31 Dec 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Mezzo-soprano Deborah Holborn, who performs both fully-staged operas and concert-staged productions of song and oratorio, and is joining St Albans Chamber Opera as the mother in their production of Amahl and the Night Visitors.
As part of the Philharmonia Chorus, Deborah performed in the inaugural series 6 screening of TV show ‘Outlander’ at the Royal Festival Hall.
What is your favourite single item of clothing?
My pink, fluffy dressing gown. My husband calls it my “admin-kimono” because I spend so much time working in it! I am wearing it currently!
What’s your favourite meal?
Food is very important in my family and we always talk about it! I cook often, but my love is in baking and I often bring round cakes or desserts for family meals. My favourite three course meal would be: duck pancakes, beef stroganoff, and lemon meringue pie (following my Mum’s recipe.
What are your preferred pizza toppings?
I love a thin, Neopolitan style pizza, with a crispy base, barbeque sauce, pulled pork, sweetcorn and pineapple! (I know this will divide opinion!).
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
The dramatic soprano Jessye Norman. One of my greatest regrets is that I will never be able to see her live.
What super power would you like to have?
I would love to be able to click my fingers and be transported somewhere. One of the downsides of being a musician is that I spend a lot of time travelling, especially for auditions.
What was your best subject at school?
Languages in general, French was the best.
Do you speak any foreign languages?
I sing in several languages: Italian, German, French, Russian, Polish, Czech, Latin and even Gaelic for a world premiere of ‘Outlander’.
However, I speak conversational and “opera” French. I’ve worked in France for several years performing with opera companies and with choral societies. I spent this summer in Bayreuth on a Wagner scholarship and spoke German out there. I also speak basic Italian. I’m very lucky in that I pick up the language wherever I go.
Do you play any musical instruments?
My voice is my instrument! However, I do play the piano. I trained initially as a music therapist and now I accompany myself when I run song-sessions for those with dementia or in care homes.
Who was your favourite cartoon character when you were a kid?
I love Disney, so probably any Disney character. When I was wee my favourites were Ariel (from ‘The Little Mermaid” and Marie (from ‘The Aristocats’) because they sang. There may be a trip to Disneyland on the cards this year…
Were you well behaved at school?
Yes, I was actually really boring and very studious!
