Ms Norma Knight

Opera Singer and Teacher

Norma Knight (Class of 1960) is an opera singer and voice teacher. She has performed many operettas and has taught everything from jazz to opera for 40 years.

Norma became a nurse for five years after she graduated from State High, but she knew that she was "always going to be a teacher." Growing up in a musical family, Norma always sang. Her mother started the Brisbane Children's Theatre, which she participated in from the age of 7 to 15. Living in Adelaide, Norma's opera career began when she was asked to fill in for somebody. Afterwards, she joined the State Opera Company, then travelled to England for 4 months to study with numerous tutors.

The operas she has performed include Cosí fan Tutte by Mozart, in 1975, in which she played Dorabella. It won the award for Best Opera in Australia for that year. She also played the lead character, Iolanthe, in the operetta Iolanthe by Gilbert and Sullivan. A modern production of another operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan, Patience, was performed at the cloisters at Adelaide University. Norma's character in the original was Lady Jane, but since the operetta was updated to the 1960s, her character was a mature-aged student named Moonbeam. Norma also played Venus, the Goddess of Love, in Orpheus in the Underworld, an operetta by Offenbach. Recently, she sang at an exhibition in an art gallery in South Australia.

The Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS) started in 1989. Norma attended their first meeting and was asked to establish the South Australian chapter of the association. She was on the committee for 27 years. She explained the importance of ANATS as an association that is "elevating singing teaching to a profession". They now have scientific processes and use of technology, such as a Nasendoscopy to examine the vocal chords.

While at Brisbane State High, Norma was a prefect, she played hockey and was also in the choir. In Grade 11, Norma performed in the school musical where they performed H.M.S Pinafore and she was Josephine. When Norma attended the 25 year reunion for her class, she caught up with many of her fellow actors in the musical. She said the reunion was "really fascinating" because some people looked exactly the same, whilst she didn't even recognise others.

Norma acknowledges that opera is a "hard world" that is very competitive. Her inspiring message to students, especially those who are interested in the performing arts, is to "follow your passion". She also says to "be vulnerable and be willing to wear your heart on your sleeve". Lastly, "be genuine— be absolutely yourself, because you are the only one of you in the whole world". These words to live by have fuelled the success of opera singer and voice teacher, Norma Knight, who since graduating from State High, has had a fulfilling career doing what she loves.

Written by Angeli Lamont*

*NB: This alumni profile was crafted by a State High student as part of the school's student/alumni interview project during the 2021 Centenary celebration.