Refinding my voice: ‘When I sing nowadays – out loud and alone – my voice is a shadow of its former self. In a choir setting? Sure I’m Lady Gaga’

Refinding my voice: ‘When I sing nowadays – out loud and alone – my voice is a shadow of its former self. In a choir setting? Sure I’m Lady Gaga’

I’m nervous. As in very nervous. While I stand there, poised with my ears and eyes on high alert as I await my cue, I’m vaguely aware of the hum of low voices, a bit of background throat-clearing, and the clicking of female high heels on the tiled floor as a few last-minute arrivals take their seats. Then everything falls silent.