The British mezzo-soprano Susan Bickley is unusually versatile, with a repertory ranging from the early Baroque to the contemporary period. Many of her appearances have been in substantial German and Russian roles calling for considerable stage presence and power. Bickley was born in Liverpool and grew up with music-loving parents who encouraged her talents. Her father was a school music teacher and administrator. As early as age three, she was recorded singing Christopher Robin is saying his prayers. She attended the City University, London, and as she devoted herself more se...