Reflections on an empty diary (2025)

Daniella Sicari
Jan 3
2 min read

Updated: Jan 20

Don't worry I'm talking about this time last year and it all turned out fine. There was indeed a happy ending :)

At the start of 2025, I sat in my kitchen in London and looked at my calendar in absolute dread. I didn’t have anything booked in and had no idea what my work was going to look like over the next 12 months.

2024 had been such an amazing year for work , and although I absolutely know there are ups + downs in the arts, I really thought I would have my year planned ahead - it was my goal. Why was I having another dip after such an incredible year?! Unfortunately this is just the reality of being a freelancer sometimes. You don't know when the work is going to come.

When this happens, the advice is usually “Things will come up as the year goes on.” The annoying thing is, it’s frustrating to hear that in the moment but.. it is true (as long as you seek the work and keep going). I sent emails, made sure I stayed visible and kept applying for work.

I do some mentor work with young singers and help them create short and long-term goals. I found myself realising I needed to listen to my own advice. I reevaluated where I was and where I wanted to be… I made ambitious yet very realistic goals for 2025. One day at a time. And finally... things came. I loved what my year ended up bringing. I can also be confident is saying that heading into 2026 my diary is looking healthy and I'm grateful for that.

In 2025, I made time for life things, friends, weddings and family. In a calendar that could become chaos, it was really important for me to make sure I carved out time for this.

So what were some highlights on my year?

Career things:

- started working with @hancockartists

- Norina with @divaoperauk

- multiple roles in @thehiveopera with @liverpool_philharmonic

- Opera galas with @wildartspresents

- album release and tours with @theeasyrollers

- received funding for audition costs from Boas Trust

- @helpmusicians made it possible for me to go to @monet.theehuis and record some new audition videos

- was a recipient of the @taitmemorialtrust funding

- went to New York with @littleoperacompany

- had a fantastic audition trip to Melbourne and visited Sydney