Millie Trusttum: Young soprano from artistic family shines at opera school

by Lin Ferguson

Soprano Millie Trusttum is thrilled to be part of this year’s New Zealand Opera School.

She is the granddaughter of the loved and great figurative, expressionist New Zealand artist Philip Trusttum, who still lives and works in Christchurch. And while singing is her focus, her grandfather still holds some influence. “I took art in high school, and I love painting in oils, so I will definitely get back to it.” Trusttum smiles when she says her grandfather gave her a special and very beautiful small oil painting when she started university.

Heading north to Waikato University to study music and voice was a huge move initially, she said. Hamilton was so different to Christchurch. “But I’m loving it now and have made some great friends, and it’s so close to Auckland, which is fantastic. “Many of the students at the school this year are also from Waikato, which is really great.”

She said singing solo can be frightening. “You need to separate you the person and become solely the singer. It’s not easy, but it’s the only way.”

As well as trying to stay grounded and positive, Trusttum said having such incredible tutors is why coming into the opera school is such a positive and rewarding time for a young singer. “I am loving it and feel very thankful,” she said. “Whanganui Collegiate campus is so beautiful and together with the incredible tutors and all the students, I feel so blessed every day.”