AustLit

'From the early spark of passion and unflinching devotion to the art of singing, this book is a first-hand account of the dedication, hard work and extensive skill base required to survive life in an opera chorus. How did a shy little girl from Hamilton, New Zealand, find herself performing on one of the world's most iconic stages, the Sydney Opera House?

'This honest and hilarious insight into the life of an opera chorister is filled with backstage antics, onstage disasters and the long road to success, shining a light on a section of the opera industry people know very little about.

'Along the way, Katherine shares her journey with legends of the stage such as Dame Julie Andrews, Jonas Kaufmann, Sigrid Thornton, Nicole Car, Anthony Warlow, Graeme Murphy, Neil Armfield, Simon Phillips, Reg Livermore, Todd McKenney and Dame Malvina Major.

'Through the endless auditions, stage fright, life-changing encounters, heartbreak, pandemics and a refusal to throw it all away, this book proves that the joy of music can conquer all.' (Publication summary)