Everything I do in my dressing room is part of a performing ritual. I have to feel safe and secure - it's my little home for the night. When I arrive Ania, my PA sets my things out exactly as I like them. She puts out the costumes I'll be wearing - I never wear fewer than four outfits for a concert. The red dress I'm wearing is by Maria Grachvogel and its my very favourite. Ania also sets out my make-up, my steamer and my magnifying mirror.

I arrive at lunchtime before a performance, so I can run through a soundcheck.I'll have a light snack before hand because soundchecks can take up to three hours. Then I'll come back to the dressing room, have a hot meal and get prepared.

I have my hair done in the morning but I do my own make-up, because it's all part of the performance ritual and I like that time for getting ready to go on stage. I still get nervous. As I really don't want to disappoint my audience. My favourite piece to sing is Mimi's farewell from La Boheme - it demands the full range of my technique and emotional responses, plus it blows audiences away. There's so much great music in opera, thats why I'm pleased to be introducing the Sky Arts 20 Operas to See Before you Die Series. I hope it'll make opera more accessable.

When I've done my vocal excercises and I'm ready for the stage, I say a little prayer, asking that I'll be good enough. I feel the artist is really a servant to the work - It's important to remain humble to the music.

* Sky Arts 20 Operas to See Before You Die starts with George Bizet's Carmen on Monday 4 at 8pm. Visit skyarts.co.uk for information and to listen and to download opera.

Lesley's backstage essentials include...

1. Mobile
I speak to my family all the time when I'm on tour to tell them where I am and find out how they are doing. I also keep photos of my children on my phone - they love coming to my shows when they can.
2. Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne
This is my signature perfume. Before I found this, I struggled to find a perfume I liked - it all smelt like gin on my skin! I think a perfume completes an outfit.
3. Steamer
Air-conditioned buildings and flying play havoc with my voice, so I use the steamer before and after a performance to keep my sinuses open and the mucus flowing. It sounds gross but if your voice is too dry or if it's clogged up, it's a nightmare.
4. Water
Hydration is also key to singing. Water is my best friend on performance day. I drink it through a straw so I don't muck up my lipstick!
5. Keyboard
This goes everywhere with me. I have to keep my voice exercised and in good condition, so I'm constantly warming up with scales and exercises.
6. CD player
I listen to music I''ll be performing next on this, to try to learn it. And I listen to the people I know I'll be performing with to see how we will work together.

Source: Sky magazine