Samantha Clarke on La Traviata

Interview - January 18, 2025

CONTEXT

One of Australia’s most sought-after sopranos, the extraordinary Australian/British Samantha Clarke, returns to the stage to deliver her breathtaking portrayal of Violetta. This acclaimed co-production by Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia, and West Australian Opera has been hailed as nothing short of ‘triumphant.’ (Sydney Morning Herald)

A rising star on the global opera scene, Samantha is the winner of the prestigious 2019 Guildhall Gold Medal and a prize recipient at the Grange International Festival Singing Competition the same year. A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, she studied as a Sir John Fisher Foundation and Independent Opera Scholar. Recent seasons have showcased Samantha’s remarkable talent with renowned companies such as Pinchgut Opera, Garsington Opera, Opera Queensland, Opera North, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Adelaide Festival.

Don’t miss Samantha’s captivating return as Violetta from 23 January to 27 March 2025.

PERFORMING LA TRAVIATA WITH OPERA AUSTRALIA

This is actually my third time performing this production of Traviata. I first performed it with WA Opera in 2022, then with OA in 2024, and now again. Last time was my OA debut, though, so it still felt like a “first time” in many ways, as it was such a big moment for me! I think my biggest takeaway was learning to trust myself as an artist and to trust what I bring to rehearsals and performances. With Violetta being such an iconic role and performing it at the Sydney Opera House, I was guilty of comparing myself to other amazing singers who have performed the role there. But I really feel like I worked through that and found my own space.

This time, I’ve definitely come into the process with a stronger sense of identity and greater confidence in that. Of course, in addition to developing the role vocally and dramatically throughout the year, I was able to come into rehearsals with all that work behind me.

This production is my only performed experience of Violetta. Of course, I’ve seen many productions of La Traviata, but I don’t have any others to compare it to in terms of performance. What makes this production unique, I think, is Sarah Giles' vision of allowing the audience to see Violetta’s private moments in contrast to the very public moments. The production is quite cinematic in that sense—you’re watching a lavish party unfold with plenty of frivolity, while Violetta is in the next room, catching her breath from a coughing fit. It has a rawness to it, which I really like.all t

hat work behind me

ABOUT 2025

I have some really exciting projects coming up. Some highlights include, of course, our run of La Traviata here with Opera Australia. In March, I’ll be singing the role of Pleasure in The Choice of Hercules at the London Handel Festival in a cool collaboration with New English Ballet Theatre. Then, I’ll be heading off to do some concerts in Europe and the UK. I’m really looking forward to working on a new production of La Traviata with the Grange Festival, which will be conducted by Richard Farnes, whom I admire a lot. A big highlight will be singing at the Edinburgh International Festival with Opera Australia and Circa in Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice. I’m so excited to be working with symphony orchestras around Australia throughout the year but am particularly looking forward to working with Ed Gardner and WASO on Britten’s Les Illuminations and the Woodbird in Siegfried with Simone Young and the SSO.

"Trust what you bring to the table and always make room for life, because it makes our performance life all the richer." (Samantha Clarke)

Image by Cassandra Hannagan