During her studies, she took part in the production of the opera The Poisoned Kiss by Ralph Vaughan Williams, which she regarded as her first proper stage experience.
I remember being offered a chair and mistily replying 'we prefer to float about the ether' and there was a roar of laughter, and it hooked me on making people laugh.
During the 1960s, she returned to the UK as a session musician, and sang in the Glyndebourne Chorus, Opera For All, and the John Alldis Choir, performing in the latter's choral accompaniment to Pink Floyd album Atom Heart Mother.
It was through McKellar's pressure that the Music Department appointed a full-time pianist, Maurice Till.
[4] Lemalu has said of McKellar that he would not have a singing career without her: "I remember your boundless energy, patience, and instilling fun and joy in my music making.
"[2] The university held a morning tea at their new Performing Arts Centre to celebrate McKellar's 100th birthday in November 2020.