1998 School Magazine

Girls Grammar ^, rhoot ;!ariSbane 1998

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Parting with her family is the worst aspect of opera singing, but Lisa has no choice. "You need to travel to work in this business, " she explains. "Even if you were based in Australia, you would always have to travel to Sydney and Melbourne, because all the work is there. " When the Gasteens decided to move from Brisbane to It al , Barry was forced to sell his successful legal practice. "Barry gave up a hell of a lot, " Jan says. He is now the manager of an Italian law firm. Barry takes care of the children and fulfills the dual roles of mother and father when Lisa is performing abroad Barry, Eve and Henry occasionally visit Lisa when she is overseas. A few years ago, when she worked in Brisbane for a long period, the entire family moved to Australia and the children attended Ascot State Primary School. Although it was wonderful to spend time together, the transition was hard. Attending a new school was difficult for Eve and Hen , because they had to make new friends and adjust to an English- speaking environment. Singing is a very erratic profession. Sometimes there are periods of no work, then there are hectic times when Ms Gasteen is run off her feet. Lisa complains, "I plan social activities for. the weekend, then someone rings me Lip the ni hi before a performance saying, 'The soprano in Vienna is sick. Can you perform?' "

in those circumstances, Lisa rarely refuses to work because she needs the money. Lisa's ideal workload of thirty perform- ances a year is not always realised, so economic security is always a concern. "I often worry about our financial situation, " she admits. in addition to bills and everyday expenses, the Gasteens must pay school fees for Eve, who attends a ve expensive, elite international school. Despite the inconsistent nature of her work, singing is a full- time job. Even when Lisa is between performances, she must constantly practise, study and keep her voice in good condition During the week, Lisa practises from one to three hours a da However, the Gasteens are convinced that their sacrifices are worthwhile. "Lisa is not happy unless she's singing, " Jan states. indeed, when Lisa is performing, the joy in her face and the passion in her voice are unmistakable. The thrill of singing must surpass the drawbacks of her career. "Singing is one of the most important things in the world to me, " Lisa says. "Without it, my life would be empty. it it has negative effects on me, I should just accept that this is the price I must pay. "

by .I'DY HUNSWORni 11 cibso"

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DUSK

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by DANIELLE MEDEK 11 0'Coin"or

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