Who is Lorina Gore?
Someone who likes to sing… everything from opera to pop music. A fixer of broken things (appliances, gadgets, computers) with a bit of crazy bunny lady also thrown in for good measure.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I love my job, but being away from home and my family is hard. It would be great to not need to travel so much… but then I can’t perform in operas and large orchestral concerts in my little home town of Kangaroo Valley!
Who inspires you and why?
Those who are patient and respectful to others. And people who are kind to animals. It’s not talent nor money that I find most inspiring, but the actions of anyone who is led purely by selfless generosity with a willingness to do what is best for others – both socially and environmentally.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Wouldn’t it be great to cure cancer? Stop global warming? End world hunger? I’m not sure I can manage anything of such note, but it is certainly a privilege helping people to experience emotion through live music and stories. I’m also always trying to advocate for better care for animals, through my rescue volunteer work.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Being at home! It always feels like I’m on holiday when back home in Kangaroo Valley. It’s a very special place to live, and only a couple of hours drive from Sydney. I also have a vintage caravan that is fun to go on adventures in, to regional areas of Australia.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Backstage at the Sydney Opera House is always very interesting. A bit of ‘behind the scenes’, and if they’re lucky – a tour of my dressing room! I also love to take friends to one of my favourite restaurants in Sydney – Yulli’s in Surry Hills.
What are you currently reading?
I’m actually re-reading Hamlet in preparation for our production at the Opera House. There are a few different versions, but the Arden performing edition is the one I’m finding most useful.
What are you currently listening to?
When I’m not listening to the music for whatever opera I’m working on, I love to get online to seek out live performances of amazing artists from the past. Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Shirley Bassey, Carole King. It’s amazing what footage you can find of live performances now!
Happiness is?
Kissing bunnies. I’ve been a volunteer for The Rabbit Sanctuary rescue for about 5 years now, and have two very big rescue bunnies of my own that live free roam in my house. I like to help others with rabbit care information too via the Australian Rabbits group on Facebook.
What does the future hold for you?
Definitely some more singing, and more bunny volunteer work. In the last year I’ve also started a little online shop called The Rabbitorium selling healthy foods for pet rabbits, which keeps me busy! I have a little holiday in Vanuatu planned with my sister and mother in a couple of months. And then there will be lots more kissing of bunnies. I will never stop doing that.
Lorina stars as Ophelia in Opera Australia’s production of Brett Dean’s Hamlet – which will be presented in the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House from 20 July – 9 August 2024. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Lorina Gore (supplied)