Who is Kohsei Gilkes?
I’m an opera singer born in Perth to Japanese and Australian parents. I spent my early childhood in Japan before returning to Perth for school, and I’ve been based here ever since.
I’m currently a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist with West Australian Opera (WAO), and I’m loving every moment of it, especially the opportunity to work closely with WAO’s incredible artistic director, Chris van Tuinen, and the inspiring guest artists who come through the company.
When I’m not singing, I enjoy spending time with friends playing board games and card games, and I occasionally like to cook as well.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I weren’t an opera singer, I think I might have become a game designer or maybe a cook… it’s hard to say! That said, I don’t believe everything I love has to be mutually exclusive.
So, who knows? In ten years, you might find yourself dining at my opera-themed restaurant, featuring live performances from yours truly and a curated collection of rare and vintage board games from across the globe!
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by the people I meet, whether it’s a colleague, a mentor, or even someone I only cross paths with briefly. Opera is, of course, about singing but at its core, it’s really about people. You can’t make meaningful art without connection: with your fellow performers, directors, crew, and most importantly, the audience.
Every time I connect with someone, I feel like I carry a little of that interaction with me and over time, those moments shape who I am, both as a person and as a performer.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I had unlimited money and human resources, I’d give teleportation a red-hot go. Just imagine a world with no more long commutes, zero carbon emissions, and the ability to pop by Antarctica for a quick family trip to dance with some penguins.
I wouldn’t really want to get involved with time travel though… the butterfly effect terrifies me. Speaking of butterflies… I’ll be making my principal debut with West Australian Opera in Madama Butterfly from 26 July to 9 August, so get your tickets now!
But in all seriousness, I don’t think making a difference has to mean changing the course of human history. If I can make the people around me laugh and be happy, I’m hopefully making enough of a difference in the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love travelling around Japan! I usually go back once a year to visit family and friends, but my favourite part is exploring new parts of Japan every time I return.
This year, I’m thinking of visiting Nagasaki, partly because I sing about it so much in Madama Butterfly! I’m looking forward to exploring the local cuisine and spending some quiet time just wandering, taking in the atmosphere and letting the place speak for itself.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When friends visit Perth for the first time, I usually take them to Kings Park and its beautiful botanic gardens, followed by one of our world-famous beaches.
I also love taking people to Rottnest Island. Cycling around the island and spotting quokkas is always a highlight. I think these places really show off just how beautiful Perth is… and I just really like quokkas.
What are you currently reading?
To be truthful, I don’t do much reading in my spare time, at least not novels. Most of my reading now is musical! I’m deep in the score for Madama Butterfly as I prepare for the upcoming season.
That said, I’ve also been buried in the Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook so I can fully nerd out with my friends. We’ve been going on some epic fantasy adventures and constantly seeing how far we can push our Dungeon Master before he loses it and throws an archdevil at us from the Nine Hells.
What are you currently listening to?
Right now, I’m listening to Madama Butterfly on repeat as I prepare for the upcoming season. It helps me train my reflexes so even when I’m fully in character, acting and moving on stage, the music is second nature.
Outside of work, my musical taste is all over the place. One day I might be listening to Japanese classics my mum used to play in the car when I was a kid, and the next it’ll be heavy metal.
Happiness is?
For me, happiness is enjoying the little things in life and being able to share them. I love singing, I love the stage, and I love making art with others. Getting to share that experience with an audience sometimes makes me feel like I’m the happiest person in the world.
What does the future hold for you?
In the immediate future, I will be performing a few shows around Perth, most notably, Madama Butterfly. Looking further ahead… I honestly have no idea! That uncertainty both excites and terrifies me equally. But I’m looking forward to working hard, embracing new opportunities, and seeing where this crazy journey takes me.
Kohsei stars as Goro in West Australian Opera’s production of Madama Butterfly – which will be presented at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth, from 26 July – 9 August 2025. For more information, visit: www.waopera.asn.au for details.
Image: Kohsei Gilkes (supplied)