Opera in the Reservoir

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Posted 2015-11-12 by Alison Muirhead ⇒ follow

Fri 13 Nov 2015 - Sun 29 Nov 2015

Feeling jaded by your recent musical experiences? Just how many times can you see Les Miserables, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cats (and The Wiggles) in their traditional settings? It's time for a real change, a truly unique experience. How about Underground Opera? Sounds a little clandestine, doesn't it? Well, it's happening in Brisbane, and probably nowhere else in the world in such a setting, and the 140-year-old Spring Hill Reservoir is the star of the show.

Director and founder Of Underground Opera, Bruce Edwards, had the foresight and energy to start this part of Brisbane's history on its journey towards becoming a full time cultural venue for Brisbane. This has resulted in the Underground Opera Company being a state winner at the Australian Event Awards 2015 for 'Best Arts, Cultural or Music Event, and a Silver Award at the National Trust Heritage Awards for 'Interpretation and Promotion'. The venue has come a long way in a short time from a repository for possum droppings and the odd man made object. The building had lain derelict for fifty years.

After a successful August 2014 season which entertained opera and history lovers from all over the world, a 2015 season was inevitable for this stunning venue. I asked Bruce where he sourced his performers, and was pleased to hear that they are all based in South-East Queensland, although many have been born abroad. The accompanying pianist is Brendan Murtagh whom many of you will have heard at QPAC in several musicals including The Lion King. The program will include such arias as Nessun Dorma from Turandot and musical theatre showstoppers.

The venue is accessible for fit and able folk of all ages via stairs only. These are additions along with ventilation, bars, seats and a stage. These additions in no way detract from the beauty and authenticity of this historic venue. There is a strong four-year commitment by the Underground Opera Committee to establish the reservoir as a fulltime venue.

Opera aficionados and newcomers to this art form are invited to enjoy the 2015 2015 season from November 13th to 29th at 7.30pm Wednesday , Friday and Saturday, with matinees at 1.30pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $49-$89 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster 13 61 00 or www.ticketmaster.com.au. Ticket and accommodation deals are available at Mantra on Edward (07) 3101 6700 or [email protected].