If you’ve visited Perth Concert Hall in recent years, you’ve probably met the delightful Olivia ‘Spark’ Sanders Robinson.

Olivia has worked in a number of customer-facing roles at the Hall. You can find her working the floor on show nights as an usher or front of house manager, handling ticketing requests at the box office, or manning the reception desk. 

On top of being a customer service whiz, Olivia is a talented opera singer - a Mezzo Soprano to be exact. This September, she’ll be leaving Perth to take the next step in her musical career: pursuing a master’s degree at The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England.

We had a chat with Olivia about her experiences working at the Hall, her passion for music, and her exciting upcoming journey!

Photography: Samuel Herriman

How long have you worked at Perth Concert Hall and what was your first role?

I’ve been working at PCH since 2017 and started in the Front of House team as an usher.

Out of all of your roles at the Hall, which one has been your favourite and why?

I don’t think I can pinpoint my favourite role! My favourite part of working at the Hall is having the opportunity to talk to the patrons and seeing the ways in which they are impacted by the music we put on. It sounds corny, but it really makes me feel like what I’m doing is giving back to the community in some small way.

I also think as a performer these interactions make me feel like what I’m working toward is worthwhile and will make a long term impact.

What will you miss most about working at the Hall?

So much! I’ve had such a nice time getting to know people who work in all the different departments and will miss the day to day interactions that I have with them. Other things would have to be working close to the orchestra and just how generally organised and smooth things run.

When did you first become interested in singing and classical music?

I don’t totally remember when I became interested. My earliest memory of wanting to sing is wanting to be like Delta Goodrem…

From there I decided it would be fun to do something like music theatre and then had a few teachers who did classical and went in that direction. I’ve always loved choir and started music on the flute so I think it’s a lot of influences that led up to me wanting to pursue opera.

Who are your top three influences in the music world and why?

I love Benjamin Britten, particularly the way he sets text. Singers I love and am influenced by are Susan Graham, Anne Sofie Von Otter, Cecelia Bartoli and Magdalena Kozena. I also feel like I have and continue to be hugely influenced by my singing teachers at every stage of my development.

What made you decide to pursue your music studies in Manchester?

I know quite a few people who have gone to study at the Royal Northern College of Music and got a lot out of the course. Having first hand accounts of what the college was like really consolidated my decision. I’ve also met the teachers at the college a few times and liked their approach.

Aside from your studies, what are you most excited to do when you arrive in the UK?

I’m also really into shadow puppets. I’ve found a guy who does shadow puppetry for Opera North, so I’m really keen to get in touch with him and learn more about that. Other things will just be meeting lots of new people and hopefully making new friends.

Which three songs would appear on the soundtrack to your life?

Tim Minchin’s 'Not Perfect', 'Move On' from Sunday in the Park with George and 'Walking on Sunshine'.

We’ll miss Olivia’s cheerful spirit at the Hall but we’re so proud of her for chasing her dreams and for earning this wonderful opportunity. 

You can find out more about Olivia and follow her journey on her website and Facebook page.