How did you first get your start into the world of opera?

The art of story telling always fascinated me. My first teacher was an opera singer and together we experimented with Jazz and Musical theatre. Hearing her sing, watching opera for the first time and beginning the journey of learning classical technique somehow immediately made sense to my ethos and approach to music. When I found the art form, it felt like I had no choice but to explore it.  From then on, I shaped my world to follow it (as much as my life as a teen in Western Australia could allow). It was usually watching a DVD of opera and putting my efforts into understanding how I could shape my life to pursue it; at the time it was applying for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

You’ve performed as Mimì in La bohème before, what do you love most about this role!

I love Mimì’s simplicity and how it is paradoxically immensely profound. A character that at first glance is seemingly straightforward and free from obscurity continues to surprise me. Each time I play this role I learn not only something about the character but also about myself, and inversely, the more I learn about myself, I see new sides of Mimì. It’s a comment on Puccini’s genius and just  one of the many reasons La bohème is such a relatable opera for singer and audiences alike.

What’s your favourite part of the rehearsal process?

Generally it is the firsts of each process. The first music call, the first day of staging, sitzprobe (first orchestra rehearsal) and then walking on the set for the first time in the theatre. It’s the first time we get introduced to our colleagues and see how they like to work. I have come to love in betweens and the highs and lows too.

Favourite song in La bohème?

It’s hard to chose but I would have to say Rodolfo’s aria. The lush lyrical phrases and the poetry; it’s no wonder Mimì falls in love with him so quickly.

When you’re not performing, what’s your go-to way to relax and recharge?

I like to be out in nature, preferably in the sun and near a body of water with the people I love.

What do you hope audiences take away from La bohème?

For me, good opera and art allow me to feel, dream and reflect. I hope audiences feel liberated and inspired to do so with our production of La bohème. With themes of truth, freedom, love and friendship, it has all things relatable and familiar to any audience.

Anything you are excited to do when visiting Brisbane?

I would like to see the Botanical Gardens. In a new city I generally like finding a cafe for a good cup of coffee and a favourite restaurant to enjoy at the end of a long week. I hear there is a lot to chose from in Brisbane! Beyond that, I’ll be enjoying Australian comforts like a double coated Tim Tam.