The Operative Word with Daria Masiero

Daria Masiero

Why do you do the job that you do? It has been my childhood dream. Music is an expression of emotion which is an expression of life itself. I am so lucky to have the gift to sing.

Who has influenced you most professionally? My music teacher at school. He believed in my talent and encouraged me to pursue this career.

Is there any other profession that you would have liked to have followed? Of course! I would have loved to have been a clown in a paediatric hospital, where I could put a smile on sick children’s faces.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? I don't believe in perfect happiness, but in moments of happiness.

If you could have dinner with a historical figure, who would it be? Seneca. I would like to have a long chat with him about making the most of those moments of happiness.

What is your greatest extravagance? Maybe unconditional love.

One thing you regret is…Not having had the chance to say goodbye to my music teacher before he died.

If you could have any opera character as a friend, who would it be? If I felt light-hearted, Princess Turandot, because I would like to explain to her that men are not as bad as she believes they are. On a more serious note I would like to be friends with Carmen.

Masiero as Liu in Turandot 2012

Who or what is the love of your life? The idea of love.

What are you optimistic about? Hope. Once a friend told me that we live from hope to hope. What is important is that we do not forget to live the moments between.

You would like to devote more time to…My parents. With my job it is difficult. I wish I could have a long vacation with them.

What is your favourite food? I'm Italian. We are obsessed with good food. So it is really hard to decide which food I prefer. Probably dessert.

What is your most treasured possession? My family.

Which is the opera that got you hooked? La bohème and Don Carlo.

Which opera do you never need to hear again? Contemporary opera.

If there’s one quote that really speaks to you it’s…“Do not trample on dreams.”

What is your idea of misery? Compromising the soul.

You still hope to…Hope.

Which characteristics do you most admire in others? The ability to speak your mind without fear.

Masiero as Liu in Turandot 2012

You feel guilty when you think about…eating too much chocolate.

What type of holiday do you most enjoy? I love visiting new cities and trying to learn as much as possible about them.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I don't know where to start. 

Who is your favourite band? Queen, Incognito.

You spend too much money on…Shoes and travel.

Your greatest achievement has been...My last Tosca in Parma, and to be happy with what I have.

The book everyone loved but you could not finish was...Anna Karenina, but I’m still reading it.

What is your favourite kitchen appliance? Washing machine. I could not live without it.

How do you stay up to date with new technology and trends? I keep up to date because I love technology. Even if at times I wish I could live without it.


Daria Masiero stars as Leonora in Il trovatore, showing 29 January - 5 March at Sydney Opera House. Click here for more information and tickets.