Deborah studied at the RNCM and the National Opera Studio. After winning the Maggie Teyte International Competition, she embarked on a career which covered an extensive repertoire of diverse musical styles from Cavalli to Knussen. She won the Glyndebourne Esso Award, and among other roles performed there, she scored particular success singing Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. Abroad she worked as principal guest soloist with Netherlands Opera, Grand Theatre Geneva, Theatre Du Chatelet, La Fenice and La Monnaie with Antonio Pappano; and in Britain at Opera Northern Ireland, Scottish Opera, English National Opera and Royal Opera House.