A Life in Song: Carole Farley on Longevity, Courage & Curiosity
Host Hrund Ósk sits down with internationally celebrated soprano Carole Farley, whose legendary career spans the world's greatest stages — from her iconic Lulu at the Metropolitan Opera to acclaimed performances in Die Frau ohne Schatten, Wozzeck, and La Voix Humaine.
They explore:
• The making of a lifelong artist — from Idaho to the Met
• Why bullet-proof vocal technique sustains a 45-year career
• Creating your own opportunities (beyond YAPs)
• Motherhood on tour & time management at the highest level
• Curiosity, discipline, and staying true to your why
"The single most important thing for a singer is a good technique… My voice works perfectly to this day — because of my technique." — Carole Farley
Episode highlights
00:02 Falling in love with singing • 00:06 First teacher & early technique
00:10 Fulbright, Munich & first contracts • 00:17 The stage as the greatest teacher
00:23 Drive, discipline & time management • 00:33 Meeting conductor José Serebrier
00:38 Performing through motherhood • 00:45 Politics, contracts & self-advocacy
00:52 Opening doors for young singers • 00:59 Curiosity & sustaining a long career
01:15 Ego vs. purpose — remembering your why
About Carole Farley
American soprano Carole Farley debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in the title role of Lulu, a role she performed over 100 times in four languages. She has sung leading roles with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Paris, Zurich, Lyon, Teatro Colón, and more, and appeared with orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, and Concertgebouw. Her award-winning discography spans Strauss, Weill, Prokofiev, Poulenc, Britten, and Rorem.
Website: https://carolefarley.com/index.html
Selected recordings
• Strauss: Four Last Songs — RCA/BMG
• Kurt Weill: Der Neue Orpheus — ASV (world-premiere recording)
• La Voix Humaine — Chandos
• Ned Rorem Songs — Naxos (with the composer at the piano)
Learn more
Explore The Thriving Singer Academy — founded by Hrund Ósk — for a clear, empowering framework to understand your instrument, practice with purpose, and perform with confidence.
Enroll / info: https://www.hrundosk.com/course-registration
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