Episode 13 - Mirusia
She's known to millions around the world as the "Angel of Australia" - the name given to her by that famous Dutch violinist, André Rieu. But today, she joins us for a good old Ramble Chat!
Todays guests is the one and only - Mirusia - an Australian born Soprano with Dutch heritage that made her name touring the world with Andre Rieu before a flourishing solo career put her CD’s and DVD’s at number one on the Australian ARIA charts.
We sit down in Brisbane Australia, pre-covid, to discuss her Opera career, performing stadium-size concerts all over the world… we even explore the differences between being Dutch and Australian… in a very silly game I invent called “How do I say this in Dutch” - spoilers I rarely things correctly.
Quick reminder… follow us wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes every Friday. And check out what I’m up to at Bradleymccawofficial on Instagram and Facebook. Oh also go check out the music from my new Album featuring music legends Louie Shelton (from Monkees, Lionel Ritchie & Jacksons) and Nathan East (Daft Punk, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins). Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend AND visit the show notes for links to Mirusia’s music, tours and latest releases. In fact her new live CD and DVD is gorgeous so definitely check that out. This was a blast to record and think you’re really going to enjoy it so let’s get into it.
We kick off talking about a charity Mirusia is passionate about the ACMF - and the personal adversity she overcame to become the youngest ever recipient of the prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award and then, well… everything else that followed.
Produced by Old Fashioned Studios
Hosted by Bradley McCaw
Sound design by Matt Erskine & Cross Point Solutions
Story Producer & additional engineering by Gilang Candraditya
Theme composed by James Ryan
MIRUSIA:
She's known to millions around the world as the "Angel of Australia" - the name given to her by the famous Dutch violinist, André Rieu.
Mirusia is an Australian born Soprano with Dutch heritage. With 14 years of extensive international touring and successful concerts under her belt, Mirusia is one of the most sought after sopranos in the world. Her albums always place highly on the ARIA Album and DVD chart rankings, with numerous albums and DVDs reaching the number one position on the Pop, Classical Crossover, Jazz & Blues and Music DVD Charts in Australia. Her 2019 album "A Salute to The Seekers" debuted at the #1 position on the ARIA Jazz & Blues Chart.
Graeme Press (Mirusia’s Music Director) about Mirusia: “Her voice is true and pure over her entire range, register and repertoire. Her performances are consistently flawless; being both alluring and charming … and the audience never fails to leave a concert feeling entertained and enriched - A delightful person on and off the stage and worthy of the acclaim and recognition that she receives.”
Mirusia studied opera at Griffith University's Queensland Conservatorium in Australia and at the age of 21 was announced as the youngest ever recipient of the prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award. After graduation, her career blossomed when she toured the world as star soprano with André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra for over 10 years. The stadium-size concerts have forwarded Mirusia the most wonderful opportunities of singing before country leaders, royalty and millions of fans and all have marvelled at the clarity, dexterity and the exquisite sound of her voice.
Mirusia still tours with André Rieu, but also has a flourishing solo career. She currently resides in Brisbane, Australia with her husband Youri and daughter Sascha. When not touring she invests in the lives of other young, talented up and coming Australian singers; mentoring and producing recordings. Mirusia is also the International Ambassador for the Australian Children's Music Foundation and she is also a proud Ambassador of the Redland Foundation.
She has touched the hearts of many audiences. Her performances have been declared; “heart-warming, personal and they leave you no choice but to love Mirusia.”
André Rieu about Mirusia: “I’m proud to have been there from the start and to see her career take off. After having worked with this incredibly talented young lady I can only wish her all the best in her solo career.“
FACTS:
• Full name: Mirusia Louwerse
• Birthday: 29th of March
• Australian-Dutch nationality
• Speaks English and Dutch fluently, and a little German
• Released 7 solo albums
• Studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music under Gregory Massingham
• Only classical artist with a ARIA No. 1 Chart Award for charting at Number One on the ARIA Classical and Pop Charts
• International Ambassador of the 'Australian Children's Music Foundation' and the Redland Foundation
• Youngest winner of the Joan Sutherland Opera Award
• Title latest album: Christmas Memories
• Title latest single: I'll Never Find Another You
• Named “The Unconventional Pop Star” by Australian media
• Named “The Angel of Australia” by André Rieu