Reviews

Testimonials

"I bring to your attention Thora Ker - a singer with an impressive list of achievements behind her and in my opinion a bright future before her. I was especially impressed-at the Apollo Theatre in Oxford- when at literally an hour's notice she took over the role of Selina in Weber's 'Oberon' and sang it with great distinction that evening and two nights' later. It gives me great pleasure to recommend this highly talented artist to whoever may be able to offer her the opportunities she so richly deserves". Sir Alexander Gibson (Conductor)

I have worked with Thora both as a teacher and colleague and continue to be most impressed by her dedication and talent. She is a consumate actress and highly musical singer - a very potent combination and thoroughly deserving of the wide recognition she has received. Gillian Knight (International mezzo soprano,The Royal Opera and D'Oyly Carte Opera)

Reviews

The singer whom these shows can hardy fail to catapult from near obscurity to stardom is Thora Ker - singing the title-role in Iolanthe with such pathos, and giving Phoebe such vigour but never at the expense of honeyed musical quality. Arthur Jacobs, Classical Music.

But the most amusing act of all is supplied by the beautiful and spirited Thora Ker as Phoebe. Daily Express

Under Christopher Renshaw's astute direction, the sensitive Thora Ker makes Phoebe into another figure of thwarted passion. Alan Blyth, Daily Telegraph

Thora Ker made an excellent English National Opera debut as Pitti-Sing with exquisite Joyce Grenfell like comic timing. Arthur Jacobs, Opera Magazine

Il Matrimonio Segreto, Les Azuriales Opera.........There were memorable comic cameos, notably from Thora Ker (Elisetta). A. Khandekar, Opera Now

The Gambler, ENO....There is a nice haughty Blanche from Thora Ker. Paul Griffiths, The Times

'Were I thy bride' is horribly vulgar (though Thora Ker's vigorous redhead is outstanding, a far cry from the part's usual archness). Martin Hoyle, Financial Times

Thora Ker brings real verve and spirit to the part of Phoebe, her comic entanglements with Terence Sharpe,(shadbolt) are some of the finest, funniest moments. Raymond Rose, The Scotsman

Thora Ker plays Phoebe as a flame haired cockney with feet and fists that are not slow to lash out and a sense of comic timing which is endearing. Sunderland Times

Oberon, Scottish Opera.......There was much to enjoy on the musical side such as Thora Ker's excellent Selina. Robin Wilson, Oxford Mail

Some of the singing was superb, especially that of Thora Ker (a vivacious Phoebe). Manchester Post

Iolanthe....of a strong team of soloists Thora Ker is first rate in the title role. Glasgow Herald

Thora Ker sings and acts the role of Iolanthe delightfully. Daily Telegraph

Iolanthe....of a handful of soloists who project personality and presence and who give an individual interpretation to established roles - Thora Ker and Richard Suart springs to mind instantly. Phil Penfold, Newcastle Chronicle

In a series of outstanding performances, the jewel was Esurientes, with an exquisite poise and ideal balance between the flutes, the delightful continuo and the fine contralto voice of Thora Ker. Michael Tumelty, Glasgow Herald 

The beautiful contralto voice of Thora Ker brought forth rapturous applause from the audience in the Queen’s Hall Edinburgh where she sang the contralto solos from Handel’s "The Messiah". E. Dawson, Borders’ Echo 

But it was contralto Thora Ker who stole the show and merited several cries of “more, more” from the audience. This is Ker’s first time in Canada, and the only complaint that can be voiced in Ker’s regard is that the controlled timing of the show didn’t allow her to offer the requested encores. Sandra Albers, Entertainment Editor, Kamloops Times, Canada 

But the highlight of the evening was Thora Ker, she is a particularly fine singer and interprets her music with intelligence and sensitivity and is capable of moving one to tears with her arrangements of My Ain Folk and I’ll Walk Beside You. Betty Swimmings, Citizen Special Correspondent, Canada 

Thora Ker’s recital to her ‘ain folk’ enthralled the near capacity audience in Kelso’s Tait Hall. A professional, relaxed, polished performance was enhanced by the superb piano accompaniment from Mark Packwood. The performance ranged from opera to show music, including Scots songs. Rarely has the Kelso audience witnessed such a musical treat - a talent rightly appreciated far beyond the Scottish Borders. A musical recital of the highest quality. 
A.C. Southern Reporter 

A highlight of the evening was Thora Ker who gave a tingle down the spine when she filled the Barracks with her fantastic voice. Narrator for the Berwick and Edinburgh Festival Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton, described Thora as “first class” and said that by bringing her high quality singing to the event she was helping to increase the variety of the Tattoo programme. Amy Cartmell, Berwickshire News and Southern Reporter

Riders to the Sea....Thora Ker and her committed performance both as an actress and vocally, of the central role of Maurya the mother, made a deep impression. Malcolm Rayment, Glasgow Herald

Thora Ker has the stature, dignity, splendid voice and insight necessary for Lucretia. Such a powerful presentation of the central figure is the first necessity of this Britten opera. Stuart Campbell, The Scotsman

But the women stole the honours with Thora Ker (Lucretia) singing superbly. Glasgow Herald

Columba......There was also some good singing, outstandingly from Thora Ker as the Irish slave Bridget. Stephen Walsh, The Observer