New Zealand soprano Margaret Medlyn plays the Kostelnicka in the NBR New Zealand Opera's upcoming season of Janacek's Jenufa.

In this week's TBI Q&A, Margaret Medlyn says she enjoys "being on stage and channelling all that mental energy from the audience, to communicate the text and the music of the piece I am performing."

The Glyndebourne Festival production premieres in New Zealand, opening in Auckland on September 20 and Wellington on October 11.New Zealand soprano Margaret Medlyn plays the Kostelnicka in the NBR New Zealand Opera's upcoming season of Janacek's Jenufa.

In this week's TBI Q&A, Margaret Medlyn says she enjoys "being on stage and channelling all that mental energy from the audience, to communicate the text and the music of the piece I am performing."

The Glyndebourne Festival production premieres in New Zealand, opening in Auckland on September 20 and Wellington on October 11.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
I'm a late night person, so often after dinner I get great ideas and during my reading time in bed before I go to sleep.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Individual, slightly quirky, likes chunky jewellery!

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Being on stage and channelling all that mental energy from the audience, to communicate the text and the music of the piece I am performing.

How does your environment affect your work?
I've rehearsed in some marginal areas - cold, damp, etc which is Death for a singer, so, as long as it's warm and dry and has some airflow, I'm happy.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Both. I'm a stickler for detail but at some point you have to let it all go and look at the big picture.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Being your own No 1 supporter as most employers are looking at you to do a job, not to keep you happy and bolster your ego.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Singing Salome, and Kundry in Parsifal.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
Iris Apfel - you asked about style and I read an artilcle about her in Vougue and subsequently bought a book about her. Amazing life and amazing collection of textiles and clothes.

What kind of research did you have to undertake to prepare for this role? - Marise Gold
I have learnt some Czech, and I have read a lot of the background to the story.
NZ Opera brought a Czech coach out from London so I worked with her.

This is a very complex role with strong links to Janacek's own life. Have you ever played a role which is so closely linked to the people and events of the composer's real life? - Philippa Harris
No, this is a first.

Did you and your sister, Helen, sing when you played together as children? - Jane Coughlan
We sang together as a family with our parents and grandparents.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
A medical dostor, specialising in ear, nose and throat. I was always going to be a doctor from the age of 5, and am still fascinated by all things medical.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Home and Wellington.
My agent's villa near Volterra in Italy

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
I rarely listen to music for pleasure as my ears get tired. But when I do it is often in the car on a longish journey.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A kite?
A jelly bag -to strain cooked fruit through to make crabapple or quince jelly.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Have a deep tissue massage once a week.

What's great about today?
Today I have spent the day with my daughter who lives in Auckland so that's a real treat.
What's great about the time we live in - the telecommunications and Skype - easy to keep in touch with friends all over the world.

What's your big idea for 2008?
I just want to survive 2008 - it's been one heck of a year and I'm looking forward to a break in December. I had all these creative ideas but have run out of time to do any of them!

11/09/08