Who is Kathryn Radcliffe?
Just some chick who can sing a bit. I can make good cakes, and I’m doing pretty well at being a mum so far, according to the reviews from my two-and-a-half-year-old. That’s about enough to be getting on with, I think…
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I had always planned to become a vet from a very young age. It was just by chance that I auditioned for a VCA Bachelor of Music degree at the last minute. I didn’t expect to be accepted into the course! But I was, and the rest is history.
Who inspires you and why?
On a personal level, my mums inspire me. My musical mums: Shirley Wolnizer who taught me music in primary school, Sharon Lierse who taught me flute since pre-school, and Anna Connolly who taught me singing as an adult. Then we have my grandmothers, my aunties, and of course the original and the best: my own mum Becky Radcliffe. I am also a die-hard David Attenborough fan. But then, who isn’t?
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think that for most people, making a difference might not be some grand public gesture, but a series of small efforts and long-term contributions that we make day to day. I have been the beneficiary of many small acts of kindnesses from others over the years, and so I know what a huge difference they can make to people’s lives. My aim is to pay it forward!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Don’t get me started on Prague. If you love Art Nouveau, it’s the best place to go…
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I love taking visitors up into the Dandenongs, through Kallista and Olinda, or even as far as Marysville. It’s such a beautiful drive, and those tall trees and giant tree ferns are so unique to our part of the world. It’s magical at any time of the year!
What are you currently reading?
Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
What are you currently listening to?
Whatever my toddler is obsessed with. It’s ABBA at the moment. I could sing you Waterloo backwards. She’s a little rocker.
Happiness is?
Having both my toddler and my dog fall asleep on me at the same time. Only trouble is I can’t get up until someone else notices and comes to rescue me. Until then I’m trapped under a pile of snoring cuteness. Bliss.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m due to have my second baby in early August, so life’s going to be a bit of an adventure this year!
Kathryn stars as Leïla in Victorian Opera’s presentation of Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Thursday 22 April 2021. For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: Kathryn Radcliffe – photo by Charlie Kinross