Why did you choose to become an opera singer?
As a child, I was as quiet as a mouse and terrified of even being seen or heard in public, so it was only by chance that I entered the singing profession. I joined my high school choir when I was 13, but only after my older sister in year 9 had successfully auditioned. The choir master knew she had a younger sister, me, and invited me to come along and audition too. I was petrified!! But I got in and I loved it, and I haven’t ever looked back.
At school I was always very competitive and I wanted to be the best at everything. I worked hard at my singing, taking on vocal solos here and there, and also chose theatre as a subject to help me out with the stagecraft side of things. I guess I got hooked on the thrill of performing! It was then that I decided to take on singing professionally and auditioned for the Brisbane Conservatorium as soon as I’d finished year 12.
What sort of training have you undertaken?
I’ve undertaken a lot of tertiary study, including five years at the Brisbane Conservatorium of Music, completing both a Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma of Music. I have also completed summer courses and short courses at the Australian Academy of Music in Melbourne, and other singing workshops and master classes around Australia.
My studies have also taken me overseas where I lived in Rome, Italy for several months, studying Italian and taking vocal lessons with the distinguished Australian soprano Margaret Baker-Genovesi who has since returned to Australia and now resides in Brisbane.
Most recently, I ventured over to Graz, Austria on a scholarship awarded to me by the Opera Foundation of Australia. In Graz, I undertook a six week course at the American Institute of Musical Studies which aimed at “getting a foot in the door” to the European professional operatic scene. I got the chance to audition for opera agents, sing with orchestras and perform concerts in and around Graz. It was truly an unforgettable and invaluable experience.
How is working with Pacific Opera helping to advance your singing career?
Pacific Opera is unique, in that it provides young singers with burgeoning talent the opportunity to spread their wings on stage, to experience the opportunity to perform entire operatic roles in a quasi-professional environment. It provides an all-important stepping-stone into the world of professional opera where experience is key, not only to your prospective employer, but in order to enhance and develop your own stagecraft, vocal stamina and self-confidence as a performer and as a soloist.
Pacific Opera not only assists the singer from within the realms of performance. It also provides a young performer a platform on which “to be seen”, to be scouted out by agents, and the chance to prove themself to the industry. I can think of no better training ground.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been so many highlights for me. One of them would have to be singing at the Sydney Opera House. It is such an iconic building and is so symbolic of the operatic art form both within Australia and abroad. I have had the great honour of working for the last two and a half years with the Opera Australia chorus. It has taught me so much about the industry and so much about myself as a performer and as a person.
What is your next goal?
I would love to further my career as a soloist, and this is where Pacific Opera fits in. I am very looking forward to singing the role of “Lisa” in their upcoming performance of Bellini’s La Sonnambula. It’s definitely a step in the right direction.
We profile soprano Julia Malczewski, one of the talented Pacific Opera artists Telstra Wholesale customers will see performing as part of our 