Are you a 2015 member of The Opera Studio Friends’ Group?

Upcoming Events: Dear Friends, Donors, Supporters and Partners,

Thank you all for your contribution to our small but mighty company! After heading the Herald Sun’s top five Opera picks for 2014 with our Culture Project - THE CONSUL - we finished off our productions in 2014 with an “effervescent success” with “a fresh, funny and respectful telling” of Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE, at the glorious old Athenaeum Theatre in Collins St. “experience and expertise showed in the triumphant applause”. Conducted by Warwick Stengards, with orchestra led by Edwina Kayser, Pam Christie as chief repetiteur and directed by yours truly, it was a reunion of sorts - the first time all of us have worked together since undergraduate days at the University of Melbourne. Having had successful careers in professional opera companies and orchestras in Australia and around the world, the young singers were excited and privileged to work with such expertise and knowledge. Joined by a team of extraordinary guest artists - Belinda Prakhoff, Karen Van Spall, David Gould - Gertrude Opera’s Young Artists more than held their own on the mainstage of ‘The Ath’. Thanks to all our Supporters, with especial thanks to Greg Hocking and The Athenaeum team for their support and generosity, as venue partners for the production.

Our final event for 2014 was a private screening of the 1980s ‘cult opera film’ ARIA. Thirteen arias directed by thirteen world-famous directors, including Bruce Beresford, Robert Altman, Jean Luc Goddard - it was a mixed bag of delights, some hilarious cultural cliches, and the inevitable ‘80s half-naked gym scene. A light-hearted evening, thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks to the Astor and to our chair, Mr Bill Gillies, and to Dr David Kram for generously donating his services to play for our singers in the foyer for our Live Aria Juke Box following the screening.

We have an extraordinary year lined up for 2015, our seventh year. Melbourne-based singers are to be joined by singers from NSW, FRANCE, USA, UK and QLD: the international element of our company is invaluable, our very own melting-pot of global opera cooking up a storm here in Melbourne to present a wide range of opera-as-theatre projects here in the city, and the country.

MONDAY APRIL 6 afternoon1pm - 4pmMaster Class with International Stage Director Paul Curran (www.paulcurran.com)Cost $20 (Free-for-Friends & Donors)The Opera Studio, 371 Church St Richmond

FRIDAY APRIL 17 eveningOur annual RAVENSWOOD SoiréeBOOK NOW - this event is selling fast$100pp, incl. chicken sandwiches & winewww.trybooking.com/12945740 Beauview Cres, East Ivanhoe

SATURDAY MAY 2 afternoonGala Concert with Melbourne Lawyers Orchestra 2:30pm James Touli AuditoriumBooking Details coming soon Methodist Ladies College, Barkers Road, Kew

Thursday May 14 evening7pm-10pmMaster Class with Tony Legge, Conductor, Music Director, Opera AustraliaCost $20 (Free-for-Friends & Donors)The Opera Studio, 371 Church St Richmond

Friday May 29 - Saturday June 6 Culture Project - a theatrical treatment ofBenjamin Britten’sCURLEW RIVER at fortyfivedownstairs45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

We are a not-for-profit, independent company, reliant upon donors and philanthropy to create excellent opera, and the next generation of opera practitioners.Our Friends are an important part of our company, providing not only much needed financial support, but also that most important element, an audience, for our singers to test, try, and triumph in new repertoire and new treatments. As a Friend of TOSM, you will be given an insider view of what it takes to become an accomplished professional. You will be invited to special events, including Friends’ Soirees and Master Classes, and contribute to the future of opera in Australia and overseas. Income raised from our Friends events support Fellowships for our Young Artists. We need Friends like you!

GET YOUR 2015 MEMBERSHIP, for $75 per calendar year by following link atwww.gertrudeopera.com.au or EMAIL admin@theoperastudio.com.au

Pictured left: Alissa Andraski (TOSM2014-2015) as PapagenaEugene Raggio (TOSM2014) as Papageno

Gertrude Opera mainstage production at The Athenaeum Theatre 2014

News I March 2015

Gertrude Opera I The Opera Studio Melbourne

Our past participants continue to make waves in Australia and overseas - our first recipient of the Gertrude Johnson Fellowship, bass baritone HADLEIGH ADAMS (GJF2009) returns from singing Schaunard in San Francisco Opera’s La Boheme to take the title role in Pinchgut’s production of BAJAZET in Sydney. Hadleigh has also had a hit with his self-devised Cabaret show in San Francisco - a sell-out! We are hopeful there may be a season for audiences in Sydney and Melbourne when he is back for Bajazet. More news about the successes and acheivements of our wonderful young professionals on page 4. We hit the ground running on March 3, with twelve singers, (a few still awaiting Visas)a wonderful music team, and a myriad of exciting projects and initiatives.

Artistic Director

The Opera Studio Melbourne I News. March 2015

2015 Young

Introducing our

Artists

On behalf of our young artists, we gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of all of our supporters, but in particular, our Fellowship Donors below:Gertrude Johnson Estate I Henkell Family Fund Alice Amy McDonald Trust I Mr Bill Gillies Van Straten - Turley Family Foundation I Friends’ of The Opera Studio Melbourne I Nance Grant, AM MBE

ALISSA ANDRASKI

mezzo soprano b. Wisconsin studied Chicago, Germany, ItalyAlissa joined us in 2014, making the shift from soprano to mezzo reperoitre. Alissa is the 2014-2015 recipient of the Van Straten - Turley Fellowship.

ALEXANDRA IOAN

soprano b. Romania studied New Zealand, MelbourneAle sang Pamina for us in 2014, and this year joins as a Young Artist. Alexandra is the recipient of the Alice Amy McDonald Trust Fellowship for 2015.

MICHELLE MCCARTHY

soprano b. Melbourne studied UniMelb (BMus)Michelle spent 2014 singing with Opera Australia Schools Touring Company.Michelle is the recipient of the 2015 Gertrude Johnson OBE Fellowship.

AGATHE DE COURCY

mezzo soprano b. Francestudied La Sorbonne, Paris & VersaillesIn 2013, Agathe was at the National Opera Studio in London, studying with Kathryn Harris, Mark Shanahan & Della Jones.Agathe has qualifications as an actor, dancer and pianist.

SAMUEL THOMAS-HOLLAND

baritone b. Northern Territorystudied Perth, BrisbaneSamuel is supported by a Henkell Family Fellowship for 2015. He has sung professionally in the chorus for West Australian Opera, and for Opera Queensland.

KIMBERLEY COLMAN

soprano b. Melbournestudied, VCA, UniMelbKimberley was a Scholarship Recipient with Aust Music Events Opera Scholars program from 2008 - 2014. Kimberley’s participation in our 2015 Performance Program is supported by Friends of The Opera Studio Melbourne

KHARY WILSON

tenor b. Atlanta, Georgiastudied Louisiana State UniversityKhary has performed roles with Opera Theater Pittsburgh, New Orleans Opera, LSU Opera and USC Opera: recently performed the role of Brighella in Ariadne auf Naxos. Henkell Family Fellow 2015.

LISA PARKER

soprano b. Melbournestudied Music/Arts (Italian) at Monash UniversityLisa is our youngest participant in 2015, finishing her Bachelor of Arts at Monash in 2014.

ALEXANDRA LIDGERWOOD

soprano b. Melbournestudied UniMelbAlexandra joined TOS in 2014, performing the role of Anna Gomez in The Consul, and Second Spirt in Magic Flute at The Athenaeum Theatre.

PIERA DENNERSTEIN

soprano b. Melbournestudied, Monash University.Piera received 4 Dean’s Recognistion Awards for outstanding results at University. Piera’s participation in our 2015 Performance Program is supported by Friends of The Opera Studio Melbourne

OWAIN BROWNE

baritone b. Britainstudied Cambridge, MOpera - Royal Scottish Academy.Owain was a member of the Flanders Opera Studio, Ghent, in 2013. He is supported by a Henkell Family Fund Fellowship for participation at The Opera Studio Melbourne in 2015.

TAMZYN ALEXANDER

soprano b. Melbournestudied, Australian Catholic University2015 will be Tamzyn’s second year at TOSM; she was a Foundation Program member of the company in 2014, performing the role of Vera B. in The Consul, & First Spirt in The Magic Flute.

2015 Repertoire & Plans

Gertrude Opera

I am often asked how I choose our repertoire, and upon reflection, there is an element of whimsy in coming up with pieces: dreaming up themes, tossing around ideas, initially in a fanciful and unrestained way. Eventually I settle on what I think will suit the singers I know we will have for the year: which pieces will show them at their best. I like to think that our audiences are open-minded and adventurous; as unpredictable as our choices can sometimes be, audience appreciation, enjoyment and the omnipresent box-office appeal is always a consideration. Ultimately though, the voices of our young singers determine what we are capable of presenting theatrically. Which pieces will help them grow theatrically, and show them as excellent and capable performers as possible. The spaces, environs and logistical elements are taken into account, and as well as the expectations of our in-kind and financial partners. Our initial enthusiasm and imagination is always tempered with the reality of the need to be frugal, but doesn’t quash ambition, and actually tends to spur us on to be even more extravagant in artistry and vision.

Undeniably there is a lot of opera in Melbourne these days: many small companies presenting opera in intimate and varied settings. This makes for some competition for box-office dollars amongst regular opera-goers, and we are mindful of our need to win over aficionados as well as capture and create new audiences: spark new interest, not least in order to engage an audience for our young singers throughout their careers. With this in mind, our projects span the sometimes conservative, and the daring and unconventional, usually sung in English as the predominant language of our region. The notion that opera is an art-form for the elite is difficult to counteract: we so enjoy the champagne galas, drawing room soirees and formal concert gowns: but the reality is that to be a ‘career’ opera singer, there is needed a versatility, a desire and the skills to communicate a story, and a dedication to often unappreciated excellence in musical& academic prepartion that transcends ‘classic’ perceptions of what it is to be an opera singer in Australia. The following brief overview of our productions and events for 2015 will hopefully whet your appetite for booking for shows that might not otherwise have taken your fancy. The added bonus of Gertrude Opera - The Opera Studio is the real pleasure in watching young artists hold their own with profesional colleagues and artistic teams.

www.gertrudeopera.com.au

‘Unofficial ’ Announcement...We are thrilled to have secured partnerships from three wineries (Tahbilk, Fowles & Mitchelton) to present the inaugural NAGAMBIE LAKES OPERA FESTIVAL from October 9 - 11. In the tradition of designated opera festivals in Europe, UK and America, we will present a variety of events and operas over two nights and two days, but with a distinctly Australian flair. A feast for the senses: beautiful settings, delicious food, local produce, Australian premieres, Australian and international singers and naturally, award-winning wines. You will be the first to know when it is on sale. We can barely contain our excitement, and hope it is the beginning of a long tradition for Gertrude Opera and the Nagambie Lakes region!

CULTURE PROJECTfortyfivedownstairs

May 29 - June 6

Benjamin BrittenCURLEW RIVER

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERENagambie October 11

David LangTHE DIFFICULTY

OF CROSSING A FIELD

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN....Nagambie October 10

Gilbert & SullivanTRIAL BY JURY

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERENagambie October 11

OffenbachGUIDO’S CAT

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERENagambie October 10

Libby Larsen Double BillTRY ME, GOOD KING

STONE SOUP

J.S.BachCOFFEE

CANTATA

Critic’s Choice : GERTRUDE OPERA’S production of THE CONSUL makes it to the top of critic Paul Selar’s top five operas for 2014:

GALA DINNER with A Very Very Very Short History of

La triviata DINNER & MUSIC-

OPERA-FILM TRIVIA COMPETITION

MEET OUR EXTRAORDINARY MUSIC TEAM: :

Gertrude Opera I The Opera Studio Melbourne

FAQ #1 What is it you actually do...?

We don’t do classes, in the traditional sense. Or 1:1 singing lessons. Our Young Artists have already achieved a exceptional level of competence, and some have postgraduate qualifications and professional experience in opera. They join us for a year of preparation and performance, individually selected to suit their strengths and potential. Occasionally, we hold master classes by visiting professional artists: such as Tony Legge, Music Director at Opera Australia, and Chuck Hudson, a US based director with an interesting and useful method for making an aria work in audition. Our young artists take their voice lessons, language classes, and one on one drama coaching outside of the Studio performance program.

With our focus on our performance outcomes, such as Soirees, productions, and this year, a festival, we engage in preparation, coaching and rehearsals for those performances, initially with our fabulous music team, and then in the rehearsal room with our professional, experienced stage directors: wisdom is imparted with consideration for what professional companies expect of young artists. Professional etiquette, attention to detail - vocal, linguistic, dramatic, physical - stamina, careful rehearsing and performing, Our singers come from a variety of backgrounds, and take the opportunity to prepare arias, ensembles and roles to the highest possible standards to secure their place in the profession. Every performance with The Opera Studio - Gerturde Opera is an opportunity to rely on the skills found and choices made in rehearsal in front of an audience.Friends, Donors, Supporters and prospective young artists are more than welcome to visit and observe whilst we are rehearsing. To find the best time to visit, email Lilly or Camille at admin@theoperastudio.com.au

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 529 East Melbourne VIC 3002

REHEARSAL STUDIOS371 Church StreetRichmondVIC 3121

WEB ADDRESSwww.theoperastudio.com.auwww.gertrudeopera.com.au

Conductor, Music DirectorDr Kram is an Australian conductor, lecturer, arts man-ager and pianist. He is General Director of More Than Opera, Musical Director of the Melbourne Chamber Choir and Senior Fellow, the University of Melbourne.

IRINA CHERKASSKI PAMELA CHRISTIE

GERTRUDE OPERAperforming arm of THE OPERA STUDIO MELBOURNEA not-for-profit organisation, since 2008.

FRIDAY APRIL 17 BOOKINGS OPENOne of our annual event highlights, at the historic RAVENSWOOD, private home of Dr David & Mrs Margaret Young. In the surrounds of their beautiful ballroom, join us for an intimate evening with our Young Artists. $100 pp, with proceeds going to support our Young Artist Fellowships. This event is extremely popular, with limited seating - book securely online so as not to miss out: www.trybooking.com/129457

COMING UP: SOIRÉE AT RAVENSWOOD

Dr DAVID KRAM

Repetiteur, Accompanist, TeacherIrina was principal repetiteur at NZ Opera for six years, and played for Auckland Phil, NZ Opera Summer School, VCA & Monash University. Irina is also a highly respected piano teacher and professional accompanist.

Repetiteur, AccompanistPamela Christie trained in Melbourne and Russia. She is a repetiteur for Opera Australia Schools Touring company, and is in demand as a freelance pianist, playing for recitals, cabarets, concerts and productions.

On Sunday March 15, ten days after the start of our new year, we were privileged to have Kerry Gardner and Andrew Myer host a Donor Circle Reception and Concert at the historic private Myer family home, CRANLANA, in Toorak.

Special guest speaker was the brilliant Max Gillies, AM; his show ‘Once we were Leaders’ is playing at the Arts Centre for a limited season. Max and your Artistic Director last appeared together on the Sydney Opera House in Fiddler on the Roof, as Tevye and Hodel. Max goodnaturedly agreed to be also roped in to play the role of Gianni Schicchi in Alexandra Ioan’s rendition of O mio babbino caro. Beautiful finger food from The Sweet Grocer from Armadale (thank you Caroline and staff!), and the house and gardens looked magnificent. The program showed our Australian-based young artists after just ten days of coaching and rehearsal, and gave glimpses of 2015 composers’ repertoire to come: Britten, Offenbach, Gilbert & Sullivan, with Verdi and Saint Saens for good measure.

A big thank you to our 2015 Donor Circle, thrilled to raise enough to cover our venue hire for our Culture Project!) and to Kerry Gardner, especially, for her generosity and kind words; to Max Gillies, and our special guest artists: BELINDA PRAKHOFF, EUGENE RAGGIO (TOSM 2014) & MICHAEL LAPINA.

CRANLANA RECEPTION & CONCERT

A beautiful day, in a glorious private garden in Mt Macedon, with a program of arias presented by our wonderful young artists, made for a most memorable Garden Soirée. Thank you to our helpers, Robert and Peter, to those in the audience from the area, and those who travelled: it was indeed a very special day. Extra special thanks to our hosts Craig Lidgerwood and Stephen Ryan, and to the Lidgerwood family for the delicious catering and assistance on the day. We hope it becomes a regular feature of our performance calendar!

EUGENE RAGGIO (Henkell Family Fellowship 2014) has just landed a principal contract with Opera Australia for their Schools’ Touring Company for 2015. Eugene will perform in Hansel & Gretel, with Oliver Mann, guest artist in our productions of Cinderella & The Britten Project in 2013.

STACEY ALLEAUME (TOSM 2009-2010) has landed ‘a dream’ principal contract with our National Company. We can’t give you any details yet, but it is incredibly exciting. She has just finished singing Amor in the Sydney Festival production of Orfeo ed Euridice, directed by Richard Roxburgh. A few days ago, Stacey sadly was involved in a serious car accident, and is currently recuperating in hospital - we send her and her family our best wishes for a speedy recovery!

HADLEIGH ADAMS (Gertrude Johnson Fellow 2009) takes the lead role in Pinchgut’s production of Bajazet, which opens in Sydney in July. He recently wowed audiences in a sold-out auto-biographical cabaret in San Francisco. Later this year he will sing Guglielmo in Cosi fan tutte directed by Thomas Allen in Pittsburgh.

NA’AMA GOLDMAN (2011 Israel-Melb Exchange Prize) continues her international stage career, with the cover of the title role in CARMEN at Glyndebourne Festival in the UK mid-year. Early this year, Salomé (Mariotte) at Wexford Festival Opera, debuted as Rosina in The Barber of Seville for Israel Opera. Joined Opera Fuoco for concert versions of Giulio Cesare (Cornelia) and Dido & Aeneas (Sorceress) at Shanghai Baroque Festival. Future productions for include the role of Fenena in Nabucco, and Cherubino from The Marriage of Figaro at The Israeli Opera.

ARTISTS’ NEWS, IN BRIEF....

Pictured left: Dr DAVID KRAM with our 2015 Gertrude Johnson Young Artist MICHELLE MCCARTHY, performing for The Opera Studio Melbourne at the historic Sotheby’s auction of items from Dame Nellie Melba’s Estate.

TUGURIUM GARDEN SOIRÉE March 22