Who is Maia Andrews?
Sydney born and bred and the youngest of four. My introduction to opera was watching my siblings perform in the children’s chorus at Opera Australia before joining myself where I fell in love with the art form. I lived in Germany for five years where I studied a masters of opera, was a member of the Thüringen Opernstudio, and began performing in theatres before making the decision to come home a year into Covid. I’m loving being in Australia again amongst old friends and family and am very happy to be working with the national company.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I think I’d be a great casting agent for opera!
Who inspires you and why?
Cliché but true… it’s got to be Callas. Her artistry and skill are simply unmatched.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I hope to make a difference in my students’ lives.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anyone who knows me knows how much I bang on about Italy: the food, the art, the gestures, the passion, the language, and the endless beauty.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Bondi to Bronte walk with a swim at Gordon’s Bay on the way because it’s iconic.
What are you currently reading?
Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver.
What are you currently listening to?
Besides countless recordings of La Bohème, I’m quite into podcasts of all kind. I love the short stories on The Writer’s Voice, the gossiping on Normal Gossip, and the hilarious retelling of Greek and Roman mythology on Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!
Happiness is?
Very very long dinner parties with close friends.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ll be singing Mimì again straight after our tour in Perugia, Italy.
Maia stars as Mimi in Opera Australia’s production of Puccini’s La Boheme – which commences its national tour at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong from Friday 12 July 2024. For more information, including dates and venues, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Maia Andrews (supplied)