Who am I? The process of identity renegotiation for opera choristers following redundancy

This chapter examines the way in which opera singers deal with the loss of identity incurred by redundancy and in particular, the fragility of an identity in music that is work dependent. Examples of this process of identity renegotiation are drawn from research conducted with eight professional opera choristers, all of whom had undergone enforced career transition. A key factor in the transition was found to be the close relationship between voice and self and the need to re-evaluate the role of singing as an agent in the formation of self. Highlighted is the importance of a flexible identity in music that can accommodate a multi-faceted career but also, the lack of practical psychological support available to help established professional musicians cope with career crisis.