Back where it began: Former Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Fleuranne Brockway returns to WAO in MADAMA BUTTERFLY
West Australian mezzo-soprano Fleuranne Brockway returns home to perform Suzuki in MADAMA BUTTERFLY. In this blog, she reflects on her journey from Perth to the world stage and what it means to share one of her favourite roles with a hometown audience.
"Returning home to perform with West Australian Opera after such an incredible experience in Montréal feels like a full circle moment. Earlier this year, I was honoured to win first prize at the Concours musical international de Montréal. It was an unforgettable experience that brought together many of the lessons, challenges, and growth I have experienced over the past seven years since moving overseas to pursue an international operatic career.
Representing Australia on an international stage was deeply meaningful, but more than that, I felt like I was carrying a little piece of Perth with me. I am proud to have grown up in such a vibrant and supportive arts community. From my school performing arts teachers to my educators at the University of Western Australia, and my incredible singing teachers and mentors, so many people have believed in me and invested in my journey. I am also grateful to the local Eisteddfods, the team at West Australian Opera, Wesfarmers Arts Young Artists Program, the Friends of the School of Music, and the Richard Wagner Society of WA, who have supported me at different stages of my development. To now return and perform with West Australian Opera again as Suzuki in MADAMA BUTTERFLY feels grounding and very special.
I made my professional debut with West Australian Opera in 2018 as Mercédès in CARMEN, covering the title role. That early vote of belief, to give me a small principal role and the chance to learn and sing the lead, helped lay the foundations for a role that has since become one of my most important. That experience gave me a glimpse into the artistry and discipline of professional opera and inspired me to dream of returning one day in a leading role.
In 2023, I had the privilege of performing Suzuki at the Bregenzer Festspiele in front of seven thousand people each night on the floating stage. It was one of the most extraordinary opportunities of my career. To now bring that role home and share it with a Perth audience in the intimacy of His Majesty’s Theatre means the world to me. Suzuki is a character who requires emotional depth, strength, and presence, and it has been a joy to explore her more deeply in this production.
I feel honoured to share the stage with friends and to tell this beautiful story for the people who mean the most to me: my family, my mentors, and the community that raised me. I cannot wait to see familiar faces in the audience and to share MADAMA BUTTERFLY, one of my favourite operas, with you all."
Ensemble Artist Fleuranne Brockway is supported by MM Electrical.
