Claudia Mackay Portrait Opera

Profile

Voice type

Soprano

Nationality

Australia/Belgium

Vocal coach

Marcus Niedermeyr

Frontales Portrait einer braunhaarigen Frau in einem glänzenden hellgrünen Kleid. Sie trägt Ohrringe und eine Silberkette,

Former musical studies

2019–2021: Master of Music in Opera Performance, Conservatorium of Music, Dr. Anke Höppner-Ryan (Sydney, Australia)
2018: Graduate Diploma in Classical Voice, Dr. Anke Höppner-Ryan (Sydney, Australia)
2015–2018: Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, Conservatorium of Music, Professor Goetz Richter AM (Sydney, Australia)

CV

Performed operas:

2023: Zerlina, Don Giovanni, W.A. Mozart, Pacific Opera Company, Sydney Independent Theatre (Australia)
2022: Taumännchen, Hänsel & Gretel, Engelbert Humperdinck, Berlin Opera Academy Opernfest (Germany)
2021: Tytania, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Benjamin Britten, NIDA x Sydney Conservatorium, NIDA Parade Theatre (Australia)
2021: Nimfe & Muse, Gli amori d’Apollo e di Dafne, Francesco Cavalli, Pinchgut Opera, City Recital Hall (Australia)
2021: Woglinde, Das Rheingold, Richard Wagner, Verbrugghen Hall (Australia)
2020: Noémie, Cendrillon, Jules Massenet, Sydney Conservatorium Opera School Filmed production (Australia)

Most important projects/concerts:

2023: Soloist for Last Night of the Proms with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, Concourse Theatre (Australia)
2023: Soloist for Paul Carr’s Requiem for an Angel (Australian Premiere), St Francis of Assisi Paddington (Australia)
2023: Soloist for Felix Mendelssohn’s St Paulus Oratorio, op. 36’, St Stephen’s Church (Sydney, Australia)
2022: Guest Artist for the 2022 Shakespeare Memorial Lecture with Kate Gaul’, Sydney Seymour Centre (Australia)
2021: Soloist for the Sydney University Symphony Orchestra’s Opera Gala, Verbrugghen Hall Sydney (Australia)

Masterclasses :

2021: Helena Dix, Sydney Conservatorium
2021: David Greco, Sydney Conservatorium
2020: Donna Balson, Sydney Conservatorium

Awards:

2023: Pacific Opera Growth Scholarship
2023: Prue Kennard Scholarship
2023: Young Artist Program Claudia was one of 9 Young Artists to be selected in 2023 to join the Pacific Opera Company’s Young Artist Program
2022: Forbes Award for Outstanding Female Singer in the Opera School
2020: Bud Brown Memorial Scholarship for Merit

Why are you studying opera?

I am motivated by the idea that I will continue to learn about music and my instrument for the rest of my life. Every challenge I face is an opportunity for artistic and personal growth and I am grateful to be in a field that encourages me to endlessly discover and evolve as a musician.

What was your first encounter with opera?

My first experience with opera was within the captivating setting of Baz Luhrmann's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream performed by Opera Australia at the Sydney Opera House. This work delved into three distinct soundscapes – the realm of lovers, the domain of mechanics, and the ethereal world of fairies – and meticulously distinguished each group's profound link to their surroundings. This compositional technique as well as the opulent set and production thoroughly piqued my fascination with opera.

Which is your favourite opera and why?

My favourite opera tends to be the one I'm deeply engrossed in learning at that time. The reason behind this lies in the profound connection I establish with the melodies, characters, and plot as I dive headfirst into its intricate complexities. Not only this, but allowing my imagination to roam freely and explore different characterizations adds to the fulfilment I experience and only further develops my appreciation for what that work has to offer.

Claudia Mackay