Who is Christina Bianco?
I’m the most grateful singer, actor and impressionist who can’t believe she’s lucky enough to travel the world doing what she loves. She’s also an incredibly petite New Yorker who talks too fast, is obsessed with dogs and frequently eats her weight in pasta.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I absolutely have to be doing something creative. If I couldn’t sing or act, I’d probably be… either a sugar artist, making cakes with fondant and gum paste – or an event planner – or a bespoke travel planner! I like that one the most at the moment because I get way too excited planning trips for my friends and family. Getting all the details about what they love and then organizing the perfect holiday. I do it even if they haven’t asked me. But so far, no one has complained!
Who inspires you and why?
There was no template for me to follow to get here. No example and no mentor to look to for advice. So rather than listen to a lot of industry professionals who tried to guide me down a path that someone else had taken, I looked to study artists who found themselves in a similar situation. I’m greatly inspired by those who’ve had successful, long and varied careers, covering many genres of the arts.
Somewhere down the road, I’m sure they were told the same thing I was told: “You can’t do it all. You have to pick a focus. People won’t understand.” But if you know who you are and what you want, you can break through and create something new AND build and keep an audience that will cross multiple performance platforms. I frequently read up on, support and go see the artists who I feel have done this. It’s truly inspiring and encourages me to keep pushing myself.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d like to open a sanctuary for elderly and abandoned animals. It may not sound like a lot, but it doesn’t take much to make a huge difference. And you can really change the world for these animals.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
This is tough because even though I’ve had to get extra pages added to my passport, I still don’t think I’ve been to enough places yet to properly answer! My first thought is to say the United Kingdom. I absolutely love the time I’ve spent in England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland and I’ve barely scratched the surface. I love European cities because they are so unlike American cities, with history around every corner. And adjacent to those cities are stunning, green-hilled country sides, in which I can get visit a thatched roofed cottage inn and sit down by the fire for a steak and ale pie with a gin & tonic. Who could ask for more?
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The High Line. New York City has so many classic sights to choose from but I like taking my pals to this new one. Which is actually still old! It’s an old elevated train track that was turned into a linear park and spans 1.4 miles along the lower west side. Looking down from above, you get to view so much of the cities color and attractions. On the highline itself, you’ll find the best people watching, snacks from local eateries and beautiful views across the Hudson. In the summer you can even snag a spot to sunbathe!
What are you currently reading?
Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s Marina. I love his previous books and have had this one on my shelf for over two years because I was waiting to read it on a vacation that never happened. So far it’s wonderful and I only wish I’d opened it sooner.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m an old school kinda gal so today’s selection is Louis Prima – The Capital Recordings. Perfect for a Sunday in New York! I love his personality, the big band music and Keely Smith has always been one of my favorite vocalists.
Happiness is?
A lazy morning, sipping a strong cup of coffee, cuddling with my husband and our schnoodle Jeff.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m returning to Australia in the new year to perform at the Perth Fringe, and then concerts in Brisbane. Lots of other cool irons are on the fire but the only thing I’m 100% certain of is that I’m going to get cuddles at a Koala Sanctuary. I’m not flying home until it happens.
Christina returns to Sydney in O Come All Ye Divas! at the Sydney Opera House: 13 – 15 December 2018. For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com or www.christinabianco.com for details.
Image: Christina Bianco (supplied)