In 2024, Opera Queensland is launching Brisbane Bel Canto! This new festival for the stage utilises rich, popular repertoire of Italian opera from the mid-19th century as a celebration of song in all its many forms.
Set to take over The City in April, Opera Queensland’s 2024 season will kick off with a brand-new festival dedicated to the ever-popular repertoire of Italian opera from the mid-19th century.
On 20 & 27 April, Jessica will bring her critically acclaimed performance of Lucia to Brisbane audiences for the very first time. This tragic tale of a woman’s romantic obsession whose passion knows no limits, sees Pratt’s long-time collaborator and master of bel canto repertoire Richard Mills join her to conduct the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
On Wednesday April 24, Jessica will perform a one-night-only concert of highlights from the bel canto era. The program showcases work that explores the heroes and heroines from the bel canto canon, including music from Norma, I Puritani and the rarely performed Beatrice di Tenda. Friday April 26 will see culinary icon Maggie Beer creates a special opera-inspired menu of eats.
Friday April 26 will also see Australia’s leading soloists, the Queensland Conservatorium Orchestra and a chorus of vocal students, conducted by Richard Mills, perform an hour-long showcase of Rossini’s masterpiece Stabat Mater. This breathtaking work conveys profound grief and hope through its exquisite melodies and lush harmonies.
