Chatting with Nicole Car

Interview - May 9, 2025

CONTEXT

One of the leading sopranos of her generation, Nicole Car is a regular on the world’s greatest stages and remains one of Australia’s most beloved artists. Recently appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Republic, she continues to be recognised not only for her extraordinary artistry but also for her cultural contributions.

On top of a busy singing schedule, she currently serves as Co-Artistic Director of L’Institut Canadien d'Art Vocal (ICAV), alongside her husband, renowned baritone Étienne Dupuis. We’re incredibly grateful to the incomparable Nicole Car for taking the time to share this short and sweet interview with us.

QUICK QUESTIONS

• What role are you loving most right now?

  Rusalka (of course!)

• Favourite city you’ve performed in?

  Paris

• Is there an aria you never get tired of singing?

  Donde Lieta- short and beautiful

• Dream role you haven’t tackled yet…

  Tosca

• If you weren’t an opera singer, what path would you have taken?

  Arts philanthropy, chef or interior designer.

• Fun fact about you most people don’t know…

  I’m incredibly introverted

CURRENT SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

The current season has been full of debuts. I had a crazy period earlier this year debuting Antonia in Hoffmann, Amelia in Ballo in Maschera, and Matrena in Clémence de Grandval’s Mazeppa all within 6 weeks. I am pretty proud of getting through it all!

UPCOMING PROJECTS

I have lots of upcoming projects that I am looking forward to — mainly moving into bigger repertoire over the next few seasons. Apart from a few different productions of Rusalka, I will be singing all 3 soprano roles in Trittico next year and I can't wait!

CURRENT CHALLENGES

My current challenge is the Czech language. It is incredibly difficult to pronounce well, and I’m a perfectionist… It is a new language for me, and I have found when singing in a new language, memorization can be extremely tedious and time consuming the first few times. Outside of all of that, musically Rusalka is an absolute dream.

AUSTRALIA

Most recently I was in Melbourne for Opera Australia’s Verdi Gala. The whole process was such a fun, collaborative experience, and I think the audience recognised and responded in turn. I received so many beautiful messages from friends, family and people I don’t know writing about how much they loved the program. This made me very proud to be able to bring my music back home.

I am so looking to singing at the Sydney Opera House as Rusalka later this year. I was formed at Opera Australia, and to come back to that stage for the first time since 2018 will be a joy.

ON CHANGE

I would love to change the preconceived ideas people have about the opera — it is elitist, only for older people, not relatable. Opera is a vibrant, living, ever-changing art form that can provide an emotional connection like no other. If we can tap into that, we keep it alive and thriving.

Image provided by Heather Elizabeth