and on numerous subsequent occasions, is "What is Life?" (Che farò) from Orfeo ed Euridice. These records sold in large numbers rivalling those of other stars of the time, such as Frank Sinatra and Vera Lynn. In the 21st century Ferrier's recordings still sell hundreds of thousands of copies each year. Notes and references Notes References Sources External links The Kathleen Ferrier Society (KFS) Flat at Frognal Mansions, Hampstead, with blue plaque "The Community, Voice and Passion of Kathleen Ferrier: A Critical Outlook on the Legendary English Contralto by Yakir Ariel, n.d. (2018?) (brief samples of Ferrier's voice, from a recent CD issue) (biographical summary.) (In Dutch, with a synopsis in English, it includes an account of the preparation of the 1951 Holland Festival recording of Orfeo ed Euridice for release on record.) 1912 births 1953 deaths Commanders of the Order of the British Empire Deaths from cancer in England Deaths from breast cancer Decca Records artists English contraltos English opera singers Operatic contraltos People from Blackburn People from Walton-le-Dale Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medallists Golders Green Crematorium 20th-century British women opera singers