Growing up in a provincial town in New Zealand, I barely knew what an opera singer was… there just weren’t any around. In my teens when I moved to Auckland and started serious study, I gradually became aware that opera might be a possibility for me. However, in New Zealand during the 1960s, professional singing barely existed, and the chance to gain experience on-stage was limited. I had no choice but to study in London. My two parents also made major sacrifices and changes in their life to make early opportunities available to me. I wouldn’t have had this career without them.

damekiri.tiff

From a quiet life in Auckland, I suddenly found myself thrown in the deep end of meticulous musical training and fierce competiveness. I was also compelled to become familiar with three new languages. But it was in London that I first saw and heard the real thing, and my passion of opera started to grow.

One encounter that really spurred me on was with Dame Joan Sutherland. I was overawed by her singing, and also by her gracious helpful manner towards a younger singer – me. I also heard Maria Callas – at...