Who is Eleanor Lyons?
I’m Eleanor Lyons, a Sydney-born soprano currently back home in Australia for a few opera projects, though I usually live in Vienna, Austria. I love the bush, swimming in the ocean, sewing concert dresses, cooking and eating, etymology, colourful jewellery, and vintage sewing patterns. I’m a mother of two, a conductor’s wife, and a business co-founder, trying to balance it all.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I really love what I do now, especially when I get to perform with my husband. Looking back, I wish that when I was younger I had slowed down a little and been more present, rather than worrying about getting every tiny detail perfect. I could have enjoyed things more deeply instead of fussing over things that didn’t really matter in the end. I also wish I had been kinder to my body, and loved it more.
Who inspires you and why?
People who make someone’s day better. People who take the time to connect meaningfully. People giving their best every day. People supporting others in the background. People pushing for new ideas and more kindness. I know that might sound simple, but all of those things can make a meaningful difference over a lifetime. Acts of kindness can save a life.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I try to make a difference through my art, using my voice and heart to reach people. I don’t have grand dreams of changing the world, but I can try to touch people through singing, to help them feel what is already within themselves and, in the best-case scenario, experience some kind of catharsis through art. I’ve experienced that myself as an audience member and felt permanently changed by it. If one person is moved, then I have made a difference for today.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I think that a holiday is doing something different to your everyday… not necessarily a place… My favourite destination is probably home, or wherever I am travelling for work. A holiday for me can mean being able to repot my plants, finish a few sewing projects, and bake with my daughters. Or perhaps a holiday is about making the most of where you are. Living away from Australia and our extended family is tough, so coming back to Australia is always very special.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
We live in Vienna, so I would take them out to the gorgeous 19th District, where Beethoven would wander and gather inspiration. We would walk up the hills to the vineyards for a glass of local white wine and watch the sunset over the city. Then perhaps we would go to a concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
I also love visiting fabric shops all over the world, and Vienna happens to have a fantastic fabric shop called Komolka. The only problem is that not all of my friends are into fabric.
What are you currently reading?
Pushkin’s Evgeny Onegin, in the original Russian, very slowly, with an English translation in parallel. I’m also reading Julie Andrews’ autobiography Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years. I love magazines too, including Green Magazine, about sustainable architecture, and Grass Roots Magazine, about sustainable living.
What are you currently listening to?
Apart from listening to things I need to study (which include Mendelssohn, Wagner and Mozart), I am listening to the 2026 Eurovision playlist because the kids took over my phone. Also, all the Disney soundtracks, which of course I know by heart because they get put on repeat!
Happiness is?
Being alive. Beholding my two daughters dancing and laughing in front of the mirror. Holding my husband’s hand. Singing beautiful music. Making a mayonnaise from scratch that doesn’t split. Enjoying a swim. Life is generous, and I’m grateful.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m looking forward to a great deal of Beethoven and Mahler over the next few years, and to doing a little more opera now that our girls are growing up. I also look forward to more projects with my husband. Sharing a huge experience like an opera together is a wonderful thing.
Eleanor stars as Tatyana in West Australian Opera’s production of Eugene Onegin – which will be presented at His Majesty’s Theatre Perth from 6 – 15 August 2026. For more information, visit: www.waopera.asn.au for details.
Image: Eleanor Lyons (supplied)