If Australia gave the world its greatest soprano Nellie Melba in the 19th century, England produced the world’s best contralto when Kathleen Ferrier was born on April 22, 1912.
Her extraordinary voice was a one off, and her life was over too soon when she died of cancer in 1953, aged just 41.
Beloved Katie – a celebration of Kathleen Ferrier will have its premiere performance on Saturday July 23 as part of the 2023 Diamond Creek Concert Series.
But behind the superb voice of Kathleen Ferrier was a down to earth Lancashire lass with an impish sense of humour and genuine friendships with the musical greats of her era, from Britten to Barbirolli.
Patrons can meet the character behind the voice, and hear some of her wonderful songs in Beloved Katie, written by Jamie Moffat and performed by narrator Julie Houghton, mezzo-soprano Karen van Spall, soprano Suzanne Shakespeare and piano accompanist Isaac Mouskovias.
The performance concludes with a Devonshire Tea after the show, included in the ticket price.
It is all happening on Saturday July 23 at 2pm, Diamond Creek Uniting Church, Wensley St, Diamond Creek. Tickets are $20 or $15 concession, and can be booked by ringing Graham on 0419 361 487 or emailing gford@bigpond.net.au . Tickets are also available at the door on the day of performance.
This will be a musical exploration of an iconic voice who left the world too soon but lives on through her wonderful recordings.

• Helen Armstrong