Mini Opera Festival: Old Maid and Thief, and The Storm

Calling all opera lovers and music enthusiasts! The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music presents the Melbourne Mini Opera Festival, a delightful weekend showcasing the talents of its up-and-coming opera stars. Immerse yourself in a diverse program featuring two double bills, each performed on both Saturday and Sunday.
In these sessions, experience the world premiere of a brand-new student-composed opera, The Storm, based on the violent flooding of Creswick in 2022. Also, enjoy the comedic charm of Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief, directed by Professor Jane Davidson.
Whether you’re a seasoned opera aficionado or simply curious to discover the next generation of operatic talent, or a student considering your music future, this festival is the perfect opportunity to be captivated by beautiful music, compelling stories, and the raw energy of rising stars. So come along, support the future of opera, and enjoy a weekend filled with unforgettable musical moments.

The Storm

Original creator/singers: Qiulian Axtens, Nicholas Beecher, Lisette Bolton, James Billson, Genevieve Droppert, Sofia Imperatore, Chloe James, Jesse Linke, Saskia Mascitti, Metehan Pektas, Mitchell Sanders, Noah Straughan, Maria Woolford.
Creator/percussionist: Brynn Jacka
Original Project guided by Gillian Howell, Sarah Woodland and Jane Davidson with Meta Cohen.

Across the weeks between August and October 2023, the opera students undertook a creative project exploring the impact of the storm that hit Creswick in January 2022. This work is presented in the form of a “mini-opera.” The team was privileged to interview storm-affected residents, and their words inspired the piece.

Content Warnings: This opera includes loud percussive effects and may generate uncomfortable feelings for those affected by the events depicted