Who is Libby O’Donovan?
Libby O’Donovan is renowned for her nuanced interpretations and extraordinary voice. She is a critically acclaimed Jazz and Cabaret performer and an award-winning Musical Director.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Right at this very moment I am traveling from Cronulla to Wollongong on our Love Sermon tour and I am having a conversation with myself about not packing togs and thongs! It’s beautifully warm here and going for a walk along the beach this morning, I really wanted to take a dip.
Who inspires you and why?
All of the incredible women who have gone before me and those who continue to display incredible acts of bravery and courage to make the world a better place.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Access to free education, for every person.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love to visit places where there’s a great community that is welcoming! I also love visiting places with a vibrant arts and music scene. There are so many great places across this country, it’s hard to pick one! All of the capital cities have excellent theatres and live music venues of course, but there are some regional gems that I’ve stumbled across as I’ve travelled that have truly been great. I also can’t go past my hometown of Broken Hill. Try to get there when the Sturt’s Desert Peas are out, they’re my favourite flower.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would definitely take friends to the vibrant market offerings around Adelaide. From the central Markets in the city, to the Willunga Farmers’ Market and the Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market. Of course, then we would visit the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and the beautiful beaches. The best thing about Adelaide is how easy it is to get around to all of these places. I would urge friends to around Festival time in March, June and November, when the city is packed with shows and music and food and fun!
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Phosphorescence by Julia Baird.
What are you currently listening to?
I listen to a lot of audio books and podcasts. In relation to music, it really depends how I feel and what I’m doing. I love listening to classical choral music when I’m doing any kind of administrative or writing tasks. When I’m traveling, I love listening to singer songwriters and usually I’ll put a random shuffle on and discover artists that way.
Happiness is?
Happiness is absolutely everywhere. In nature, with family, friends, music, dance, poetry.
What does the future hold for you?
I have no idea what the future holds for me. I try to live in the now and not ruminate on past or future, because there simply is nothing I can do to change either one. I can only change right now.
Libby is touring across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria throughout October and November this year with Love Sermon. For more information including performance dates and venues, visit: www.lovesermon.com for details.
Image: Libby O’Donovan (supplied)