Opera is one of Sydney’s most celebrated artforms–and Sydney’s Opera House is recognized as one of its iconic features. But not all Sydneysiders or visitors know what it’s like to actually be in the midst of the action. Mariana Hong is a renowned soprano with Opera Australia, and she has played some of opera’s most famous roles. In this interview with The Drive’s Sidd Sharma, we talk to Mariana about connecting emotionally to characters, rewriting endings, kareoke, and “popera”.

Mariana Hong performs the role of Liu in Puccini’s “Turandot,”  at the Sydney Opera House until March 30th. She will be playing the titular role of “Madama Butterfly” from June 28 – August 10th. You can find more about her and what’s on this season at the Opera Australia homepage.