SUGARS’ SWEET MELODIES

Opera Queensland's 2020 studio concert series brings an intimate operatic experience, combining a singer and an accompanist for an hour of thoughtfully chosen pieces of operatic and musical repertoire.

The sweet voice of Hayley Sugars in Songs of Desire exceeded expectations, even for seasoned opera lovers. This versatile performer's repertoire for the evening featured music by opera greats alongside the music of contemporary composers.

Being Valentine's Day weekend, Sugars had chosen a selection of her favourite pieces that covered the range of feelings associated with the quintessential theme of love - from the innocence of Benjamin Britten's 'Tell Me the Truth about Love', to the Irish folklore of 'My Lagan Love', to the vocal gymnastics of Handel's 'Dopo notte', to the classic tragedies of Troilus and Cressida and Mephistopheles.

Sugars' voice rippled, yearned, soared, and enchanted with an effortless ability to balance strength and vulnerability. Her genuine affection for the music brought warmth to her performance, generously shared with every member of the audience in this intimate concert. With the accompaniment by Narelle French, a long-term chorus master and pianist of Opera Queensland, the evening was an absolute delight!

The best thing about this studio concert series from Opera Queensland is that the singers choose their own repertoire for the evening, so you hear the songs that warm their hearts, shared over a glass of wine on a cosy evening.

The series of six intimate recitals at Opera Queensland continues throughout the year.