(Photo:  Patrick Redmond)

Soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson continues to notch up wonderful reviews for her performances across Ireland with Irish National Opera, Opera Collective Ireland, Blackwater Valley Festival and Wexford Festival Opera.

At present, she is on tour with Irish National Opera wowing audiences with her Norina in the company’s riotous “Don Pasquale”

OperaWire: What was the first opera you saw?

Kelli-Ann Masterson: “The Mikado.” I was very young and my sister Deirdre was performing.

OW: What was the first opera in which you performed?

 KAM: “Carmen.” I was a member of the chorus when I was at college.

OW: What was the last opera in which you performed?

KAM: Handel’s “Semele” for Opera Collective Ireland. I was playing the role of Semele.

OW: What is your favorite role?

KAM: Norina. It is so much fun

OW: Who is your favorite composer?

KAM: Mozart

OW: What do you like most about your voice?

KAM: That it is bright, high and agile and that it allows me to sing the roles I love

OW: Which character do you most dislike? 

KAM: Pinkerton.

OW: Which character would you most like to exchange your life with?

KAM: Cinderella.

OW: Name three people you would like to invite to a dinner party?

KAM: Mozart, Michael Collins, Celine Dion

OW: Which character would you most like to play?

KAM: Ophelia from Thomas’ “Hamlet”

OW: If you could have a composer write an opera with you in the starring role, who would it be?

KAM: Stravinsky. I love the way he writes for the voice

OW: What was the last book you read?

KAM: “Murder before Evensong” by Richard Coles.

OW: What is your favorite piece of non-classical music?

KAM: The traditional Irish ballad “Only Are Rivers Run Free.”

OW: Which person has been the biggest influence on your career?

KAM: My sister, Deirdre.

OW: What is your favorite film? 

KAM: “The Lord of the Rings.”

OW: What is your favorite TV program? 

KAM. “Call the Midwife.”

OW: Who is your favorite painter?

KAM: Monet.

OW: Who is your favorite singer?

KAM: Lucia Popp.