After living in the UK for two decades, Helena Dix is back. Harriet Cunningham talks to the Australian soprano about moving home, her hectic schedule and why she’s sick of people saying the golden era of singing is over.

Helena Dix. Photo supplied

Helena Dix’s first public performance was a spontaneous affair. She was travelling by plane on a family trip. It was the age of innocence, pre-9/11, when captains often invited children on board to come up to the cockpit and see the flight deck. Five-year-old Helena was one of an excited little crowd who gathered, and when the pilot asked if anyone had questions, she didn’t hesitate.

“Is that a microphone?”

“Yes.”

“Can everybody hear it?”

“Yes.”

“Can I sing...