A cross-genre love letter to Queensland, Lady Sings the Maroons showcases the art behind making a great song, and those who write them.
The show will hit the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre stage next month.
Following the success of Are You Lonesome Tonight, Opera Queensland takes a deep dive into the Queensland songbook to celebrate some of Australia’s most loved musical artists.
Lady Sings the Maroons is inspired by Bundaberg’s own musical powerhouse Gladys Moncrieff and The Saints, Savage Garden and Harold Blair to name a few.
The performance is directed by Laura Hansford and stars renowned vocalists and artistic collaborators Jess Hitchcock, Irena Lysiuk and Marcus Corowa with musical director Luke Volker on keys, all of whom trace their roots to regional Queensland.
“As an opera company exploring the range of phenomenal musicians that have been born in this great state, we couldn’t go past Gladys Moncrieff,” Laura said.
“Our Gladys was an amazing performer and has left a brilliant legacy for classical and contemporary performers alike.
“We can’t wait [to] sing homage to her on the stage at the Moncrieff in Bundy!”
Laura said Opera Queensland often returned to Bundaberg and local music fans would be treated to a unique performance with Lady Sings the Maroons.
“We love coming to Bundaberg,” she said.
“So many of our singers have connection to this place and there is clearly music in the waters of the Burnett River because the community chorus we get to work with are so talented.”
The concept is the brainchild of Opera Queensland’s CEO and Artistic Director Patrick Nolan.
Sharing the inspiration behind the production, Laura said music from Queensland had the power to transport an audience.
“My Queensland, your Queensland and the next person’s Queensland are vastly different things, and that’s reflected in the music that’s come out of this state,” she said.
“Lady Sings the Maroons holds a mirror up to our extraordinary state with pride.
“On this tour, we are debuting a show that sings about the diversity of this state and its people as we try to capture ‘our Queensland’.”
Bundaberg community members have also been invited to join the local community chorus and will perform with the cast at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
Lady Sings the Maroons
When: 7.30 pm on Thursday 4 May
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Tickets: $39 adults, $35 concessions and $20 children. Click here to purchase.
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