Emily Edmonds on Cendrillon

Interview - December 22, 2025

CONTEXT

Recognised as a "superb singer-actor" with a "coloured and thrilling" voice, Australian mezzo-soprano Emily Edmonds is sought out for her interpretations of both contemporary and traditional work.

A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium, Emily has been a member of several prestigious programs, including the Jette Parker Young Artist Programme, Atelier Lyrique at the Verbier Festival, the Melba Opera Trust, and the Pacific Opera Young Artist Programme. She has performed with renowned companies such as the Royal Opera House, Pinchgut Opera, Opera Australia, Opera Philadelphia, and Komische Oper Berlin, among others.

Witness Emily as she stars in the role of Cinderella in Laurent Pelly’s iconic production of Cendrillon, presented by Opera Australia from 31 December 2024 to 28 March 2025.

PERFORMING CINDERELLA WITH OPERA AUSTRALIA

It’s a fairytale come-to-life. I’ve loved this iconic production for such a long time, so to be part of bringing it to life in the city I grew up in is pure magic. It also had such a vivid life at the Royal Opera House, which has been a hugely meaningful part of my artistic life so far – which adds to the full-circle magic of the whole thing.

Vocally, this role sits right in the sweet spot between mezzo and soprano – which is absolutely my happy place. Massenet’s Cinderella is so agile, both mentally and emotionally. I love discovering ever-more truth and presence in what that means for giving her voice and life. She’s illuminated so many expressive and colouristic choices for me, as an artist; it’s a gift of a role.

THOUGHTS ON 2024 AND WHAT LIES AHEAD

My biggest takeway from 2024 is that things can change; that there’s always hope. As artists, we can face uniquely challenging times. Rebuilding my career on the other side of the pandemic and maternity leave has presented me with some soul-deep challenges. To be here, doing one of the most fulfilling and joyful projects of my life, is an immense light I never could have seen coming. Having walked through that wilderness, I urge others to believe that something unimaginably beautiful is waiting, just around the corner – and you’ll bask in it, with all the strength and courage you’ve earned along the way.

In 2025, I’m most looking forward to collaborating. Working as part of a team, to uncover new choices, truths, colours, and meaning – this is one of my greatest artistic joys. I also love being challenged and expanded by what I do – I know that each of my roles this year will continue to change me, as an artist and as a human being. 

Image by Victoria Cadisch