Katherine Wiles is a full-time member of the Opera Australia chorus, one of only a handful of sopranos in Australia with a permanent job. She is singing and, therefore, happy. Born in New Zealand, she holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Auckland, a Master of Music (Advanced Opera) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is a Fellow of Trinity College London.
Katherine was 35 when she became a permanent member of Opera Australia. Before then there were successes, but there were also disappointments, tears, and more failed auditions than successful ones.
Now in her early 50s she is often called on to speak to students interested in a career as a singer. She tells them to succeed you must have a powerful vocation, be determined, have courage and commitment. Many students starting out aim to be a soloist. Few are able to live on an income that is so spasmodic. She warns that inconsistency of engagements means a lack of a regular income.
Katherine is a success. She worked hard, changed from being a soloist to joining Opera Australia. She had faith in her professional ability and eventually it was recognised.
No Autographs, Please! is a fascinating must-read for anyone thinking of becoming an opera singer, and a revealing memoir for regular fans of operatic performances. The Opera Australia chorus is not ‘singing wallpaper’ or standing at the back of the stage ‘parked and barking’. It is a dedicated bunch supporting the principals to ensure a performance is successful.
Reviewed by Clive Hodges
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Australian-New Zealand opera singer Katherine Wiles has been a permanent member of the Opera Australia Chorus since 2007. She has performed and understudied several principal roles with Opera Australia, State Opera South Australia, New Zealand Opera and several companies throughout the United Kingdom. Her career highlights include performing at the Edinburgh Festival; guest soloist onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, Scotland; touring Australia with the 60th-anniversary production of My Fair Lady, directed by Dame Julie Andrews; and performing in the Concert Hall at Sydney Opera House.
Katherine holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Auckland; FTCL Voice from Trinity College, London; and a Master of Music (Advanced Opera) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is the Australian Ambassadorial Advisor for the Dame Malvina Major Foundation, New Zealand, and continues to perform full-time with Opera Australia.
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