EMMA Matthews might be Australia’s most highly awarded soprano, but these days the Perth singer is more interested in how her performances can teach and inspire her students.
After living in Sydney for 25 years, Matthews returned home at the start of 2018 to where her career began, becoming senior lecturer and the head of classical voice and opera studies at WAAPA.
“I always planned to come home; there is just such a high amount of musical talent over here,” Matthews, of Karrinyup, said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“To be back at WAAPA and in the town where I learnt my craft is really lovely.”
The former Perth Modern School student is preparing for her next role, joining the 2019 touring cast of From Broadway to La Scala, which includes Teddy Tahu Rhodes, David Hobson, Caroline O’Connor, Genevieve Kingsford and WAAPA alumnus Alexander Lewis.
“It’s a wonderful mix of artists; Caroline O’Connor is such a legend,” Matthews said.
“I’ve worked with Alexander’s dad Michael Lewis in many operas, so to get to sing with his son is just delightful.
“Teddy and David and I are old mates and the three of us have wanted to do something together again for a while.”
The program combines some of the greatest songs from opera and music theatre, either sung as a full company, duet or solo.
“It’s such a great idea to have all these different people, all of us at the top of our field yet so different, come together to do a concert that has something for everybody,” she said.
“I think it will bring a lot of music theatre people to opera and a lot of opera people to music theatre.
“And to share this program with my WAAPA students, to have them hear all the people I’m singing with, this is what it’s all about.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: From Broadway to La Scala
Where: Perth Concert Hall
When: September 14
Tickets: www.frombroadwaytolascala.com.au
Christine Anu to press Rewind with The Aretha Franklin Songbook