Lauren Easton, the Song Company’s mezzo soprano, officially joined us in August this year, but had been doing the odd gig with us since April. She was born in Subiaco, Perth but has spent most of her life in the outskirts of Sydney. She is of Australian and Mauritian descent and we asked her how she came to the Song Company…
“If I have learned anything in my 25 years on this planet so far, it is this: life can be littered with splendid accidents that shape your destiny and lead you into an incredibly exciting unknown. One such accident landed me in front of Roland Peelman – though exactly who he was, or why he happened to be at my soloist audition for the University of New South Wales was a mystery to me!
“I have loved singing since childhood and have been privileged to work with and for some of the world’s leading creative talents, in revered venues both here and abroad. With an early beginning in choral singing and private lessons, as a young student I was exposed not only to a wide range of musical influences but also to the notion that a love for music and a passion to create it can draw varied people together with a common focus and joy.
“Aligned with ensemble work were my studies in singing of a more soloistic nature. Although the two are not usually recommended in combination, I relished the opportunity to explore the versatility a voice can achieve and the wealth of music available to it. Thus my solo career led me back to my alma mata – UNSW to sing again for them as a Messiah soloist – blissfully unaware I was also singing for the esteemed creative director of the Song Company!
“From there, it was an adrenaline driven rush to become a Song Co stand in at very short notice, a veritable whirl wind of introductions, sight-singing, and intensive short term memory retention training. This was not a matter of finding one’s feet so much as aiming high and not looking down! I was surrounded by consummate musicians and was determined to measure up at every turn (a task far easier said than done i’ve learned). It has been a thrilling journey so far, and a true gift to be learning from the refreshingly humble members of a company that clearly deserve every inch of their international renown.”
Lauren is currently performing in our 12 Days of Christmas program!
