Hansel & Gretel.
7:30pm Friday 28th & Saturday 29th April
Pitt St. Uniting Church, Sydney
Pitt St. Uniting Church, Sydney
"Hansel and Gretel" is a popular opera in three acts composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, with a libretto by his sister, Adelheid Wette. The opera premiered on December 23, 1893, at the Hoftheater in Weimar, Germany.
The opera is based on the famous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, and follows the story of two young siblings, Hansel and Gretel, who are sent out into the woods by their mother to gather berries. Lost and alone, they come across a gingerbread house inhabited by a witch who intends to cook and eat them. Through their wits and courage, they manage to outsmart the witch and escape back to their home, where they are joyfully reunited with their father.
The music of "Hansel and Gretel" is a mix of folk melodies, lush harmonies, and Wagnerian influences, and has become known for its charming and whimsical character. The opera's most famous aria is the "Evening Prayer" duet, in which Hansel and Gretel sing a beautiful lullaby as they prepare to sleep in the forest.
"Hansel and Gretel" remains a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire and is frequently performed around the world during the holiday season. Its appeal lies not only in its enchanting music and delightful characters but also in its universal message of the power of love and family to overcome adversity.
The opera is based on the famous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, and follows the story of two young siblings, Hansel and Gretel, who are sent out into the woods by their mother to gather berries. Lost and alone, they come across a gingerbread house inhabited by a witch who intends to cook and eat them. Through their wits and courage, they manage to outsmart the witch and escape back to their home, where they are joyfully reunited with their father.
The music of "Hansel and Gretel" is a mix of folk melodies, lush harmonies, and Wagnerian influences, and has become known for its charming and whimsical character. The opera's most famous aria is the "Evening Prayer" duet, in which Hansel and Gretel sing a beautiful lullaby as they prepare to sleep in the forest.
"Hansel and Gretel" remains a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire and is frequently performed around the world during the holiday season. Its appeal lies not only in its enchanting music and delightful characters but also in its universal message of the power of love and family to overcome adversity.
Creatives.
Conductor - Ben Fan
An emerging composer and conductor based in Sydney. Studied Composition & Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Ben is an ambitious artist thriving to create new initiatives and craft opportunities for the next generation of creators.
Pianist - Jamie-Lee Xu
Jamie-Lee Xu is a pianist, currently in her first year of the Master of Music Studies (Performance) degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, after completing her Bachelor of Music (Performance). She was awarded the Keith and Eileen Ong Prize for Piano on entry to her Masters degree. Additionally, she has received the John and Dorothy Vimpani Pianoforte Fund scholarship on entry to the Conservatorium in 2018, as well as the Molly Neale Memorial Award in 2021 and 2022. She is currently studying with Dr Jeanell Carrigan, specialising in a collaborative piano major. Formerly, she has worked with James Muir, David Miller, Natalia Ricci and has had masterclass experience with Graham Johnson and Amir Farid.
Jamie-Lee has received her AMusA diploma in piano (AMEB and IMEB) as well as top bands in Music 2 and Music Extension courses for HSC and an Encore nomination. At the age of 5, she won her first gold prize in the under 12 competition at the Inner West Eisteddfod. Later on, she won 1st and 2nd place awards in the Wollongong Eisteddfod, the Sydney Eisteddfod and the Castle Hill Festival of Performing Arts.
Jamie-Lee’s interest in collaborative piano began in high school when she was 14, where she was offered the opportunity to be the choral pianist. She performed with the two choirs frequently at school concerts.
Currently, Jamie-Lee has continued working alongside singers and fellow musicians, rehearsing and performing frequently with the Concordia Ensemble. She has performed in many productions with Concordia Ensemble, including Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, Mascagni’s Zanetto, Holst’s The Wandering Scholar, Viardot’s Cendrillon, and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas soon to follow. She is rapidly building a reputation as a very promising collaborative pianist amongst the students and staff at the Conservatorium. Once she graduates, she would like to undertake studies further and join an opera company to continue collaborating with other musicians.
Jamie-Lee has received her AMusA diploma in piano (AMEB and IMEB) as well as top bands in Music 2 and Music Extension courses for HSC and an Encore nomination. At the age of 5, she won her first gold prize in the under 12 competition at the Inner West Eisteddfod. Later on, she won 1st and 2nd place awards in the Wollongong Eisteddfod, the Sydney Eisteddfod and the Castle Hill Festival of Performing Arts.
Jamie-Lee’s interest in collaborative piano began in high school when she was 14, where she was offered the opportunity to be the choral pianist. She performed with the two choirs frequently at school concerts.
Currently, Jamie-Lee has continued working alongside singers and fellow musicians, rehearsing and performing frequently with the Concordia Ensemble. She has performed in many productions with Concordia Ensemble, including Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, Mascagni’s Zanetto, Holst’s The Wandering Scholar, Viardot’s Cendrillon, and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas soon to follow. She is rapidly building a reputation as a very promising collaborative pianist amongst the students and staff at the Conservatorium. Once she graduates, she would like to undertake studies further and join an opera company to continue collaborating with other musicians.
Cast.
Hansel - Cassandra Doyle
Cassandra Doyle is a mezzo-soprano in her final year of a Bachelor of Music Performance (Classical Voice) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying voice with Maree Ryan AM. Cassandra has been a recipient of the Patricia Bell Grant, PATIM Fund Scholarship and George Henderson Travelling Scholarship. Awards include Istituto Italiano di Cultura Award from the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, 2nd Prize in the Sydney International Song Prize under the Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Foundation, 2nd Prize in Operatic Aria (21-26) Sydney Eisteddfod, and a finalist in the Demant Dreikurs Scholarship Song Competition (2022), Elizabeth Todd Prize (2022) and semi-finalist in the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition (2022).
Cassandra’s performed roles include Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro (Mozart) , Ino in Semele and Irene in Theodora (Handel), Leila in Iolanthe (Sullivan) and Madame Frida in the Australian premiere of Aija Dragun's new children's opera, Max and Moritz with Musgrove Opera. Cassandra featured as a concert soloist with orchestra in Messiah (Handel), Requiem Op. 48 (Fauré), Requiem in D minor (Mozart), Ascension Oratorio BWV 11 (J.S. Bach), Magnificat RV.611 (Vivaldi), Messe de Minuit (Charpentier), Petit Messe Solenelle (Rossini), Stabat Mater (Pergolesi), Requiem Op. 9 (Duruflé) and Rückert-Lieder (Mahler). Her chorus experience includes Savītrī (Holst), Orfeo ed Euridice (Gluck) and Semele (Handel).
During her studies Cassandra has been an Alto choral scholar with St. James, King Street, Apprentice Artist with The Song Company and collaborated with Cantillation Chorus, Bach Akademie Australia and Ensemble Apex. In 2022 Cassandra was a recitalist for The Women's Club, taking part in their 'Women in Music' Limelight concert series and is a regular recitalist at St. James Church, King Street. Masterclasses include that by Tahu Matheson, Erin Helyard and Miriam Allan, David Miller AM, Christian Müller, Lynne Dawson, Taryn Fiebig, Alexandra Flood and Konstantin Shamray.
A graduate of the Conservatorium High School, Cassandra has been a concert soloist at the Sydney Opera House for the NSW Arts Unit Festival of Music and a featured artist in the NSW Schools Spectacular. An experienced chorister, Cassandra has toured extensively with Gondwana Choirs and Sydney Children’s Choir throughout Asia, the Baltics and Iceland.
Cassandra’s performed roles include Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro (Mozart) , Ino in Semele and Irene in Theodora (Handel), Leila in Iolanthe (Sullivan) and Madame Frida in the Australian premiere of Aija Dragun's new children's opera, Max and Moritz with Musgrove Opera. Cassandra featured as a concert soloist with orchestra in Messiah (Handel), Requiem Op. 48 (Fauré), Requiem in D minor (Mozart), Ascension Oratorio BWV 11 (J.S. Bach), Magnificat RV.611 (Vivaldi), Messe de Minuit (Charpentier), Petit Messe Solenelle (Rossini), Stabat Mater (Pergolesi), Requiem Op. 9 (Duruflé) and Rückert-Lieder (Mahler). Her chorus experience includes Savītrī (Holst), Orfeo ed Euridice (Gluck) and Semele (Handel).
During her studies Cassandra has been an Alto choral scholar with St. James, King Street, Apprentice Artist with The Song Company and collaborated with Cantillation Chorus, Bach Akademie Australia and Ensemble Apex. In 2022 Cassandra was a recitalist for The Women's Club, taking part in their 'Women in Music' Limelight concert series and is a regular recitalist at St. James Church, King Street. Masterclasses include that by Tahu Matheson, Erin Helyard and Miriam Allan, David Miller AM, Christian Müller, Lynne Dawson, Taryn Fiebig, Alexandra Flood and Konstantin Shamray.
A graduate of the Conservatorium High School, Cassandra has been a concert soloist at the Sydney Opera House for the NSW Arts Unit Festival of Music and a featured artist in the NSW Schools Spectacular. An experienced chorister, Cassandra has toured extensively with Gondwana Choirs and Sydney Children’s Choir throughout Asia, the Baltics and Iceland.
Gretel - Ariana Ricci
Ariana Ricci is a fourth year Bachelor of Music Performance student studying classical voice as a full scholarship student, under the Ted and Susan Meller Memorial Scholarship at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She made her solo debut with orchestra on the violin at the age of nine and has performed as a soloist with orchestra many times since, on both violin and voice, including her most recent soprano soloist debut with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. In 2020 she was awarded first prizes in the Voice - Young Artist categories of both the 2nd Vienna International Music Competition and the Manhattan International Music Competition, and in 2021 received a slew of first prizes in the Sydney Eisteddfod, including the Intermediate Vocal Award. In 2022, she performed as a principal artist at Albury Chamber Music Festival in their production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, after performing the same role of Witch 1 earlier in the year with St Paul’s College. At the beginning of 2023, Ariana was awarded a Henderson scholarship to partake in the Royal Northern College of Music Winter School, performing the role of ‘Le Feu’ in Ravel’s ‘L’enfant et les sortileges’. Ariana is a choral scholar at the chapel choir of St Paul’s College, and sings regularly as a dep with the choir of St. James King Street.
Hexe - Molly Ryan
Soprano Molly Ryan is completing her fourth year of a Bachelor of Music Performance (Classical Voice) at the Sydney Conservatorium, studying with Maree Ryan AM. She has been the recipient of the PATIM Fund scholarships, the Helen Myers Scholarship, the Henderson Traveller’s Scholarship and the Florence Mary Verga-Smith Award (2019). Molly’s operatic roles include Theodora in Handel’s Theodora, La Princesse in Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges, Belinda and Second Witch in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Maguelonne and Armelinde in Viardot’s Cendrillon, Susanna in Wolf-Ferarri’s Il Segretto di Susanna and Autumn in Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. Her concert repertoire includes soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Ecumenical Choir, Faure’s Requiem with St Paul’s College Choir, Dyson’s Hierusalem with Bel A Cappella and North Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Clorinda in Monteverdi’s Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda with Concordia Ensemble. During her studies at the Sydney Conservatorium, Molly has been a finalist in the Demant Dreikurs Song Scholarship Competition, a semi finalist in the David Miller Award, and a soloist in the Con Lieder Series. Masterclasses include that by David Miller AM, Lynne Dawson and Christian Mueller. Molly joined the St Paul’s College Choir in 2022, as a soprano choral scholar and has enjoyed performing as a soloist for a variety of events including their collaboration with Ensemble Apex, the annual Victoriana production and choral evensongs. Molly found success in the 2022 Sydney Eisteddfod, winning first place in the Vocal championship, Oratorio, Female voices, French song and Art Song, as well as third place in Operatic aria. She has also had other previous successes in the Sydney, Northern Beaches, Penrith and Ryde Eisteddfods.
“Soprano Molly Ryan, statuesque and hugely impressive of voice, brought out the best in everyone on that stage.” - Ron Ringer (Classikon) September, 2022
“Soprano Molly Ryan, statuesque and hugely impressive of voice, brought out the best in everyone on that stage.” - Ron Ringer (Classikon) September, 2022
Gertrud - Amelia Bland
Amelia Bland is a Mezzo-Soprano currently studying a Bachelor of Music Performance Classical Voice in Classical Voice under the tutelage of Donna Balson. Originally from Orange, she has been the recipient of Opera Australia’s Regional Vocal Scholarship and the Florence Wenban Memorial Award.
In 2023 Amelia has performed the title role in Concordia Ensemble’s production of Mascagni’s Zanetto.
2022 saw Amelia perform Iris in Semele, (Handel), Alison in The Wandering Scholar (Holst), Second Witch in Dido and Aeneas (Purcell) and Humility in Ordo Virtutum (Bingen). She also appeared as part of the chorus in the Pacific Opera Company’s productions of L’elisir d’amore (Donizetti) and Madama Butterfly (Puccini).
Amelia is looking forward to performing the role of Didymus in Handel’s Theodora (Concordia Ensemble) and as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah (St Matthew’s Singers, New Norfolk, TAS) later this year.
In 2023 Amelia has performed the title role in Concordia Ensemble’s production of Mascagni’s Zanetto.
2022 saw Amelia perform Iris in Semele, (Handel), Alison in The Wandering Scholar (Holst), Second Witch in Dido and Aeneas (Purcell) and Humility in Ordo Virtutum (Bingen). She also appeared as part of the chorus in the Pacific Opera Company’s productions of L’elisir d’amore (Donizetti) and Madama Butterfly (Puccini).
Amelia is looking forward to performing the role of Didymus in Handel’s Theodora (Concordia Ensemble) and as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah (St Matthew’s Singers, New Norfolk, TAS) later this year.
Peter - Matthew Gaskin
Matthew has recently come home to Sydney after 12 years living in Canada. Whilst he was there, he obtained a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, majoring in composition, and a Masters of Music in Opera Performance from the University of British Columbia, where he studied with J. Patrick Raftery. Roles performed there include Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Nika Magadoff in Menotti’s The Consul, and Herzog von Urbino in Johann Strauss’ Eine Nacht in Venedig.
He performed the tenor solo for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the UBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as concert tours as soloist with the UBC Opera Ensemble to Czech Republic, China, and Christmas concerts with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Matt has also performed the role of Tito in Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito at the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, and Tamino in The Czech Republic for the European Music Academy in Teplice, and Summer Opera Lyric Theatre in Toronto, Canada. Professional chorus and choral work include the Vancouver Opera Company, Vancouver Chamber Choir and the Elmer Iseler Singers.
He performed the tenor solo for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the UBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as concert tours as soloist with the UBC Opera Ensemble to Czech Republic, China, and Christmas concerts with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Matt has also performed the role of Tito in Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito at the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, and Tamino in The Czech Republic for the European Music Academy in Teplice, and Summer Opera Lyric Theatre in Toronto, Canada. Professional chorus and choral work include the Vancouver Opera Company, Vancouver Chamber Choir and the Elmer Iseler Singers.
Sand Man - Sophie Blades
Soprano Sophie Blades is currently undertaking her fourth year of a Bachelor of Music Performance majoring in Classical Voice at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She has studied under the expertise of Georgia Powell, Maree Ryan AM, and is currently under the tutelage of Dr Anke Hoepper-Ryan. Sophie has also been the recipient of the Eton College Choral Scholarship (2018) and the PATIM Fund (2021, 2022).
During her final year of school, Sophie was nominated for Encore and Onstage as well as receiving the McKerihan Prize for Musical Work (2019). Sophie has a background in musical theater, performing as Sally in the Follies and Maria in the Sound of Music as well as Sandy in Grease.
Her masterclasses include that of David Miller AM and Graham Johnson OBE as part of the Festival of Art Song (2022). More recently, she has performed the roles of the Second Witch and Phoebus in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas as well as Silvia in Pietro Mascagni’s Zanetto. She also recently performed as the soprano soloist for St. Christophorus’ performance of Mozart’s Spatzenmesse KV 220.
During her final year of school, Sophie was nominated for Encore and Onstage as well as receiving the McKerihan Prize for Musical Work (2019). Sophie has a background in musical theater, performing as Sally in the Follies and Maria in the Sound of Music as well as Sandy in Grease.
Her masterclasses include that of David Miller AM and Graham Johnson OBE as part of the Festival of Art Song (2022). More recently, she has performed the roles of the Second Witch and Phoebus in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas as well as Silvia in Pietro Mascagni’s Zanetto. She also recently performed as the soprano soloist for St. Christophorus’ performance of Mozart’s Spatzenmesse KV 220.
Dew Fairy - Hannah Burton
Hannah is in her fourth year at Sydney Conservatorium of Music doing a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice Performance, Honours) and a Diploma of Languages. Hannah has studied under the expert tutelage from Dr Anke Hoeppener Ryan, Ashlee Woodgate, Robert McDougall and is currently with Maree Ryan on a scholarship for merit. Hannah has always loved performing and directing since she was young, with her first classical performance being with Opera Australia with the children choir in the Magic Flute, and then in 2019 she worked again with OA as a Regional Vocal Scholar. In 2021, Hannah Assistant Directed the Sydney Conservatorium’s and NIDA’s “a Midsummer Nights Dream” with Kate Gaul and this year Hannah made her directorial debut with “La Serva Padrona” with Opus Collective, “Sunday in the Park” with George with MUSE and directed the Australian Premiere of Felicity Wilcox’s chamber opera ‘Threading the Light’ with the CoOperative. Hannahs roles include the title role in Kaija Saariaho’s “Emilie” and understudying Susanna in “The Marriage of Figaro” by W.A Mozart (the CoOperative) and has been a Featured Artist in the Schools Spectacular (2019). This year Hannah is performing the First Witch in Henry Purcells Dido and Aeneas with Pacific Opera, Flora in Benjamin Britain’s Turn of the Screw with the CoOperative and performed with Apex Ensemble in Verdi’s Requiem.
Chorus.
Ella Briggs
Ella is a Soprano currently in their second year of a Bachelor of Music (Performance) in Classical Voice at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying under Dr Anke Hoeppner-Ryan. They were delighted to receive the Geoffrey Rothwell scholarship in the beginning of 2022 and are looking forward to the continuation of their studies.
2021 saw Ella awarded with the Jessica Weston Cup, Senior Scholarship Trophy and the Wellington Musical Theatre Trophy at the Hutt Valley Performing Arts Competition, as well as 2nd place in 20th/21st Century Art Song. They were also honoured to be selected for the 2021 NEWZATS masterclass with Tenor Oliver Sewell.
Ella has performed as Chorus, First Nereid and Second Witch understudy in Dido and Aeneas, and as Chorus, Messenger and Theodora cover study in Theodora, both with Concordia Ensemble. Ella’s musical theatre credits include ensemble in Beauty and the Beast and Shrek, as well as Rapunzel in Into the Woods and Laurey in Oklahoma!
2021 saw Ella awarded with the Jessica Weston Cup, Senior Scholarship Trophy and the Wellington Musical Theatre Trophy at the Hutt Valley Performing Arts Competition, as well as 2nd place in 20th/21st Century Art Song. They were also honoured to be selected for the 2021 NEWZATS masterclass with Tenor Oliver Sewell.
Ella has performed as Chorus, First Nereid and Second Witch understudy in Dido and Aeneas, and as Chorus, Messenger and Theodora cover study in Theodora, both with Concordia Ensemble. Ella’s musical theatre credits include ensemble in Beauty and the Beast and Shrek, as well as Rapunzel in Into the Woods and Laurey in Oklahoma!
Hazel Bingon (Hansel Cover)
Hazel, an aspiring young mezzo-soprano studying under Russell Harcourt at the Sydney Conservatorium, has only just entered the amateur stage with chorus roles with production companies including Concordia Ensemble and the SCM opera school. Hazel has formed a passion for Baroque music through her performance of Extracts from Handel’s Theodora, where she performed the alto chorus role and understudied Irene, and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, where she performed the alto chorus and understudied the Sorceress, but is excited to expand her repertoire into the early classical periods after performing the alto chorus part in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and now take part in Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.
Sarah Collins
Sarah is a soprano in her second year of a bachelor of performance in classical voice at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under the guidance of Robyn Wells. As a teenager, Sarah has won numerous awards for her performance in both classical and music theatre including both junior and intermediate vocal championships in the Wollongong and Shoalhaven eisteddfods, as well as an Encore nomination for the 2021 HSC. Sarah has a background in musical theatre, performing in numerous productions along the South Coast, most notably, Liesl in the Sound of Music and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, as well as major local productions such as Wicked and Les Miserables.
Charlotte Crowe
Charlotte Crowe has been an avid musician her whole life. Joining the Sydney Children’s Choir in 2015, Charlotte auditioned for an international tour around the Baltics and sung in many cathedrals at age 13. Graduating from the Conservatorium of Music High School in 2021, her passion for operatic performance grew. Currently she studies a Bachelor of Music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, majoring in Classical Voice.
Eleanor Edwards
Soprano Eleanor Edwards is currently in her second year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying a Bachelor of Music Classical Voice (Performance) under the tutelage of Dr. Anke Hoeppner-Ryan. In February 2023 Eleanor travelled to Austria for a Music and Literature short Exchange at the Universität Wien. In July 2022, she was selected to participate as a Featured Vocalist in the Masterclass “The Past, Present & Future of Classical Voice” with Baritone Dr Leslie John Flanagan. In October, she sang Verdi’s Requiem in Ensemble Apex. Eleanor has sung in the Gondwana National Choir in 2020 and 2023, and will be a part of their 2023 New Zealand tour in September. Eleanor is mentored by international Soprano Mirusia, with whom she has performed as a Special Guest and Backing Vocalist in Concert on the ‘Salute to the Seekers & the Classics’ National Tour. Eleanor has performed in Musicals such as ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’ with the Orange Theatre Company, as well as singing in the Orange Regional Conservatorium Chamber Choir and receiving the 2021 Vocal Scholarship to train under William Moxey. She was also in the chorus of Opera Australia's production of ‘La Nozze Di Figaro’ in Orange on their Regional Tour. During the 2020 lockdowns, Eleanor developed her crafts by initiating a YouTube channel to share her Music with the community, which has been ongoing for the past 3 years. On her channel she has interviewed accomplished Performers and Musicians such as Soprano Jessica Westcott, Mirusia, and International Harpist Victor Valdes, with whom she has also performed a duet of ‘Ave Maria’. During this time she also gained skills in interviewing and radio by working towards a Certificate III in Screen and Media. She looks forward to performing in the chorus of Hansel and Gretel.
Erina Kirton
Erina Kirton is a soprano with Australian and Japanese heritage. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Music (Performance) degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under the tutelage of Barry Ryan.
Sarah Melluish
Sarah Melluish is currently in her 2nd year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music studying a Bachelor of Music – Performance (Classical Voice) under the tutelage of Barry Ryan OAM. Sarah was in the Chorus as well as understudied Isabel in the Pirates of Penzance (2022, GSOS). She also performed in 2022 with the chorus of Rockdale Opera’s Die Fledermaus and Verdi’s Requiem with Ensemble Apex. Prior to beginning her musical journey, Sarah has been constantly developing her vocal and performance skills. During her schooling years, she played the roles of Nick Bottom in A Midsummer’s Night Dream (2018), Elphaba in Wicked (2019) and Captain Hook in Peter Pan (2019). As well as won the international Tournament of Minds as the captain of the arts division team
Grace Pfab (Sand Man/ Dew Fairy cover)
Grace Pfab is a soprano completing a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying voice with Anke Höppner-Ryan. She has been the recipient of the Peter Davidson scholarship and Alan Hyland scholarship. Grace's performance experience spans across many mediums including stage and screen acting, musical theatre, dance and opera. In the last year, Grace has performed with Concordia Ensemble in Handel's Semele and as Second Woman in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, with Pacific Opera in Dido and Aeneas and NIDA in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. Grace's concert repertoire includes Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and von Bingen's Ordo Virtutum with Concordia Ensemble as well as Handel's L'allegro, il Penseroso Ed il Moderato with Pacific Opera.
Upcoming performances include Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel with the Sydney Conservatorium, Mozart's Don Giovanni and Purcell's Fairy Queen with Concordia Ensemble, and Mendelssohn's St Paulus and Paul Carr's Requiem for an Angel with Pacific Opera.
Upcoming performances include Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel with the Sydney Conservatorium, Mozart's Don Giovanni and Purcell's Fairy Queen with Concordia Ensemble, and Mendelssohn's St Paulus and Paul Carr's Requiem for an Angel with Pacific Opera.
Veronica Vella
Soprano Veronica Vella is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, under the tutelage of Christina Wilson. Veronica is an experienced chorister, having been a long-time member of the Sydney Children’s Choir/Gondwana Choirs throughout her schooling years. She is currently a Choral scholar at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta and a soprano in the St Paul’s college choir. 2022 saw her singing in the soprano chorus for St Paul’s college production of Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas.” Veronica is looking forward to the rest of her studies at the Con as well as extending her operatic repertoire and performing in her next opera as part of the chorus in Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel und Gretel”.
Wesley Yu (Witch Cover)
Tenor Wesley Yu is currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for the Bachelor of Music Performance (Classical Voice) under the guidance of Dr Simon Lobelson.
During the studying of classical voice, Wesley has participated in IFCM World Choral EXPO’s Competition in Macau SAR and won the silver award of Category 2 in 2015. Wesley has also taken part in Hong Kong International Music Festival in 2018. In 2021, Wesley also participated in the 9th International Vocal Open Competition organised by Hong Kong International Musician Association and won the Second Class Award in Art Songs Open Class.
In 2022, Wesley performed in Handel’s Semele and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with Concordia Ensemble. In the same year, Wesley also participated in the 2022 Sydney International Song Prize, David Miller Award, Masterclass with Dr. Graham Johnson, Elizabeth Todd Lieder Prize in Memory of Geoffrey Parsons, as well as the Usyd Chinese Music Ensemble Concert as a guest tenor soloist. In October, Wesley sang in the chorus of Verdi’s Requiem with Ensemble Apex. Additionally, Wesley also covered for tenor soloist in Messiah by Handel in Sydney Town Hall at the end of 2022.
In 2023, Wesley became a recipient of the George and Margaret Henderson Scholarship and participated in the winter school program at the Royal Northern College of Music, singing the role of Ferrando in Così fan tutte opera scene by Mozart. He will also be singing Septimius in Handel’s Theodora with Concordia Ensemble.
During the studying of classical voice, Wesley has participated in IFCM World Choral EXPO’s Competition in Macau SAR and won the silver award of Category 2 in 2015. Wesley has also taken part in Hong Kong International Music Festival in 2018. In 2021, Wesley also participated in the 9th International Vocal Open Competition organised by Hong Kong International Musician Association and won the Second Class Award in Art Songs Open Class.
In 2022, Wesley performed in Handel’s Semele and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with Concordia Ensemble. In the same year, Wesley also participated in the 2022 Sydney International Song Prize, David Miller Award, Masterclass with Dr. Graham Johnson, Elizabeth Todd Lieder Prize in Memory of Geoffrey Parsons, as well as the Usyd Chinese Music Ensemble Concert as a guest tenor soloist. In October, Wesley sang in the chorus of Verdi’s Requiem with Ensemble Apex. Additionally, Wesley also covered for tenor soloist in Messiah by Handel in Sydney Town Hall at the end of 2022.
In 2023, Wesley became a recipient of the George and Margaret Henderson Scholarship and participated in the winter school program at the Royal Northern College of Music, singing the role of Ferrando in Così fan tutte opera scene by Mozart. He will also be singing Septimius in Handel’s Theodora with Concordia Ensemble.