Sophie Ricca
Opera School Student
What’s your link to Townsville? I was born in Townsville and I grew up in the Burdekin on a cane farm.
Where are you now? This will be my third year year in Brisbane studying opera. I feel extremely lucky that I get to learn alongside young performing artists of all genres every day. I live around 10 minutes away from Southbank and my campus is located just near the Wheel of Brisbane. Being so close to QPAC and the city is fantastic, although I still find myself daydreaming about my dad’s sugar cane paddocks.
What performances do you have coming up? I’m in the middle of rehearsals for the upcoming Val Machin Opera Scenes at the Queensland Conservatorium and I’m looking forward to returning to Townsville to perform at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.
How did your time in Townsville set you up for success? Growing up in the Burdekin, I was a part of the Burdekin Singers, a fantastic performing arts organisation that fostered a love of music in me from a young age. Moving to Townsville in 2012, I was as eager as ever to keep performing. I discovered NQOMT and a new door was opened. A fantastic opportunity came to Townsville in 2014 where locals could audition to be a part of Opera Queensland’s chorus of La Boheme. From that point on I decided to prepare for auditions into opera schools.
Do you still come ‘home’ to Townsville and the Burdekin to visit?I’m very close with my family and try to get home to see them as much as my schedule will allow. My boyfriend is also in Townsville so you could say I’m often scrolling the Internet looking for a sneaky flight home for the weekend!
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