There are plenty of high notes in soprano Julie Lea Goodwin’s career

THERE are plenty of high notes in talented soprano singer, Julie Lea Goodwin’s career.

Soprano Julie Lea Goodwin with her dog Sasha, a Hungarian Vizsla, at home in Padstow. Pictures: Adam Yip

• Who: Opera Australia principal artist Julie Lea Goodwin

• Where: Padstow with her mum Karen and sister Jodie

• Favourite thing: I purchased this dress in New York about six years ago. I wanted something flowing and comfortable and this is perfect to throw over swimmers down at the beach, or for a relaxed lunch.

• Inspiration: I love natural light, having all the windows open and minimal clutter. It’s also lovely having scents around the house and music playing to lift my mood or give me extra energy.

• Home is what you make it, to be honest. If I am touring with a production I have to create sense of home in different cities. So it’s important to own the space and make it comfortable and relaxing

SOPRANO dynamo, Julie Lea Goodwin, always knew she wanted a career in musical theatre, but even she was surprised to have been plucked from obscurity at just 19 to perform opposite Anthony Warlow in The Phantom of the Opera.

“As a child, I really enjoyed singing, but I was quite a big fan of sports and loved ballet,” Julie says. “People said I was good at singing and I thought I might be a professional performer, but I didn’t know in what capacity.”

Since her whirlwind introduction to the stage with Opera Australia, she has played Maria in West Side Story, Grace in Annie and performed the role of Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro).

“I knew at some point my focus would be classical singing, so I auditioned for Opera Australia and was invited to join their young artists program (Moffatt Oxenbould Young Artists Program),” she says. “It’s the perfect way for young artists to enter the industry.”

Julie Lea Goodwin in her favourite dress at her home in Padstow.

AT HOME WITH MARNY KENNEDY

Julie often sings in a foreign language, and she has worked with dialect coaches to ensure her pronunciation is flawless. She has also done courses in Italian, French and German.

Having toured extensively, Julie’s apartment was often unoccupied, leading the singer to move back in with her mum in Padstow in Sydney’s southwest.

“It just made more sense,” she says.

Working predominantly out of Sydney and Melbourne, Julie says one of the greatest things about her job is the flexible hours.

“There is a really intense period of preparation and rehearsal, then by the time of the performance you are ready to go — the adrenaline keeps you going,” she says. “I love that I get to spend the morning at the beach working on my repertoire for the evening.”

Sasha: She’s only 11 months, and she has grown so much. It was quite a drive to collect her from Victoria when she was a puppy, so I had hours of cuddles and I have had a lovely, special bond with her ever since

Scented candle: This is just a simple wax candle but I love its subtle scent. There’s nothing overpowering about it so I can keep it in the bedroom.

Napkin: I spent two months in Italy with my sister and it was such a lovely experience for both of us. This was a particularly good day in Venice when the boat driver let me drive the boat. My sister bought glass from Murano and I bought a napkin from Burano. It was a fabulous day.

Pearl necklace: This was a gift from my mum for my 21st birthday and it’s very special to me. I like to wear it when I perform in concert.

Champagne flute: I don’t collect antiques but I loved these when I saw them in an antique store. They’re handmade and when you’re holding them, you’re holding a piece of history. Who was holding them before you and what were they wearing?

Tea cup: My grandma has a teacup collection in her home and she gave me this one. It’s precious to me but it’s not a dust collector, I use it almost every morning.

Trunk: My mum had two of them and gave one to my sister and one to me. It’s a beautiful piece to have in the house. It’s great to put blankets in there.

Scarf: I have a large scarf collection, it’s a singer thing. Lots of classical singers like to protect their chest. You can play ‘spot the singer’. My father bought me this scarf and I love the fabric and feel of it.

Bose portable speakers: I have a few different speakers in the house and with the Bluetooth function I can play music from my phone in my living room or take it travelling with me.