Who is Michaela Cadwgan?
I am a soprano from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Aotearoa has been my home since 2005 when my family made the move from England. I consider Melbourne to be a sort of second home, after living here for a couple of years while I was an Opera Prize recipient with Victorian Opera across 2024 and 2025.
I have performed with leading opera companies and orchestras across Australasia, including New Zealand Opera, Victorian Opera and Wellington Opera. This year I was appointed as New Zealand Opera’s Freemasons Foundation Company Artist.
Outside of singing and performing I am passionate about fitness, an avid reader, foodie, and lover of arts and crafts.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’ve pondered this question many times! I love to bake, create and read – perhaps I would have a little craft café that I would run with my older sister who shares a lot of the same passions. We have talked about this, too!
Over the last couple of years, I’ve become incredibly interested in health and fitness so I’m looking into further study in those areas not only for myself, but so that I can help people as well.
Who inspires you and why?
I’d say my family is my biggest inspiration. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by family that loves and supports me unconditionally. My parents, sister and brother-in-law are incredible people, full of determination, kindness, strength and love.
My nephew, who is 3, brings so much joy and really makes me appreciate the small things in life – he’s already such a cool little human. It becomes a bit of a long list, but I can honestly say every person in my “village” is a big inspiration – including my best friends, and my Aussie family, too.
I’m also inspired by great singers and musicians, sopranos I love to listen to include Leontyne Price, Asmik Grigorian, Jessye Norman to name a few.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
This year I performed the title role in New Zealand Opera’s Red! We took the opera around the whole of New Zealand for five weeks, amounting to a total of 45 performances and reaching more than 12,000 children across the North and South Island.
This was one of the most fulfilling and inspiring things I have done to date. It was amazing to be able to perform to all those children and show them that opera/music is fun, and to hopefully inspire them in some way.
I think now connection is so important in a world that can feel divided, so being able to share this art form with people of all ages and hopefully bring some joy is, I hope, the start of making a difference. I love to connect with people so extending a little bit of kindness every day is something else I try to do.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
This year I went to Southeast Asia for three weeks. I travelled through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. I had the best time seeing elephants, spending time at night markets, kayaking, visiting temples and eating amazing food.
I especially loved Luang Prabang in Laos. I would love to go back and spend more time in these countries. The people were so kind, and it was an amazing experience. I especially enjoyed learning about the cultures, history and meeting so many new people.
Another favourite destination of mine is Queenstown, especially in the Winter months. What’s not to like about sitting by a fire surrounded by beautiful mountains? The last time I went to Queenstown was in 2021 with my parents and I have so many fond memories of that trip. It is such a special place.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When I was living in Melbourne my best friend came to visit, we spent many days exploring art galleries, Melbourne Museum and the markets. I think that was a great way to experience the wealth of creative and cultural spaces Melbourne has to offer, and we had so much fun perusing market stalls and trying lots of food. I would definitely recommend something like this.
If someone were to visit Auckland, I would say go to Waiheke Island. A day-adventure with a ferry ride, beautiful scenery, beaches, and many wineries and eateries to visit. It’s a beautiful part of New Zealand. I had the most wonderful time there with some family that visited from Melbourne recently and I think we all thought it was one of the highlights of our time together.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Opera Wars by Caitlin Vincent. I’ve only just started it, but it is interesting so far!
What are you currently listening to?
I think my music taste is rather broad, but recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Laufey. I went to her concert in August with my sister. I’ve also been listening to a lot of The Turn of the Screw, so I could really immerse myself in its world before starting rehearsals.
Happiness is?
Doing what I love, whether that be a performance on the stage, having a family dinner, catching up with friends, trying out a new sourdough recipe, a good gym session or time reading a book. When I make time for those things it really fills my cup.
What does the future hold for you?
Soon I am making my role debut as Miss Jessel in Victorian Opera’s The Turn of the Screw. I absolutely adore this opera – it is thrilling and the music is wonderful. The cast and crew are all such talented people. It is a show that should not be missed, even if you’re not an opera lover, I would urge everyone to come along.
Later in the year I will be performing with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and following that I will be enjoying a summer break spending as much time with my family and friends as possible with good food, music and lots of laughter.
Michaela stars as Miss Jessell in Victorian Opera’s production of Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw – which will be presented at St Kilda’s Palais Theatre from 29 September – 1 October 2026. For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: Michaela Cadwgan (supplied)