Enjoy some of our special moments ...
Listen to Ellen singing the famous aria Meine Lippen sie Kussen so Heiss from Lehar's Giuditta.
Ellen McNeil, the talented soprano, showcased her exceptional vocal abilities during the Sydney Opera Society's concert on August 3, 2024. Her performance captivated the audience, illustrating why she is a recipient of the prestigious Wagner Society's Jane Matthews AO Scholarship. With her powerful range and emotive expression, McNeil brought to life the complex emotions of the pieces she performed.
Listen to Kent McIntosh performing the famous aria "The Song of the Indian Guest" from Rimsky-Korsakov's 1896 opera Sadko.
Kent McIntosh, born in Auckland, began as a full-time French horn player in the RNZ Navy Band before shifting his focus to singing at 19. He joined the prestigious NZ Youth Choir and studied music in New Zealand, Sydney, and Canberra, earning a master's degree in 2001, complemented by the Kornfeld full scholarship. For two decades, Kent was a member of the full-time chorus at Opera Australia, performing approximately 3,000 times at esteemed venues such as the Sydney Opera House. Currently, he is pursuing music education at UNE while continuing his musical endeavours.
Sydney Opera Society Talk 1st June 2024 by director Craig Baldwin on “The Turn Of The Screw” by Benjamin Britten - Part one.
Craig Baldwin is a distinguished director and actor whose extensive work spans both the United States and Australia. As the first Australian to graduate from the prestigious Juilliard School, he has carved a niche for himself in the theatre community. His roles as artistic associate at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., and as associate artistic director of Red Bull Theatre showcase his influential presence in the arts. On June 1, 2024, he shared his insights on Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw" in a engaging talk for the Sydney Opera Society, reflecting his deep understanding and appreciation of classic works. Baldwin continues to inspire audiences and artists alike through his dedication to the performing arts.
Stephen Mould, born in Sydney, graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. In 1985 he moved to London to continue his studies at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music. During his time in London, Mould displayed his talents as an orchestral and choral conductor, as well as a freelance repeater. He has recently launched his book “Carlo Felice Cillario: Italian Maestro of the Italian Opera”. In 1988, he assumed the position of music director at the Lyric Opera of Queensland in Brisbane. There, Mould conducted several productions and collaborated with major ensembles, including the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Today he holds the Chair of Opera Production and the position of Senior Lecturer in Operatic Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, continuing to influence the next generation of musicians with his extensive experience in the field.
Sydney Opera Society - Talk by Prof. Stephen Mould on his book "Carlo Felice Cillario: Italian Maestro of the Italian Opera", 7th September 2024 . Part 1.
Sydney Opera Society presentation 6 Aprile 2024 - Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.
In a captivating presentation for the Sydney Opera Society on April 6, 2024, conductor, harpsichordist, and early music specialist Aaron Carpenè delved into the profound intricacies of Henry Purcell's esteemed opera, "Dido and Aeneas." Together with journalist Domenico Gentile, Carpenè explored the rich historical context of the opera, highlighting Purcell's masterful blend of poignant music and emotional depth.
Sydney Opera Society - Interview with Jessica Pratt.
Jessica Pratt, a celebrated soprano of the 21st century, recently captivated audiences during her triumphant concert, “Mad Scenes with Jessica Pratt,” held at the iconic Sydney Opera House on August 3, 2023. In a conversation before her extraordinary performance, Pratt shared her thoughts on the emotional depth and dramatic storytelling inherent in the mad scenes from various operas that she portrayed. Her insights highlighted the intricate connection between the music and the characters. This interview was part of a special presentation led by journalist Domenico Gentile for the Sydney Opera Society on July 1, 2023.
Sydney Opera Society talk on 2 March 2024 by Dr Paul Smith on Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan. Part 1.
Dr Paul Smith Paul is a composer and researcher based in Sydney who specialises in writing opera and music for the toy piano. He holds a Doctor of Creative Arts from Western Sydney University and is the co-artistic director of Blush Opera.
"Watershed," written as an oratorio, seamlessly transforms the illicit into the sacred through its compelling combination of choral music, solo performances, and dance. This innovative work intricately weaves together inquest transcripts, press clippings, personal correspondence, and poignant monologues that reflect five decades of anti-gay violence. By doing so, it not only sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the LGBTQ+ community but also honours the memory of an unassuming academic whose tragic and untimely death sparked a significant movement.