Who is Jane Ede?
I’m a principal soprano with Opera Australia (OA) and an expert juggler – a sometimes diva, mum to a 5 year old and wife of another full time performer. Detailed score notation, time management and daily logistics are my speciality.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I am utterly content with where I am as a singer (although I could use a few more hours in the day sometimes), however, at the end of high school I had to choose between following music and forensic pathology, and every time I watch Silent Witness or CSI, the twinge to be a pathologist pops up again.
Who inspires you and why?
People who can achieve excellence in their field while remaining down to earth inspire me. I’ve met a bunch during my time with OA, from that point of view every day in the rehearsal room brings inspiration! Lise Lindstrom, Elizabeth Connell, Patricia Racette, Jonathan Summers and John Wegner are just a few examples. And I find all forms of creativity very exciting, particularly in dance, film and art. Australian artists on the whole are amazingly creative, especially with the sometimes limited resources we find ourselves facing.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
There is no excuse for the way the world currently creates and then treats refugees. I would become an advocate for people fleeing poverty, persecution and war.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Paris! I knew as soon as I met my husband that I had to take him to Paris, because he would love it so much. We went last year and it was a total second honeymoon for us. The beauty of the city and the surrounding countryside, the amazing culture and the delicious local cheese and wine all feed the soul.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
For a night out you really can’t beat Opera on the Harbour, it’s an amazing experience watching the sun set over the Sydney Opera House while waiting for a great show (besides, I can get them a discount).
What are you currently reading?
The third Neapolitan novel by Elena Ferrante. I had a stack of a dozen literary novels that I had purchased to read this year, but got distracted when a colleague lent me the first one, they are quite addictive!
What are you currently listening to?
Nixon in China, the albums of Lucy Wainwright Roche and a playlist that I made for my daughter that is chock full of Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and numbers from the movie, Sing.
Happiness is?
Quiet family days at home, with us all in the same city and nothing on the agenda.
What does the future hold for you?
More of the same, hopefully! There are some dream roles I’d like to tackle and I’d like to do my bit to encourage people to get out and engage with the wonderful and vibrant arts scene in Australia.
Jane can be seen as Frasquita in Opera Australia’s production of Bizet’s Carmen at Arts Centre Melbourne from 4 May 2017. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au or www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Jane Ede (supplied)