More Than Opera

04/06/2024

May Lyon's Interview Contemporary Visions is on 3MBS tonight at 8pm!
Buy your tickets to Pieces of Margery premiering on 15 June here: http://www.trybooking.com/CQUVN

14/05/2024

PIECES OF MARGERY PREMIERES ON 15 JUNE FOR ONE CONCERT PERFORMANCE - Lithuanian Theatre 7.30pm - Don't miss this.
Pieces of Margery by Australian composer May Lyon, is a new one-act opera about life with dementia. Margery and Leonard Rey live in Melbourne, love their work, their personal projects, family, friends, and the everyday routine of a settled life until it begins to unravel as Margery's dementia symptoms appear. In this compassionate love story there are moments of tenderness, flashes of anger, absolute overwhelming disbelief and aloneness as they grapple with a new reality. In a long conversation, Margery and Leonard gradually find their way back to each other and to a new way of living together.
A cast of 5 Australian singers is led by Juel Riggall as Margery, Christopher Tonkin as Leonard, Adrian Tamburini as Dr Briggs, with Lisette Bolton as Kala and Matthew O'Leary as Tom.
Pieces of Margery is accompanied by a Chamber Orchestra conducted by Patrick Burns, Artistic Director of Lyric Opera.
You won't want to miss this.

Book your ticket through TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CQUVN

21/12/2023

After an exciting GAOG Grand Finale last month More Than Opera celebrated Christmas on 16 December with GAOG finalist, tenor Asher Reichman and Melbourne soprano Rada Tochalna performing opera favourites at More Than Opera's Annual Christmas lunch.
As guests arrived the merriment of the festive season spilled into the room while old and new friends of More Than Opera mingled before the formalities of the fundraising lunch began. Master of Ceremonies Richard Hobson welcoming everyone, highlighted the salient points of the afternoon's program, with singers Asher and Rada showcasing Verdi and Puccini favourites, masterfully accompanied by Dr David Kram; followed by a few words from Chairman Tony Battaini and later an auction of treasured art works and prizes with Heidi Victoria, being the main points on the cultural menu.
Opening with Verdi's Brindisi the drinking song from La Traviata, Alfredo and Violetta with stylish flair and magnificence, sweep into the room and raise their glasses in a musical toast to love and beauty. Enchanting the guests who respond in kind, they are a dynamic duo, dramatically convincing with rich and resonant voices. Further favourites sprinkled over the course of the afternoon, include famous tenor arias Nessun Dorma and Che Gelida Manina both standouts for Asher who showed power and tenderness in a palette of emotions that would soften any heart. Rada in turn seduced every man in the room with her fiery Habanera contrasting it with a soft and beguiling O Mio Bambino Caro. And what father could possibly refuse such a request?
Chairman Tony Batttaini took a moment to reflect on the wins of 2023 including the fruitful partnership with GAOG, support for the Ringwood Eisteddfod which continues to grow and support for the Melbourne Chamber Choir Concert.
A lively auction followed with Heidi Victoria setting a cracking pace with original paintings and other prizes snapped up rapidly amongst good will and banter to support More Than Opera's important mission.
Thank you to Judy Hooper and her dedicated team for managing the event. And most importantly, More Than Opera appreciates the ongoing support of all our dedicated patrons. With you we continue our mission to champion emerging opera singers on their professional journey.
Finally, if you haven't been to a More Than Opera fundraiser, come to the next one. It's in May 2024.

21/11/2023

More Than Opera Congratulates James Young Winner of 2024 German-Australian Opera Grant

At a much anticipated and festive GAOG Grand Finale on Saturday 18 November, the adjudication panel led by Dr David Kram awarded Bass Baritone James Young the GAOG scholarship of one year's employment at the Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden. Soprano Georgia Cooper won the More Than Opera Development Grant and the Audience Prize and Soprano Sophie Salvesani and Tenor Asher Reichman won Encouragement Awards.
MC Richard Hobson welcomed the audience with sparkling commentary and introducing each singer briefly contextualised their aria. All performers were accompanied by the wonderful Phillipa Safey. GAOG Director Hans Henkell, Dr David Kram and Dorothea Hartmann, Artistic Director of Hessisches Staatstheatre, discussed the history of GAOG and the professional qualities needed to successfully work at the Hessiches Staatstheatre.
Finally the jewel in the crown came with the performance of special guest, former GAOG winner Emma Pearson who enchanted the audience with two beautiful arias.

Congratulations to James Young and to all GAOG finalists. More Than Opera in partnership with GAOG continues to support the journey of all emerging artists.

Picture front Row L to R: Emma Pearson, Anthony Battaini, Georgia Cooper, James Young, Sophie Salvesani, and Asher Reichman.

19/05/2023

More Than Opera's 2023 Annual Dinner: A Class Act!
It's hard to beat international opera singers Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Sally-Anne Russell and harpist Samantha Ramirez when it comes to excellence, style and class.
More Than Opera patrons at this year's annual dinner got a taste of their combined performing artistry in a program of opera and instrumental favourites. Teddy Tahu Rhodes resplendent as the Barber of Seville's Figaro, sets a cracking pace explaining that he is the busiest barber in Seville. 'Figaro qua, Figaro la, Figaro su, Figaro giu...Mingling with guests in the room, his silky bass baritone comfortably fills every corner with its powerful presence. And...we're all ready to get our hair cut.
Staying in Spain the spotlight falls on Carmen as Sally-Anne Russell commanding the attention of every man in the room, with her luscious deep-wine mezzo, sings of love as a rebellious bird that nobody can tame...love me not, then I love you; If I love you, you'd best beware!
In a sparkling contrast, the shimmering sounds of harpist Samantha Ramirez were plaintive and beautiful with favourite pieces such as 'Misty'
And as always, thank you to Maestro Dr David Kram for his artistic direction and masterful touch when accompanying the artists.

Finally to More Than Opera's Patrons, your generosity helps us support emerging singers to build their careers. Thank you.

18/12/2022

More Than Opera's Christmas lunch this weekend featured opera singers Adrian Tamburini and Naomi Flatman who delighted us with sprinklings of Mozart, Bizet and Rossini favourites.
Seen here as Don Giovanni and Zerlina they sing: Andiam andiam mio bene! A ristorar le pene dun'innocente amor! as they plan to run off and enjoy their "innocent" love.
Soon after, A Toreador appears and sings...and then Cinderella - Rossini's version.
And to end - a Christmas Carol.
An appreciative audience member said: ..."they sang close by me and it was like a warm wash of rich sound."
Thank you to Dr David Kram who accompanied the singers with sensitivity and style.

More Than Opera wishes you all a Merry Christmas and relaxing holiday season.

18/12/2022

More Than Opera's Christmas lunch was a sparkling finale to a busy year. Our mission to support young artists could not be realised without the dedicated support of our many benefactors. Thank you. You're simply the best.

20/09/2022

Samuel Krum's Masterclass was a triumph! Five professional opera singers accompanied by Dr David Kram discovered how to take the next step onto the global opera stage. Austin Haynes, Teresa Ingrilli, James Penn, Jane Magao and Stephen Marsh performed opera arias followed by a Q&A audience session.

Thank you Samuel, for your valuable insights and to Dr David Kram for realising More Than Opera's mission to support professional opera singers in their career journeys.

pictured from left to right: Teresa Ingrilli, Jane Magao, Samuel Krum, Dr David Kram, James Penn and Stephen Marsh. (absent: Austin Haynes.)

20/08/2022

International Agent and Opera Consultant at Robert Gilder & Co London, Samuel Krum is coming to Melbourne!
Samuel Krum and David Kram will work with professional opera singers in a masterclass looking at opera from an international perspective.
What's happening in the international scene, what are companies looking for?
Originally from Melbourne, Samuel graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with the Harold Fisher Opera Scholarship. Working in Melbourne, Samuel performed, wrote and directed opera works including Finding Farinelli. Relocating to Vienna Samuel worked as an Assistant Director for the Drachengasse Theatre before moving to London where he directed West End Productions including Cabaret.
In 2008 Samuel was appointed Senior Artis Manager at Robert Gilder & Co and is a Guest Lecturer for the Associated Studios London, Opera Masterclass series.
More Than Opera invites you to join us for an afternoon of artistry where you can hear Melbourne's emerging talent and join in a conversation with Samuel Krum over refreshments at the Opera Centre Southbank.

20/02/2022

MTO performed at a wonderful birthday party last night.✨✨✨

11/02/2022

Our first board meeting for 2022. Planning a new start and new life for MTO.

14/12/2021

Some photos from our wonderful Christmas Lunch. ✨🎄☃️❄️

01/12/2021

Announcing these two wonderful artists who will perform at our Christmas Lunch. Tickets are still available. ✨✨✨

03/11/2021

Tickets on sale now!
Join us for our Christmas lunch including a 3 course meal, opera performances, and wonderful gifts. Bookings now open. ✨✨✨
Trybooking.com/BVIXX

29/09/2021

MTO wishes May Lyon a very happy birthday! 🎉🎂🥂
We’re looking forward to the future premiere of her opera in 2022.

02/09/2021

Missing our dear supporters, friends, and artists. We hope you're staying well and we look forward to being able to perform and socialise again!

28/07/2021

Artistic Director Alan Cook with composer May Lyon. We congratulate May on her many achievements this year with some of Australia's premiere orchestras. We look forward to finally being able to perform her opera Pieces of Margery when the conditions are right.

06/07/2021

http://www.morethanopera.com

29/06/2021

Celebrating our 21st Anniversary this year reminds us of how special the arts are to our community well-being. Today is the last day of the financial year and if you'd like to make a last-minute donation to support our work, visit our site morethanopera.com
Many thanks to all who support us!🌹🌹🌹

23/06/2021

A dinner meeting with and MTO chairman Anthony Battaini to discuss recent challenges and successes.

10/06/2021

Introducing our new board member and company treasurer, Svetlana Basman. We appreciate her fine accounting skills and thank her for supporting opera in Melbourne.

31/05/2021

A good time for nice memories. Our annual dinner had some special guest singers.

23/05/2021

Past GOAG winner Daniel Carison is singing in the finale of the Internationaler Haydn Wettbewerb tonight in Austria. 👏👏👏

The finale will be live streamed and audience will be allowed to vote during the interval.

The start time is 18:00 CEST, 2am Melbourne time.

https://www.haydnregion-noe.at/detail/3-internationaler-haydn-wettbewerb.html

Finalkonzert mit Preisverleihung „3. Internationaler Haydn-Wettbewerb für Klassisches Lied und Arie“ unter dem Juryvorsitz von KS Angelika Kirchschlager.Der Vokalmusik des 18. Jahrhunderts widmet sich der 3. Internationale Haydn Gesangswettbewerb: Dieser hat sich dem Lied- und Arienrepertoire d...

13/05/2021

Visit our new website! Subscribe to our news and become a patron.

11/05/2021

MTO had A wonderful 21st Anniversary celebration last Saturday. Thanks to all our marvellous supporters and volunteers!

25/04/2021

Special Announcement!
We are delighted to announce our very special performers for the MTO 21st Anniversary dinner.
Joining us for this wonderful evening will be Covent Garden star tenor, Samuel Sakker, Victorian Opera and Opera Australia star soprano, Kathryn Radcliffe, acclaimed British soprano, Rachel Wolseley-Sakker, 2020 German-Australian Opera Grant winner, baritone Darcy Carroll, and rising star countertenor Austin Haynes.
Don't miss these superb performers!
If you'd like to come, BOOK NOW!
Trybooking.com/BQCUG

07/04/2021

Tickets are on sale now. Don't miss a wonderful evening of food, wine, and fabulous music in one of Melbourne's most prestigious venues.
www.trybooking.com/BQCUG

22/03/2021

Composer May Lyon's career is progressing in leaps and bounds, we're delighted to be premiering her first opera, Pieces of Margery.
May Lyon

Composer May Lyon’s new work, opening this week at the MSO, seeks to represent natural phenomenon in its orchestration.