On the Couch with Lise Lindstrom

Lise Lindstrom AAR On the CouchWho is Lise Lindstrom?
I am a dramatic soprano from a humble household in the small town of Sonora, California. I grew up with my extraordinary mother telling me I could be anything I wanted to be in life. However, when I announced I wanted to be a singer she readily said “please, not that!”. Fortunately for us both, I was just stubborn enough to not give up, and lucky enough that the right opportunities arrived at the right times and I now sing opera all over the world.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I have no idea. I can’t imagine anything I’d rather be doing – or anything I’d be particularly good at doing!

Who inspires you and why?
The men and women in our world who are striving to make a difference for others. People who are natural leaders seeking to creatively find solutions to help us all to evolve. I hope that in some small way what I do adds some beauty and inspiration to the world.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Try to remind people of the immense beauty that surrounds us and the joy of collaboration.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Staying home. As I am easily away from home anywhere from 250 to 300 days a year. The joy of waking up in my own home, in my own bed is unparalleled.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I live in San Francisco, so the first place we drive to from the airport is the beach, and then to the Golden Gate bridge. What better introduction to San Francisco?

What are you currently reading?
I’m just trying to keep up with my email inbox.

What are you currently listening to?
It’s my only day off so I’m giving my ears, and head a rest. When I want to listen to music I have an eclectic taste. My iPhone playlist includes: Bach, Wagner, Strauss, Rachmaninoff, Pink Floyd, Alice in Chains, Oscar Petersen, Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Tibetan singing bowls…

Happiness is?
Collaborating with lovely people to create something substantial in one of the most profound art forms that exists. Opera is such an incredible team sport – it takes 100’s of people to bring together what we put on the stage. Working with all these people and bringing the production to life is an absolute Joy.

What does the future hold for you?
After singing Salome in Sydney, I fly back to Germany where I’ll sing Götterdämmerung Brünnhilde in Leipzig, then to Naples, Italy for Die Walküre Brünnhilde and then finally a month at home after a year on the road. I’m looking forward to all of it!

Lise stars as Salome in Opera Australia’s production of Strauss’ Salome at the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House: 6 – 26 March 2019. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.

Image: Lise Lindstrom (supplied)