I always tell my three-year-old son that I go to the opera house to tell people a story. I also explain to him that I stand on a stage and get to sing ‘songs’. I tell him that I have to practise at home so that my voice is loud enough in the evening for everyone to hear me. His response is usually a dry “but please not so loud!”.

Almost everything I learnt during my studies goes into my work. Working with my voice on a daily basis is a key part of my professional life. At the moment, the skills I learnt on my Master’s in Performance are particularly useful, as they are exactly what is required in an opera company.

I often wonder what the future holds for our industry. These are bleak times, especially for freelance musicians. I am lucky enough to have a permanent job, which gives me financial security. Sooner or later, we will all have to ask ourselves how – and indeed whether – we want to preserve culture in our society. The political trends towards sidelining culture are alarming and worrying.

No. Although I am an opera singer and work in the ‘arts scene’, I have lots of other interests as well. If I only ever spent time with other artists, I would probably go mad.

I draw inspiration from a variety of sources: from poetry, music, nature, stage designs, the people around me, and my own experiences. Inspiration usually strikes when I least expect it, and that is the beauty of it.

Above all, I need spaces where I can find peace and quiet. I find these spaces with my family. My practice requires spaces that inspire me. My workplace, the Bavarian State Opera, is just such a space!

In all sorts of ways. I sing with various orchestras, with pianists and in chamber music settings. I work with conductors and directors, with stage technicians and choreographers, with my agency and the opera’s administrative office. A large part of my work has very little to do with music.

A great deal depends on word of mouth. That is why it is a good idea to always conduct yourself professionally, turn up to rehearsals prepared and on time, and be friendly and supportive. It is amazing how far the right attitude can take you.

I would love to be a striker for Bayern Munich, but that ship has long sailed.

Success comes in many forms. I remember how, three years ago, I had to prepare for a role and I was reluctant to do so, because at the time I thought the part was too difficult for me. When I then – through a series of fortunate coincidences – was given the opportunity to sing that role on the stage of the National Theatre, I counted that as a great personal achievement.

I miss the usual opera routine. I miss the atmosphere before the performance, the rush of adrenaline just before going on stage, the glare of the spotlights, the silhouette of the audience, the sound from the orchestra pit, the singing together, the applause, the tension, the relief. Everything that makes a live performance what it is. The authenticity and the immediacy.

The sound of the Bavarian State Orchestra conducted by Kirill Petrenko (especially in Wagner operas)!

I would love to know that myself!

Should singers actually know how to read music?