Who is Gemma Nha?
Hi! I’m Gemma Nha, full name Soo Hyun Gemma Nha, and I am a 26-year-old Korean-Australian opera singer and musical theatre performer.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I almost went to law school after graduating high school, so I suppose I would be a lawyer if I wasn’t a singer. I’m still interested in potentially going back to school for law later in my life.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by many people. My mom, because she is the hardest working and most resilient person I know and she makes me want to do and be better. I’m inspired by my colleagues and anyone I work with, because I love seeing and hearing how other artists’ brains work and learning from their ideas and approaches to music and art.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think what we do as artists is already making a difference in the world by sharing our art and being vulnerable on stage and allowing audiences the opportunity to feel emotions and be human for a few hours of their day. I would love to be able to create an organisation to support artists and help them continue to inspire and be inspired and share their talents with people all over the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere with a beach, or Korea for the food!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When friends come to Vienna (where I currently live), I would take them to Prater in the summer or the Schönbrunn Christmas market in the winter. Prater is the theme park/fair in Vienna and they have great rides and games, it reminds me of growing up on the Gold Coast and going to Movie World.
Schönbrunn is the palace where the Empress Sisi (Elisabeth) spent her summers, and it’s a great backdrop for a night out with some punch or mulled wine. In Sydney, my favourite place is the Sydney Aquarium, so that would be my must-visit attraction when friends come to town.
What are you currently reading?
Victor Hugo’s Le roi s’amuse for research and prep for Rigoletto. For enjoyment, I have 29 Kurzgeschichten aus Wien (29 Short Stories from Vienna).
What are you currently listening to?
I’m always listening to anything and everything. The Ragtime soundtrack, Marin Mazzie’s rendition of If He Walked into My Life from the musical Mame, Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, Benson Boone’s new song The Time of My Life, and Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope album.
In classical rep, I’ve recently been loving Sibelius’ art songs, and of course, a lot of Rigoletto – Joan, Pavarotti and Sherrill Milnes with Richard Bonynge and the London Symphony Orchestra is a staple, Cheryl Studer’s Gilda at the Met is my personal fave.
Happiness is?
Finding a pencil, pizza with sausage, telling the time (iykyk).
What does the future hold for you?
I’m honestly not sure, but I hope there’s good music, good company, good food, and a lot of time in the sun on a beach.
Gemma stars as Gilda in Opera Australia’s production of Rigoletto – which will be presented in the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House from 21 July – 21 August 2026. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Gemma Nha – photo by Michael Hull