The world is her oyster: Perth soprano Elena Perroni is making waves around the world from West Australian Opera and New Zealand Opera debuts to performing for the Bulgari Estate in Rome.
Perth-born and raised soprano, Elena Perroni is calmly riding the waves on what is shaping up to be a big year for the songstress. Perroni, who is now based in Rome, has returned to her home city of Perth for a whirlwind visit where she is playing the titular role in West Australian Opera’s highly anticipated production, 'Rusalka'. The Dvořák opera which is directed by Sarah Giles, is a retelling of the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, 'The Little Mermaid', and is what Perroni describes as a dream role. “Things were always pointing towards this role for me in my classical music journey”, Perroni explains while on the phone during a break from rehearsals.
Perroni, like many young adults her age, credits Disney’s iteration of 'The Little Mermaid' as inspiring her to get into singing, and while 'Rusalka' retains the original fairy tale’s darker tone, it still feels like a full circle moment in her career being cast as Rusalka. “My first live performance was during primary school when I sang 'Part Of Your World' from 'The Little Mermaid', and I was cast to sing 'The Song To The Moon' from 'Rusalka' in my first professional orchestra gig with The Philadelphia Orchestra in my final year at the Curtis Institute of Music. . . So I’m excited to finally get to interpret Rusalka in her entirety.”
In 'Rusalka', Elena stars alongside an all-star West Australian cast including Paul O’Neill, Ashlyn Tymms and Naomi Johns; but while Rusalka is a sea creature (in this case a water nymph) she encompasses the most human characteristics of them all. “She’s a creature who has very human emotions – and we see her with these vast emotions, which is exciting for me to play. People should see this opera because it really interprets the human journey of coming into your own and going after something you believe in at all costs. It’s a story of courage and bravery, and that craving for a sense of belonging, which I think is something we can all relate to. She’s the most human character in this production which is ironic as she’s a water creature.”
In addition to bringing Rusalka’s varied emotions to life, Perroni has also enjoyed delving into the physicality of the role. As per the original fairy tale, Rusalka trades her voice for the chance to live on land; and therefore, Perroni spends the majority of the second act portraying a character without a voice, which is unusual for an opera singer. “This production requires me to do a lot of storytelling through my body, so I’m getting in touch with movement in a different way. I’m portraying a character who wants to communicate but with no voice – so it’s definitely one of the more physically demanding roles I’ve ever played.”
Under the direction of Sarah Giles, West Australian Opera’s production of 'Rusalka' portrays a unique take on the underwater world which Perroni believes will leave audiences swept away. “We have incredible costumes, set design and direction and this production has been a place where they all have a very strong point of view but they’ve all come together to create a very magical world.”
Image © Alessandro Marzullo
As soon as the final curtain falls in Perth for 'Rusalka', Perroni will then be crossing the seas to make another role debut – Gilda in New Zealand Opera’s 'Rigoletto'. Gilda marks Perroni’s New Zealand Opera debut and her first time performing and visiting the country. “I feel very blessed that my singing has taken me all over the world and introduced me to all types of people and walks of life. I’m so looking forward to it being a part of this beautiful production.”
In addition to her two opera role debuts, Perroni has also been making a splash in Rome, where she has been based since 2022. The soprano, who has Italian heritage on both sides of her family, decided to relocate to Italy to reconnect to her roots and immerse herself in the birthplace of opera and the Italian language. In June this year, Perroni was invited by three-time GRAMMY Award nominee Richard Danielpour to perform a brand-new composition for Nicola Bulgari of the Bulgari jewellery family at his Roman Estate. “It was definitely a highlight of the year so far, being invited to perform this beautiful composition which was written for Nicola Bulgari’s birthday in this incredible estate. It was definitely a pinch-me moment to be performing that work in front of such a crowd and amongst his impressive collection of classic cars.”
While it’s been a whirlwind year, Perroni is one to not get too swept up in the commotion. As she is in the final stages of preparations for Rusalka she’s been enjoying spending time in her home city of Perth amongst her close-knit family. “It’s always beautiful to be able to come back home and to perform in your home city and to be able to spend time with my family and friends. No matter where my work takes me, Perth always feels like home.”
‘Rusalka’ plays His Majesty’s Theatre (Perth) from 18-27 July.
