at 7.30pm. Details: 01525 221744, edlesboroughchurch.org.uk