Why do you do the job that you do?
Opera incorporates all art forms, which is amazing. Everything I wanted to do "when I grow up", exists in this profession. I also like that it's dress-up time for most of the year and not only during Halloween! Seriously, I love the ability to explore different characters and in the process exploring different sides of my own personality.
Who has influenced you most professionally?
My very first voice teacher in Israel, Dorit Atzmon, a spiritual, musical, soulful lady who gave me all the right tools.
Is there any other profession that you would have liked to have followed?
I love animals and am pretty sure that, had I not been a singer, I would have pursued a profession involving working with animals.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A combination of creativity expressed with talent and skill, the joy of giving and healing others, plus secure, loyal and selfless relationships and friendships. And oh, good health.
If you could have dinner with a historical figure, who would it be?I'd have a really good dinner, at a top restaurant, with Georges Bizet, and I would insist on paying the bill at the end, as a token of my humble gratitude for this parallel world (of Carmen) which he has granted me.
One thing you regret is…
Not growing up in a multi-lingual European country. Having worked in Europe for a while, I can tell you that being absolutely fluent in most if not all sung languages, is a real plus. Many of my colleagues speak French, German, Italian and English as fluently and idiomatically as they speak their mother tongues. To that, many also add Russian and Spanish. That comes from having been exposed to those languages as children and young adults. It is much harder to have to study languages "manually" later in life, which I have. I would have to live in Europe to catch up with Euro linguists.
If you could have any opera character as a friend, who would it be?
Most operatic characters would be lousy as friends – way too dramatic, crazy, vindictive, narcissistic… nothing I'm after in a friend. Maybe someone not in the spotlight, like Suzuki (from Madama Butterfly) would make a proper girlfriend. That she would probably invite me for some great home-made Japanese food and sake would be a plus!
Who or what is the love of your life?
Dogs are. All dogs. Any dogs. Definitely. Dogs.
What are you optimistic about?
Nothing, really, ha ha.
You would like to devote more time to…
Learning Flamenco dancing. I’d love to spend a good few months of every year in Spain, doing Flamenco until I become a real pro.
What is your favorite food?
I am gluten intolerant, which limits my options, but luckily what I love is already gluten free – fresh, wholesome, non-GMO, organic, unprocessed whole foods.
What is your most treasured possession?
I cannot live without my computer. But most treasured possession? I don't think I have any. Better without.
Which is the opera that got you hooked?
It wasn't until I actually was involved as a singer on stage that I got hooked. The very first opera in which I performed was Don Giovanni.
Which opera do you never need to hear again?
I assume it would have to be some atoned, badly written, difficult-to-listen-to piece. But I am not very familiar with those.
What is your idea of misery?
Having to cancel a show.
You still hope to…
One day be happy in the moment and not be worried about before or later.
Which characteristics do you most admire in others?
I respect studious, curious, ever-learning people. I admire loyal, good-hearted people.
You feel guilty when you think about…
All the time I waste on Facebook.
What type of holiday do you most enjoy?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
If I could adopt the "no worries mate" Australian motto, and really believe it, I'd be a happier woman.
What is your favourite kitchen appliance?
Definitely my gluten-free bread-baking machine.