Opera recital on a budget

A trio of aspiring opera singers is set to join two of the industry’s distinguished professionals to help raise money for the Conservatorium Opera School.

The Spring Opera Gala fundraiser on Wednesday 3 September will showcase some of the country’s top operatic talent. Opera school graduate Brad Cooper has flown in from engagements overseas to be a part of the event to raise money for the education institution that gave him his break.

We’re committed to entertaining people. We’ll be presenting some of our favourite arias and ensembles from opera as well as some more popular songs which we love to sing, Cooper said.

First and foremost, the idea in putting on this concert is for the five of us -“ Dominica Matthews, Shannon Foley, Barry Ryan, David Miller and me -” to have some fun performing together some of our favourite music.

This is the whole point of performance -” to come together as friends and colleagues and entertain the public for a few hours. If you can do this and at the same time help to give back to the next round of young singers coming through the ranks, then that’s also fantastic.

The additional funding for the organisation is vital to help maintain the opera program at its current level and offer four productions each year to the public, Cooper added.

info: The Spring Opera Gala will take place at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Tickets start at $20. Bookings on www.cityrecitalhall.com/events/id/358/Spring-Opera-Gala.