Reviewed by Carol J. Binkowski, May 24, 2024
In this absorbing memoir, Menter (Office Sutras: Exercises for Your Soul at Work) recounts her sometimes awkward and often droll coming-of-age journey. Finding refuge and comfort in recordings of the famed D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, she learned about the group’s Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire, its structural organization, and its history. She also delved deeply into the musical roles and background of the company’s contralto Ann Drummond-Grant (1905–59), whose stunning performances on those recordings prompted Menter to pursue a singing career.
