Marie Tysoe OAM, Member and Friend

Mezzo-soprano Marie Tysoe OAM is not only a cherished member of the Sydney Opera Society but also a dedicated friend to the arts community. Her illustrious career began with the National Opera Company in November 1952, when she captivated audiences in several leading roles. Beyond her performances, Marie has made significant contributions to charity, joining the Sydney Opera House Ladies Committee (SOHLC) in 1997, serving as president from 2007 to 2009, becoming vice-president in 2011 and artistic director in 2012. She has been an active participant in fundraising events for the SOHLC.

As an actress, Marie played a pivotal role in bringing opera to television and appeared in three notable films: "The Telephone" (1956), "The Marriage of Figaro" (1960), and "Manon" (1967), leaving a lasting legacy in the world of opera.

"The Marriage of Figaro," a 1960 Australian film, showcases the talents of Geoffrey Chard as Figaro and Marie Tysoe as Cherubino, bringing to life the classic opera. This production marked a significant milestone as the sixth opera broadcast live from the ABC in Sydney and the first two-hour opera filmed entirely in Australia. Produced by Alan Burke, the setting for the four acts was ingeniously crafted in one unit, allowing for a seamless and continuous flow of action.

"The Telephone," a 1956 Australian television play, marks a significant moment in broadcasting history as it was the first filmed version of Giancarlo Menotti's opera by the same name. This groundbreaking production, which aired on the ABC, ran for 25 minutes and featured a simple yet captivating cast of two characters, portrayed by Marie Tysoe and Kevin Mills. Marie remembers that the live broadcast from the Kings Cross radio studio was a memorable event, with the OB van stationed at Kellett Street. Cables snaked through the windows, connecting the studio to the van, while the Sydney Symphony Orchestra added an air of grandeur to the occasion. With a marvelous producer like George Trevare at the helm, everything went smoothly. She had a connection to this opera, having performed it previously with the Sydney Opera Group, which likely caught the attention of ABC's Tony Hughes or Werner Baer, leading to her invitation. The simplicity of the production made it an ideal choice for a television debut, requiring only two performers and minimal props. During rehearsal, she recalled the producer inquiring about her outfit for the performance. The conductor and a stage manager whisked her away to a boutique shop in King's Cross. There, they carefully selected an elegant dress that suited her perfectly for the production.

Lyric soprano Sitong Liu, born in Guangzhou, China, hails from an artistic family and boasts a diverse background in both performance and teaching artistry. Her extensive proficiency across various areas in her field has cultivated a multifaceted career, highlighted by educational pursuits and performances with renowned organizations such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Opera Australia, Pacific Symphony, and Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival. Liu is celebrated for her crystal-clear voice that combines brilliant radiance with powerful richness. In addition to her vocal talents, she is recognised for her genuine dramatic acting and captivating stage presence, making her a remarkable figure in the world of opera.

Liu has an extensive performance background, showcasing her talents through public and private masterclasses across China, the United States, Europe, and Australia. She has had the privilege of working with esteemed musicians such as Nelly Miricioiu, David Gowland, Matthew Barclay, and Martin Katz. Her operatic highlights include notable roles such as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, First Lady in the Australian revival of Die Zauberflöte, Micaëla in Carmen, Giannetta in L’elisir d’amore, Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro, and Satirino in La Calisto. Liu has also made her mark in prestigious competitions, earning fourth prize at the Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition and first prize at other notable events. Her dedication and talent continue to set her apart in the world of opera.

She holds a Master of Music Studies from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where her talent earned her numerous scholarships for both academic and musical achievements. Prior to this, she graduated cum laude from California State University Fullerton, where she was honoured with induction into the prestigious Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. Driven by her passion for vocal performance, she has dedicated the last decade to honing her skills and sharing her knowledge through teaching. Her expertise spans voice pedagogy, lyric diction in multiple languages, performance workshops, stage direction, and lessons in piano, music theory, and musicianship across the U.S., Australia, and China.

From 2020 to 2024, she made significant contributions as a graduate student instructor at the University of Michigan. Following this role, she served as a diction consultant at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. In the summer of 2025, she took her expertise to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp, joining the faculty as an instructor of music and voice. In addition to these roles, she has also served as a music director at various churches across the United States.

Sitong Liu is a former Sydney Conservatorium of Music Student who took part in the SCM and Sydney Opera Concerta in 2017.

Sitong Liu, Soprano/Educator