Describe the best moment of your life.
There have been so many special moments in my life that it’s hard to think of just one but one moment that had a massive impact on my life was the day that I found out I was accepted into the Masters program in opera at the New England Conservatory in Boston. Getting in and moving to Boston completely changed the trajectory of my life and is the reason that I am now a performing opera singer.
What brings you joy in life?
Honestly, the most magical moments in my life are spending time with friends and family. Living overseas made me realise how important it is to me to spend quality time with them.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn?
I’m sure everyone knows this but I constantly need reminding that life is short and life is messy. You can’t control what happens to you and the people around you and sometimes you just have to go with the flow and make the most of it.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.
Growing up, I was very lucky to spend my school holidays at our friends sheep station in the Middleback Ranges. I still remember the dinners, eating saltbush mutton cooked in their wood fire oven. As I got older I realised what made it so special and memorable was the people that we shared the meal with. While I love food, now it is more important who is at the table with me than the food that we eat.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Something that applies in both my PhD and performing life is that everyone has moments where they feel they don’t deserve to be in the space and you’re not alone if you are feeling that way. Impostor syndrome affects everyone.
What is the best photograph you have?
I have so many wonderful photos which spark memories of great places and people in my life but going through my photos I came across this one which is of a sunset at the beach in Darwin. I took it the day after I was released from Howard Springs having finally made it back to Australia during Covid.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person?
I am constantly grateful for all the incredible people in my life but I have a friend who constantly inspires me every day with her strength, her perseverance, and her ability to love.
Best five songs on your playlist?
Honestly, at the moment I’m going through a bit of a Tina Arena phase, alternating with my brother’s running playlist which consists predominantly of ’90s and ’00s punk, and of course recordings of Flight which I’ll be performing in May.
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Best-ever purchase?
Good quality noise cancelling headphones. They have changed my life; both when I travel and also when I’m trying to focus on writing my PhD.
My life philosophy is…
To always act with kindness.
Fiona McArdle is in the State Opera South Australia production, Flight from May 8 to 10.