The joy of simple pleasures - The Operative Word with Graeme Macfarlane

Graeme Macfarlane as Goro in Madama Butterfly 2012 - showing at Arts Centre Melbourne until 14 December

Graeme Macfarlane as Gastone in
La Traviata 2007

Why do you do the job that you do? I love the opportunity to express myself musically. It’s an ongoing passion.

Who has influenced you most professionally? Probably Cheryl Barker singing Cio-Cio-San. I admire her ability to give herself over to the character completely.

Is there any other profession that you would have liked to have followed? At the moment I am in my final year of studying Psychotherapy.

If you could have dinner with a historical figure, who would it be? Probably Ghandi – I believe that I would find him interesting on so many levels.

What is your greatest extravagance? I find this hard to answer – I’m very good at giving myself simple joys.

One thing you regret is…There is little that I regret, because I’ve learnt so much when things didn’t work out as I’d planned.

If you could have any opera character as a friend, who would it be?

Alfredo in Die Fledermaus – he’s a crazy, fun-loving, romantic Italian who never stops singing.

Who or what is the love of your life? My daughter Eugenie.

Graeme Macfarlane as Don Basilio in
The Marriage of Figaro 2007

What are you optimistic about? Most things. My daughter recently told me that I sounded like the motivational speaker that had come to their school!

You would like to devote more time to…exercise, I think.

What is your favourite food?  Oysters.

What is your most treasured possession? My digital voice recorder.

Which is the opera that got you hooked? La bohème. It’s a great blend of passion, tragedy and humour, together with a wonderful score. 

If there’s one quote that really speaks to you it’s…Life is what you make it.

What is your idea of misery? To have never tried.

You still hope to…keep healthy and maintain meaningful relationships.

Which characteristics do you most admire in others? Those who are happy in their own skin and authentically themselves.

You feel guilty when you think about…I’m not really into self-flagellation. I’m very good at being kind to myself.

What type of holiday do you most enjoy? Relaxing, especially on a tropical island.

Graeme Macfarlane as Normanno in
Lucia di Lammermoor 2008

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d like to slow down and smell the roses.

Who is your favourite band? I enjoy a good jazz band – I’m interested in any music that explores and pushes boundaries.

You spend too much money on…shirts, to which I tend to hang on for too long.

Your greatest achievement has been...To have been able to keep active and interested in all that I take on, and at the same to have enjoyed the moment.

The book everyone loved but you could not finish was....The Last Nizam, the story of an Indian prince living in the Australian Outback. It was recommended by a friend and it sounds really interesting, but I haven’t even started as I have too many textbooks to get through. 

What is your favourite kitchen appliance? Bread maker; I love the smell of the bread baking.

How do you stay up to date with new technology and trends? I don’t. I prefer one-on-one, direct communication.

Who is your favourite heart throb? Meg Ryan; I find her attractive and she makes me laugh.

Madama Butterfly is showing at Arts Centre Melbourne until 14 December 2012. Click here for more information or to book tickets online.