Olivia Federow-Yemm and Song from the Uproar

Interview - October 17, 2025

QUICK QUESTIONS

• Favourite project you have been a part of?

  My first production in the chorus for Opera Australia’s 2021 Aida would have to be my favourite so far. The scale of the set was spectacular and I really enjoyed putting on my sparkly costume every night. I’m also obsessed with all things ancient Egypt, so this was a really exciting opportunity for me.

  
  

• Is there an aria you could sing endlessly?

  The Segeduilla from Carmen. It’s such fun to sing, short and sweet and a great party piece.

  
  

• What’s a dream role you haven’t had the chance to perform yet?

  To refer back to Aida, I’d love to one day perform Amneris. The judgement scene is an epic sing.

  
  

• Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

  I’m a big gamer, currently obsessed with Elden Ring and Death Stranding. They have amazing stories and worlds to explore. I also love the Assassin’s Creed franchise and smaller indie games too.

  
  

• If you were the Artistic Director of an opera company, which opera would you choose to program first?

  This is such a hard question! If I had an unlimited budget probably Puccini’s Tosca, since it’s one of my favourite operas of all time.

  
  

On Song from the Uproar: The Lives and Deaths of Isabelle Eberhardt,

People should expect a show that captures the small but important parts of Isabelle Eberhardt’s life, in a way that is connected to how we live and perceive the world today. These moments show Isabelle in her lowest and highest points, taking inspiration from her salvaged journals.

The music blends electronics, prerecorded vocals and an eclectic orchestral ensemble. Paired with six voices on stage, the sound world that Missy Mazzoli has created is truly outstanding. The music layers up and builds to create a beautiful wash of sound, often cut off by angular and percussive articulation.

This is a piece about a woman almost swept away to history. Her life, her story, told on stage in moments of light.

On Isabelle Eberhardt,

Song from the Uproar takes inspiration from many musical eras and composers. Each movement is a piece of its own dramatically and musically, and I’ve had to really lock into getting those changes of tone. Ms. Mazzoli loves her time signature changes, so learning her musical language has been a challenge that I’ve loved taking on.

Dramatically speaking, there are some difficult subject matters that come up throughout the show, reflecting Isabelle’s real life story. It’s been very important for me to take on these scenes with care, and I’m lucky to have such a supportive group of people around me.

I also unfortunately had the flu a little while ago. It’s been a challenge getting back to show fitness, but I have such an amazing team of health professionals and colleagues that have been really helpful getting me back on track, so I’m feeling confident leading up to the performances.

On your upcoming projects

My next performances are with the OA chorus for their Melbourne season of Carmen. I’ll then be performing in Port Fairy later this year. Some things might be in the works for next year but can’t say yet! I hope to continue working with our country’s amazing local, and larger companies for many more years to come.

On Motivation

What keeps me going is knowing there’s always going to be an exciting opportunity waiting to pop its head around the corner. There’s always going to be that uncertainty there, but keeping an open mind and trying out new things with new people is a great way to enrich both your professional and personal life.

Image provided by artist