Australian soprano Tiffany Speight returns to play Musetta in La Boheme, the NBR New Zealand Opera's new production. The production sees a vibrant cast and creative team bring this timeless classic back to life in a fresh and stylish way.

Tiffany took time out this week to answer questions from The Big Idea members. She tells us more about her role, her discouragements along the way to an established career, her most memorable role and her 'dearest dream' as an opera singer.

She also tell us what she thinks gives La Boheme its wider appeal.

"It deals with everyday issues of love and death."Australian soprano Tiffany Speight returns to play Musetta in La Boheme, the NBR New Zealand Opera's new production. The production sees a vibrant cast and creative team bring this timeless classic back to life in a fresh and stylish way.

Tiffany took time out this week to answer questions from The Big Idea members. She tells us more about her role, her discouragements along the way to an established career, her most memorable role and her 'dearest dream' as an opera singer.

She also tell us what she thinks gives La Boheme its wider appeal.

"It deals with everyday issues of love and death."Which present-day attributes come to the fore in this contemporary adaptation of La Boheme (and how do you consolidate contemporary and traditional aspects in your interpretation)?
- Sylvia Zlami

Boheme can adapt to all eras. The music is relevant to any era.

You said in a 2005 interview that opera should have entertainment value to compete with contemporary entertainment - do you think the contemporary setting of this version of La Boheme will attract and satisfy a broader audience?
- Kristin Lush

Absolutely, there are references throughout for all to enjoy.

You've played the role of Mimi before - has that experience shaped the way you've approached playing Musetta?
- Kristin Lush

Not really. I have come to the role with no expectations. The role is a blank canvas.

What difference has the "contemporary interpretation' of the Opera La Boheme made to your presentation and performance of the role of Musetta?
- Juliet Monaghan

She isn't as flighty and frivolous. She has a lot more heart and depth to her personality.

What is the role you would most like to perform?
- Heather Bell
What would be your dream role?
- Sierra de la Croix

Butterfly

How does the role of Musetta in this production of La Boheme compare to the role you played as Pamina in The Magic Flute in 2006?
- Margaret Jiang

Both women have a strong sense of self. They are both older than their years. They both know what they want.

What is the best costume you have ever worn, and why? (I love costume)
- Jennifer Kay Jeffries

A gown in "HMS Pinafore" for Opera Australia. The designer made two gowns. They were covered in crystals and sequins and had an empire line style, like the gowns in the movie "Titanic". He gave one as a gift for me to wear on my wedding day.

What is your dearest dream as an opera singer? - In the realms of what is her dream role and why - and/or - in the realms of making a difference in peoples lives and how?
- Diana Elliot

To use the human voice through song to help and heal the sick and ease the pain of the terminally ill in a palative care programme.

I would like to know about any discouragements Tiffany has had on her way to becoming successful as an opera singer
- Gina Vanessi

Reviewers saying that I can't sing. Disgruntled teachers saying that I will never make it.

Who in your mind played the quintessential Musetta?
- Paula Boock

Hard to pinpoint; everyone who performs her makes their own mark!!

Do you have a suggestion as to how classical music can be made to appeal to a younger audience in NZ?
- Sara Goessi

Do more operas with directors like Patrick Nolan (director of this production of La Boheme).

How do you prepare for the role? Do you immerse yourself in the story and the music or do more than that? Do you listen to other singers sing the role, or form your own interpretation from scratch? How do you discover the essence of the character Musetta?
- Pauline Logger-de Roos

I normally try and learn a role from scratch and only listening to others when I know it fully. I often dress and take on a few traits of the character that I am playing.

What from your perspective gives La Boheme its wider appeal; as it's described as the most popular Opera?

It deals with everyday issues of love and death

What do you think is the trickiest aspect of trying to marry the traditional/classic opera with modern day relevance?

Sometimes the props have to be changed to make them more relevant.

And do you enjoy working on this more for different reasons than you do when working on more obscure works?
- Ceili Murphy

I always enjoy each role that I am working on: I can't compare them.

Notwithstanding the timelessness of the opera's themes, what were the difficulties in singing an old piece of music convincingly and true to its origin and times while realistically casting oneself in a modern setting (and yet still do justice to both times)
- Kristin Lush

This opera lends itself to all eras. The themes of love and death are always present.

In the 21st century adaptation what disease will claim Musetta?
- Helen Gillespie

Probably bi-polar or depression!

What is the most memorable performance you have ever been in? (Did you ever have any catastrophes such as other performers not turning up, for example?)
- Anna Sedcole

My first role of Zerlina in Don Giovanni. It was set in the 1940's and I had to strip down to my underwear through my first aria. The audience was made up of 2500 teenagers - you could have heard a pin drop.

Why do you think opera is important to people, to New Zealanders and Australians in particular?
- Richard Howard

I think music balances out the sports culture that has both countries obsessed.

What's your big idea for 2008?
- The Big Idea editor

That people stop being so self-absorbed and start thinking about how their actions affect everyone else. Compassion is the key!

More information

The NBR New Zealand Opera Winter Season of La Boheme

WELLINGTON - St James Theatre
Sat 10 May, Thu 15 May, Sat 17 May (7:30pm); Tue 13 May (6:00pm)

AUCKLAND - Aotea Centre, THE EDGE ®
Thu 29 May, Sat 31 May, Thu 5 June, Sat 7 June (7:30pm); Tue 3 June (1:00pm)

Single Tickets: $49.50 to $159.50; Concessions available. Service fees apply.

Bookings: Ticketek outlets nationwide, Tel 0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz. Bookings also at The NBR NZ Opera Box Office: Tel (09) 379 4068 or Tel (04) 499 8343.

Related story: Hot international stars take lead roles in La Boheme

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30/04/08