Who is Lauren Fagan?
Lauren Fagan is an operatic soprano, born and raised in Sydney but now living in Vienna. I grew up in a very sporty family, but gradually found my way into classical singing, and later opera, after encounters with fantastic and passionate music teachers, both in primary school (Sacred Heart, Pymble) and high school (Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College, North Sydney) and just after school with incredible support from the Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I don’t think I would change much as I feel very fortunate with the life I have led so far. I guess thinking back a few years as I was reaching my mid-30s, I suddenly realised what I wanted was a professionally fulfilled, but also balanced life, with interesting and challenging opera work, but always having the time to prepare properly for an upcoming role and also time to nourish the important relationships in my life – family, friends, partner. I think in the last few years I’ve made more of an effort with the latter, and this has consequently had a positive impact on my singing too.
Who inspires you and why?
All the athletes competing in the Olympics. I find the discipline, focus, training, commitment and insane pressure these athletes face is incredibly inspiring and motivating.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think the biggest thing I can do is to use my voice. I have seen over and over how positively classical music can impact someone’s life (from inspiring and evoking emotions never felt before, all the way to stress relief or assisting with Alzheimer’s disease) and hence I think it’s very worrying to see music education and funding continually in decline in Australian schools. I would ideally love to invite interested children to come to the opera at a very low-ticket price (or even for free) so all children get the equal opportunity to experience and see how classical music makes them feel and what it inspires them to do.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere with beautiful beaches. I am an Aussie summer girl at heart and chase the sun at every possible opportunity. When Eugene Onegin at Opera Australia wraps up, I will head to the Whitsundays for a sailing holiday as I love the feeling of sleeping on the water and then waking up at a private secluded bay.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Always Palm Beach and the bush walk up to the Lighthouse. Coming to this part of the Northern Beaches always makes me feel extremely lucky to have grown up in a country with this much natural beauty on our doorstep.
What are you currently reading?
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro… highly recommend! A beautifully written book from the perspective of Klara, an AI (Artificial Friend) who is chosen as the companion of a sick child, Josie – it’s very thought provoking and relevant in today’s increasingly AI focussed society.
What are you currently listening to?
Vanessa by Samuel Barber. I am currently learning the title role for the Spoleto Festival in Italy and it’s now on repeat in my ears – the music is extremely cinematic and it’s somewhat relaxing to listen to an opera in English for a change.
Happiness is?
Morning runs along the water and ideally with my golden retriever Charlie, with the promise of coffee and lounging in the sun afterwards.
What does the future hold for you?
New exciting operatic roles coming up in Europe but also the promise of some nice engagements which will bring me back to Sydney. I will also be continuing to build my life in Vienna and hopefully get better at speaking German!
Lauren stars as Tatyana in Opera Australia’s production of Eugene Onegin – which will be presented in the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House from 17 – 28 March 2026. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Lauren Fagan – photo by Victoria Cadisch