Welcome to Con Fuoco, our series with emerging artists in Australia.
Lucy Olivia Schneider is a dedicated young artist majoring in classical vocal performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She performed her operatic debut in 2016, in which she played the lead role of Dido in a WAAPA production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.
Lucy has also performed in Poulenc’s Les mamelles de Tiresias and Mozart’s Requiem, and been involved a number of cabaret musical theatre productions including Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, The Mikado, Oklahoma and Cats. She has since gone on to place in the Royal Overseas League for Young Singers, and was last year involved in the Western Australian International Art Song Academy.
Lucy is looking forward to her upcoming lead role as the Cinderella in Massenet’s Cendrillon with WAAPA. Over the coming years, she hopes to further her classical training and pursue a career in opera.
Your all-time favourite piece of music?
Un Sospiro by Franz Liszt has got be one of my favourite works of all-time. It is absolutely beautiful and utterly entrancing.
Biggest fear when performing?
I can’t really say I’m afraid of anything when it comes to performing. I get excited, and a bit nervous about wanting to do my best. But I’ve chosen to perform for a career, and feel that having fears around what I love and enjoy doing seems only detrimental.
Most memorable concert experience?
Performing with the WAAPA classical vocal cohort at St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth. Having so many beautiful voices come together as one in an acoustic so full of resonance is magical.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
I start with something small. I’ll do some simple vocal exercises, or read over some texts just to kickstart my brain, or do some physical exercise to wake up my body. And I find that once I’ve started, I want to keep going.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
I am, surprisingly, yet to have an embarrassing moment on stage.
Best piece of musical advice ever received?
Don’t ever try to be anyone else, because only you are you. Everyone is unique, and if you want to be the best that you can be, you have to start by being yourself.
Favourite post-gig ritual?
After performing, my favourite thing to do is to go home and have a nice warm shower. Washing away the makeup, the hairspray; and having that time just to be quiet and clear my mind.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
Performing the role of Cinderella. This entire production process has been an incredible experience, and I have learnt so much musically, and about myself as a performer through this process.
Massenet has incredible attention to detail, and writes his music with beautiful precision; so full of life and character. There is so much to work with, and it has been a wonderful journey of discovery.
What do you love most about making music?
The ability to connect and communicate with others in a way words alone never could.
What is your ultimate goal?
To travel the world, gaining the experience and ability to connect with people. I want to tell them a story, allow them to feel something, see something, and be a part of something in which they can immerse themselves.
Lucy will perform as Cinderella in Cinderella on October 16, 18, and 20. Stay tuned as we chat with the young star who will share the role with her throughout the season! More details and bookings through WAAPA.
READ NEXT: Did you read our Con Fuoco interview with composer and performer Azariah Felton? Check it out!
Our Con Fuoco series has showcased emerging musicians in Australia since 2015.
This year, we’ve decided to team up with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts so that we can shine the spotlight on those training for their performance careers in Perth.
Let’s celebrate emerging talent together!
Images supplied.
