Fleur Brockway – An Aussie Opera Star Shining Bright in Germany
From the choir rooms of Santa Maria College to Europe’s grand stages, Fleur Brockway (Class of 2009) is proving that passion, grit and a love of music can take you anywhere. Now based in Germany, Fleur has carved out an incredible career, recently being named the Voice 2025 Grand Laureate – an honour that cements her place among the best in the world.
We asked Fleur to share her exciting career journey with us.
Congratulations on being named the Voice 2025 Grand Laureate! What did winning this prestigious title mean to you?
I’m still pinching myself, to be honest. The Concours Musical International de Montréal is one of the most respected vocal competitions in the world, so just being selected was an honour. To take out the top prize was genuinely a dream come true. Beyond the recognition, it came with generous prize money and a significant scholarship to support my future development, which is invaluable at this stage of my career. I’ll also be making my professional debut with the opera company in Montréal, something I’m incredibly excited about. But what meant the most was being able to represent Australia, and especially Western Australia, on an international stage.
You can see Fleur in action at the Concours Musical International de Montréal in the video below.
What have been some of your career highlights so far?
Madama Butterfly is actually my first performance back in Australia since starting my international career, so it’s a really special full-circle moment. I first sang with my home company in 2018 as Mercédès in Carmen, and now returning as Suzuki means a lot. I’ve performed Suzuki before at the Bregenz Festspiele – a huge outdoor festival on Lake Constance with 7,000 people in the audience. One night, the rain came down so hard we had to stop the show before the end, so in this performance, Butterfly got to live. Other highlights include singing Carmen with Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden, performing at the Verbier Festival in the Swiss Alps, and singing in Gran Canaria alongside superstar artists. Beautiful music by night, beach by day – not a bad balance!
What has surprised you most about life as a professional opera singer?
That the job isn’t just singing. That’s the part people see and it’s the part I love most, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. You’re also your own travel agent, publicist, therapist, stylist, and makeup artist. We’re basically entrepreneurs, running a one-person business. The singing is the heart of it, but the hustle behind it is very real.
How did the German Australian Opera Grant shape your career?
Though Australia has some incredibly talented opera singers, the majority of the work is in Europe. The German-Australian Opera Grant is one of the programs that help Australians make the leap overseas. In 2019, I moved to Germany and began working full time as a professional singer. I had about nine months of what I’d call ‘normal’ experience before the pandemic hit. Thankfully, my theatre kept me on, but we were performing to a maximum of 250 people, and often adapting plans day by day. But just being in Germany during that time meant I was surrounded by incredible knowledge and artistry. I used that period to really deepen my craft, studying, learning, and soaking up everything I could. That’s been the most invaluable part: the chance to gain experience, work regularly, and access world-class coaches, directors, and colleagues.
Were there any experiences or teachers at Santa Maria that helped spark your passion for music?
Definitely Drama and Music. They were the heartbeat of my school life. Miss Huxtable and Mr Kinsella were huge inspirations. I was so convinced I wanted to be an opera singer that I may have sung the school musical audition a bit too operatically, so I didn’t get the role I wanted. But being involved in the musical, joining every choir I could, and throwing myself into every performance opportunity helped deepen my love for singing and storytelling. The music camps at New Norcia were a highlight, as was the school drama trip to Sydney. I remember standing in the concert hall, singing just a few lines, and then crying immediately afterwards because I had this overwhelming sense that this is what I wanted to do with my life.
What inspired you to pursue opera?
I think the seeds were planted early. My dad sang constantly around the house, and my cousin Anna, an incredible actress, was someone I completely idolised. At school, I loved singing in choirs and being on stage and, if I’m honest, I always wanted to be the loudest, which is not the point of singing in choirs! One day I came across a recording of The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan and completely fell in love. That led me down a rabbit hole of watching other performances, and I eventually found La Bohème by Puccini and that was it. I was hooked. Opera combined everything I loved: music, singing, drama, and being able to tell powerful stories on stage.
What would you say to students who are curious about opera?
Opera is really the original musical theatre. There’s something so pure, almost radical, about the unamplified experience of opera. The sound I make with my body resonates within yours. It’s not just a transfer of sound; it’s a transfer of emotion. At its heart, opera is about what it means to feel deeply, messily, truthfully. And that’s something that’s always going to matter.
What does a typical day look like when you’re preparing for a production?
First and foremost, I have to learn the music and the text. That means working with a coach, listening to different recordings, singing the role with my teacher, and practising on my own. Once rehearsals start, the days get pretty full. I usually begin with a gym session to wake up my body. After that, I grab something to eat, warm up my voice, review my music, and then head to rehearsal. I make sure I eat well, stay hydrated, and find little moments to rest in between. At the end of the day, I usually reflect on the work we’ve done, and if there’s time, unwind by having dinner with friends.
How do you look after your voice and wellbeing?
You can only sing so much in a day. I usually limit myself to about two hours of vocal practice, and not every single day. A lot of the preparation is silent. Doing what you love for work can be all-consuming, and I’ve definitely had to learn the hard way how to set boundaries. Creative work needs real life behind it. Balance isn’t a luxury – it’s part of the job.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not performing?
I play croquet, which is definitely a bit niche, but I love it. Team sports are nearly impossible with this lifestyle. I also love watching movies, baking (especially when I should be doing something else), spending time with friends, swimming, and travelling.
What’s next for you in 2025 and beyond?
I’m singing the role of Suzuki in Madama Butterfly with West Australian Opera, which has been a dream of mine. After that, I’ll be heading to Europe to attend the Wagner Festival in Bayreuth as a scholar. Then it’s back to Wiesbaden to start the European season, and in the following year I have some exciting projects lined up in England and Austria. It’s a lot of travel, but it’s a fun, busy lifestyle, and I feel very grateful to be doing what I love.
Thank you, Fleur, for sharing your amazing and inspiring story with us. Your dedication, courage and passion for your craft remind us that with a little daring and a lot of heart, our Santa Maria girls really can take on the world. We can’t wait to see where your beautiful voice takes you next!
- AlumniSpotlight, AustralianOperaSingers, Featured, FleurBrockway, OperaCareerStory, SantaMariaCollegeAlumni, SantaMariaCollegePerth, Voice2025GrandLaureate, WAMusicTalent
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
Still Connected After 50 Years – Mary’s Journey
Mary Heavens (1974) has spent more than 50 years living the values of Santa Maria College – as a student, parent, social worker and now President of the Old Girls’ Association. Her story is a powerful reflection of lifelong connection, leadership and legacy.
A Melbourne Reunion to Remember – Alumni Connect
Melbourne-based Santa Maria graduates, from 1968 to 2015, gathered for an inspiring afternoon of connection and nostalgia. Curious about who came and what’s next?
We Are On Instagram!
We’ve launched the official OGA Instagram! Follow @santa_maria_perth_oga to reconnect, be inspired by alumni stories, and stay in the loop with all things Santa Maria.
Celebrating Our Top Stories | Term 2 at Santa Maria
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 10, Term 2 2025
