Sofia Troncoso & Pamina

Interview - August 18, 2025

CONTEXT

The Magic Flute, a unique collaboration between State Opera South Australia, Hong Kong Opera, and the Beijing Music Festival, unites Mozart’s timeless melodies with the vibrant richness of Chinese traditions, offering a performance that transcends borders and enchants audiences.

Starring as Pamina is American soprano Sofia Troncoso, who has quickly become a sought-after artist since her Australian debut with Opera Queensland in 2021. Known for her stunning voice and artistry, it is now Adelaide's turn to witness her talent.

Learn more abou the Magic Flute here.

QUICK QUESTIONS

• Dream role you haven’t tackled yet?

  Gilda

• Favourite city you’ve performed in?

  Sydney

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

  Piangerò la sorte mia or Tu del ciel ministro eletto; gotta love Handel!

• Is there a song you never get tired of singing?

  Anything written by Hahn and Ein Traum by Edvar Grieg

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

  International Relations or anything having to do with languages.

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

  I'm a certified diver!

• One thing you love about Adelaide...

  The vineyards!

PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CURRENT SEASON:

Being in a co-production of Die Zauberflöte! It is such a rare opportunity to revisit a production in different cities and with different castmates. When you do the same show; your sense of the character and your familiarity with the music begins to transform and mature. Plus, every singing actor brings a different flavour to the show which is so fun to run with. I am such a fan of so many of my international colleagues; they teach me so much and getting to play with them has been an absolute blast.

CURRENT CHALLENGES

I find Pamina's aria, Ach, ich fühl's very challenging to portray... it is just so famous. The challenge lies in singing it simply, but still keeping it on the body. You don't want to oversing it but you also don't want it to be too funereal. I don't think I have cracked it yet and some nights it feels pretty thankless. Later in the opera, Pamina has a dagger scene that is much more dramatic and dynamic which makes for a more rewarding sing; you can really dig in and let rip! With all that being said the music in this opera is really a gift and there is joy in grappling with it. 

PERFORMING IN AUSTRALIA

I am technically resident here in Australia! It is one of my homes. I can only really speak to my personal experience but I have found that in Australia, you're working with mostly Australian artists which wasn't always the case in my limited experience abroad. I adore Australians and Australia so it is always great to work here. 

THOUGHTS ON PAMINA

Papagena was one of my first mainstage roles on the international stage as a young artist with Scottish Opera. The director was Sir Thomas Allen and I just remember the distinct feeling of suddenly playing in the major leagues and it was both exhilarating and humbling. Now, playing Pamina in an international co-production feels like a full circle moment!

Image provided by artist