Who is Jessica Blunt?
On stage, I am an operatic soprano. I sing coloratura (high and fast notes – if I was a plane, think an aerobatic plane) but also have a weightier lyric sound as well (think of a Boeing-787). I am about to finish my two-year tenure as a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist with West Australian Opera. Off stage, I’m a wife, a music teacher, I try (and abandon…) a new craft-related hobby once a month and I love learning about (and tasting…) wine.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
When I finished school, I was faced with a big decision. I knew my life would revolve around storytelling and connecting with people, but in what capacity? Should I follow my passion for singing and tell great stories that had already been written? Or should I follow my passion for fiction and write my own novels? Maybe there is another life where I am going to book launches as an author instead of opera season launches.
Who inspires you and why?
Honestly, my parents. My Dad has taught me to make the most of every moment and live life with a great sense of adventure and courage. My Mum has taught me how to feel grounded and supported, and that great love and friendship is founded on kindness and building other people up. I hope I live by both those principles.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
When I’m not performing, I teach music to primary school students on the outskirts of Perth who wouldn’t usually have access to music education. I really enjoy that work and hope I’m making a little difference in their world each week.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m fortunate to travel to Europe a lot with my opera work, but since you’ve specifically asked for my favourite place to holiday, I will say Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island. I love extreme adventure sports (though, no bungee jumping, thanks) so Queenstown’s blend of adrenaline and rugged beauty has captured my heart.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I grew up in a beachside town in NSW, but even I can admit – Perth beaches win. I will always make an acai bowl at Cottesloe Beach one of the first stops on the Perth itinerary, followed by a wander through the quirky streets of Fremantle. A visit to a cidery and a drive in the hills is a must, too.
What are you currently reading?
My tastes vary greatly book-to-book. I’ll go from whatever is trending on the shelf to something obscure a podcast recommended. I’ve just finished Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary and am halfway through Shelby van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m preparing to perform a principal role in West Australian Opera’s Il Trovatore, so my playlist at the moment is different recordings of the opera to give me inspiration and ideas for my own interpretation of the role.
Happiness is?
Finishing an opera performance and coming home to my husband. I spent some time living overseas in the UK and Europe, and my husband and I spent about four years living apart pursuing the start of our (very different) careers. I’ll never take having both things at once for granted.
What does the future hold for you?
As I finish my position as a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist with West Australian Opera, I’m looking forward to a lot of exciting things next year – keep an eye out for the 2026 season launch on October 16 to find out more!
Jessica can be seen as Inez in West Australian Opera’s production of Il Trovatore which plays at Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre from 16 – 25 October. She is also set to perform a series of Verdi hits at An Operatic Journey through Emilia-Romagna at Garum in The Westin Perth on 30 October 2025.
Image: Jessica Blunt – photo by Alana Blowfield