Patricia Kern

Patricia Kern (14 July 192719 October 2015) was a British mezzo-soprano and voice teacher.

Early years Patricia Kern was born in Swansea, Wales, the only daughter of a master shipwright, Clifford James Kern, and Doris Hilday (née Boyle). Patricia started her music career as a child star in cabarets and concerts at the age of five, wearing top hats and tails. During the Great Depression, Patricia became the family's chief breadwinner when her father lost his job.

She made several recordings, including Massenet's Manon (1990) and Monteverdi's Madrigals (1998).

Teaching career In 1980, Kern was appointed adjunct professor of voice at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music, where she taught for more than 20 years. Her pupils included James Westman, Russell Braun, Brett Polegato, Jean Stilwell, and Kimberly Barber and Peter McGillivray

Death Kern died at a palliative care facility in Toronto on 19 October 2015 at the age of 88.