Anyone who has seen Australian soprano, Greta Bradman, perform will agree that she is an artiste who isn't afraid of pushing the boundaries of creativity. She studied the piano, flute and guitar apart from being part of theatre group from an age of six till her late teens. A recitalist, concert and stage performer Bradman has proved her mettle as a musician with conviction. Chosen by Limelight Magazine as the best newcomer in 2010, and bagging the Australian International Opera Award (2013-2014), she has placed herself on the global map, in a very short span of time.

In an exclusive interaction with Mirror, Bradman speaks about inspiration, legendary cricketer Sir Don Bradman, her journey to become a soprano, choosing between education and music, and also about her experience of working with Zubin Mehta on recent Australian World Orchestra's tour of India.

ON INSPIRATION
I was lucky I came from a family overflowing with music and musicians (her maternal grandfather Horace Young was an amateur opera singer). But yes, there was something about Grandpa's (Sir Bradman) record collection that really drew me in and influenced me. He was quite discerning about who he listened to, so I was lucky. Talking to grandpa about all those musicians made listening to classical music more than just a passive process. I still have that sense of familiarity when I listen to Callas, Schwarzkopf and Sutherland; it never really left me.

ON LEARNING
Before going solo, I sang in operas, recitals and concerts, while pursuing PhD in psychology and medicine. Add to that Masters in Clinical Psychology and my undergraduate music degree. Then I went on to complete psychology honours — somehow managing to top the year — and as a result of my grades, I was offered a scholarship to complete a research PhD and a Masters in Clinical Psychology concurrently. I still love research and psychology, but during my PhD I realised that my love for music can be a meaningful contribution to the world. I took up singing full-time, and also completed a Fellowship at the Australian National Academy of Music (2013) and a graduate diploma at the Wales International Academy of Voice (2014). Some people thought I was crazy to pile up my qualifications when I already had a very active singing career, but learning is never bad. I was refining myself and exploring new instruments.

ON PERFORMANCES
I can sing all day and wouldn't get tired. As an undergrad student I used to wonder, 'How am I ever going to learn how to sing properly when my voice is so intangible. It's not like instruments that one can work on.' But, now I see that the technique to good singing is not about adding or doing more things with your voice, but it's about tiny adjustments and it's about being relaxed. That realisation has helped me get through 1000+ performances without hiccups. I also try to avoid late nights in loud places where you're straining your speaking voice. Also I'm a big believer in clean eating and restorative powers of ginger.

ON RICHARD BONYNGE
I wanted to create a body of work, which will showcase the essence of live performances. I had that in my mind when I worked with Richard Bonynge. He asked me to sing the title role in the opera by G F Handel, "Rodelinda". During rehearsals, he asked me if I would like to record with him. He is a genius with the Bel Canto repertoire and I learnt so much working with him. We recorded the album in London with the fabled English Chamber Orchestra. It was conducted by Richard Bonynge and the album is also a tribute to him and my maternal as well as paternal grandfathers.

LOVE FOR GRANDAD
In my lifetime, I never heard Grandpa sing or compose. But, he was an avid pianist. I used to love hearing him play the piano. There was something very comforting about listening to him play. For the world he was THE Sir Don Bradman, but to me, my grandpa was just grandpa. He was warm, full of laughter, extremely supportive, understanding, and forgiving of my childhood antics. He also taught me something of what is really important in life — it is how one lives their life, and not achievements that defines a person. He lived his life with such integrity and humility and was insistent that he was no more or less than any other human being.

BRADMAN'S LEGACY
I adore cricket, especially Test cricket. It is a different sort of action — long, almost soporific days are punctuated by moments of feverish excitement, giving plenty of fodder for discussion. Sachin Tendulkar was someone my grandfather thought exceptionally highly of, for his ability and for his attitude toward life. Tendulkar was in his 20s when grandpa passed away. My grandmother once told me that Tendulkar's action reminded her of grandpa. I would have to agree.

ON ZUBIN MEHTA
Maestro Mehta is an absolute legend and certainly one of my musical heroes. Sharing the stage with him was a dream. He taught me so much about the works and even some things about my voice, all through his gesture and without any words. It was an honour and a wonderful learning opportunity for me. To do so in Mo Mehta's home country was exceedingly special. An experience, I shall never, ever forget.