Opera Queensland (OQ) has begun its 2023 season with a dramatic launch of Verdi’s retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It is one of the most powerful performances I have ever seen. Their vision of growing a community connected by the transformative power of opera has already been met.
OQ and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) produced a masterfully rich exploration of tragedy and the psychological complexities of choice. Even knowing the fate of the Macduff’s and finally the Macbeths, I was emotionally affected. If this was an example of what’s to come, OQ storytelling with voice and music, I don’t want to miss any of their performances.
Helpmann Award winner Jose Carbo plays a dramatic, emotional Macbeth and I hope we see more of him. Anna-Louise Cole is one of Australia’s rising opera stars. The Melbourne Conservatorium trained graduate is now making a name in Europe. She performed a magnificent role with her thrilling dramatic voice. It was her first time in a role debut.
Already Australia’s largest performing arts complex, even more exciting is the major infrastructure project that is underway at Queensland’s Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). A new 1,500 seat theatre is being built to open in 2024.
This coincides with Brisbane’s new Queen’s Wharf precinct due for completion in 2023. A pedestrian bridge will connect South Bank and the Queen’s Wharf development, positioning the home of opera in Queensland at the heart of a new world-class cultural hub.
In the meanwhile, Opera Queensland presents its annual season of three major works at QPAC as well as ensuring our more remote communities have the opportunity of enjoying OQ performances with The Festival of Outback Opera in Winton and Longreach. It would be a unique experience; one I have not had the pleasure of attending.
Not to forget the regular Opera Studio Series, the Young Artists Program for schools and various community performances by OQ.
Coming up for 2023:
For a full program of events, and there are many, Season 2023 – Opera Queensland (oq.com.au) provides a comprehensive list with dates and time.
Major performances to look out for in Brisbane are:
- 31 March to 1 April: I Still Call Australia Home with Paul Tabone and Mirusia with pianist Alex Raineri
- April – June: Lady Sings the Maroons (touring Queensland)
- 16-22 May: Festival of Outback Opera
- 10-26 August: Cosi Fan tutte
And there is so much more for Opera Queensland (oq.com.au)
Season 2023 – Opera Queensland (oq.com.au)
Ph: 07 3735 3030 Ticket Enquiries: 136 246
Email: info@oq.com.au @operaqueensland
Ruth Greening holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology & Philosophy. Before retirement, she worked for over 40 years in the corporate world in Melbourne and Brisbane and progressed into senior management positions and project roles for both private industry and government.
In her 70th decade, she continues in casual roles as a freelance writer, model, and actor participating in small movies, TV commercials and User Generated Content.
As a grandmother, she is known as Nanny Babe to her grandchildren and writes from a Baby Boomer perspective on her blog www.nannybabe.com. An avid crafter Ruth actively participates in sewing, crocheting and knitting.
While she continues to pursue her artistic passions, Ruth is dedicated to maintaining her health and fitness as she ages by attending the gym, dancing and walking and thrives on mentoring others.
Connect with Ruth or our moniker Nanny Babe; nannybabegengp.blogspot.com.au/
