Dame Emma Kirkby

[SusanB-M1]

This evening, 22nd July, 10:45 ITV there is a 'South Bank Show' (with Melvyn Bragg) which is all about Emma Kirkby. For that, I'll stay awake! For those who do not know her, she has a wonderful voice for Early Music and apparently the programme is going to include her giving a master class in Italy.

[jenspen]

I can remember when I first heard her. To hear the clear, sweet, pure voice in early music was such a relief. Sopranos seem to be mostly trained to wobble. A *lot*.

[SusanB-M1]

I can remember when I first heard her. To hear the clear, sweet, pure voice in early music was such a relief. Sopranos seem to be mostly trained to wobble. A *lot*.


The programme was definitely worth watching. She is, as you would expect, an enthusiast, and has a lovely sense of humour and obviously gets on very well with others. There was a vote apparently which put her among the top 20 sopranos in the world but MB pointed out that this was a bit annoying to supporters of grand opera and EK was confidently modest. Will you get the programme in Australia I wonder? I'm not sure about her hair style - somewhat 'distressed' I think, but I'm probably totally wrong there!

Although the music she sings is very much involved with religion of course, there was no discussion about her own belief. As Melvyn Bragg was the presenter I would make a wild guess and say that she is a sceptic about the 'god' inspiration behind the music. I might spend a little time investigating.