I've just come back from two weeks in Perth, Australia that seemed to have a theme of Homegrown. Soaking up some family time, performing some Australian music and eating fresh produce from Mum's garden.. those passionfruit ripened justtt in time!
So firstly, my best friend Maddy and her lovely (ol'-Kingsley kid ✌🏼) husband Mike celebrated their wedding in Perth which also brought together a little reunion with a few of the PG 2015 WAAPA gals <3 Can't believe it has nearly been 10 years since we took the leap to move the the UK and pursue careers in music. Maddy is killing it in Theatre, Bonnie is a WA icon in early music, Corinne is a West End star and has amazing vocal studio. Continually inspired by these ladies.
(left to right: Daniella Sicari, Madeleine Joyce, Bonnie de la Hunty, Corinne Cowling)
Then some work related things! Gosh, I feel so lucky I get to do what I do for work. This trip I was producing and performing for Bloomhouse Projects with a fantastic cast in a project literally called Homegrown. The recital celebrated Australian poets, composers, stories and artists. It was a beautiful programme to prepare and even more so, watching my colleagues perform their pieces.
Tonya Lemoh was our collaborative pianist, Niamh Dell (oboe), our guest artist and James Pinneri (Baritone) was our Emerging Artist. Getting to work with these artists was so fulfilling and inspiring. We shared quite a few WA premieres in this programme and I'm so pleased with how it was received. I really hope we can present this recital again one day soon!
Here is an interview I did with Magazine 6000 about the recital: READ HERE
I also had the chance to work with some of WAs young singers who are looking to take the steps in their career. Caitlin Cassidy and I ran an audition workshop for Bloomhouse Projects with the wonderful Tonya Lemoh. We chatted what, when and how to prepare for auditions and even had a mock audition session. It was really nice to meet some of the recent singers coming out of WAAPA & UWA and talk to them about their plans and aspirations.
My Best Judys had yet another outing - this time back where it all began at Lyrics Underground in Maylands. We got the original gang back together and sang some Judy tunes with a Christmas twist. It was a fun evening :)
Then the really special part of the trip was being home, seeing family, meeting babies that I hadn't met yet and seeing Mum's garden! Some harvesting highlights: a Caesar salad with the cos lettuce, lemon drinks with the rosemary, blueberries and passionfruit!
Now I'm back in London for a few weeks and spending Christmas with some WAAPA expat pals and friends. Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas!! 🎄
Thanks, Perth. Until next year. 💜
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