Melbourne Opera

A huge thank you to Elena Xanthoudakis, who stepped in as our Dame Nellie Melba for tonight's final Diamonds for the Diva at the NGV. 💎

What a wonderful season it has been, and it took a lot of people to bring it to life. Thank you to everyone involved.

Have you met the finalists for the 102nd Herald Sun Aria yet?
These six finalists will be performing with the Melbourne Opera Orchestra under the baton of Raymond Lawrence at 3pm on the 11th October at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Book your tickets now to support these wonderful performers and to hear some incredible music live!

https://www.melbournerecital.com.au/purchase/single-event?productionId=12a13629-3109-4d43-bd5f-b2705795775e

Hartley Trusler, Baritone

Hartley is a Melbourne-based baritone from Perth, Western Australia.
His performance credits include Guglielmo (Così fan tutte), and an Apprentice (Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg) with Melbourne Opera, Monostatos (Die Zauberflöte), and Lysander (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Pluto (Orpheus in the Underworld), and Eisenstein (Die Fledermaus) at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts). He recently covered the title role in Melbourne Opera’s 2026 production of Don Giovanni.

Hartley has been an Emerging Artist in Melbourne Opera’s Richard Divall Program since 2025 and is an alumnus of Opera Scholars Australia (2023-2025).

He graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2020 with a Bachelor of Music, before completing his Master of Opera Performance at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in 2023.

Prior to commencing his vocal training, Hartley trained as a classical ballet dancer at the Western Australian Conservatoire of Classical Ballet.

Leon Vitogiannis - Baritone

Leon Vitogiannis is a lyric baritone and recent graduate of the Opera Australia Young Artist Program. He studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with Andrew Dalton and Dr. David Greco before joining Opera Australia’s Young Artist Program. Leon was also a Young Artist with Pacific Opera Studio from 2023-2024 prior to his time at Opera Australia.

His recent performances include his professional role debut as Yamadori in Madama Butterfly, soloist appearances in Opera Australia’s 70th Anniversary Gala, Gilbert and Sullivan: A Musical Celebration, scenes from Pelléas et Melisande and Great Opera Hits. Leon looks forward to returning to Opera Australia in 2027 as a principal artist, with engagements spanning the company’s upcoming season.

Livia Brash – Soprano

This year, Livia covered the title role of Turandot for Opera Australia, performed Fricka (Das Rheingold) at Sydney City Recital Hall, and toured South Australia as Marguerite (Faust). Later this year she makes her debut as Agathe (Der Freischütz) in Adelaide and performs a series of recitals at the Sydney Opera House.

In 2025, Livia was nominated for a Green Room Award for Outstanding Performer in a Leading Role and an Opera Chaser Critics Choice Award for Outstanding Female in a Leading Role for Lady Macbeth. She was also the winner of the Sydney Eisteddfod Scholarship and runner-up in the Herald Sun Aria.

Her repertoire includes the title roles Rusalka, Aida, Alcina, Beatrice di Tenda, and Tosca, and Abigaille (Nabucco), Sieglinde (Die Walküre), Mimì and Musetta (La bohème), Eva (Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), and Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni).

She is a Richard Divall Emerging Artist Program alumna.

Joshua Erdelyi-Götz - Tenor

Joshua Erdelyi-Götz was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1994. Josh works predominantly in the medium of music, voice being his primary instrument and passion.
Josh completed his Master of Music Performance at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in 2018, and after graduating began transitioning to tenor.

As a Tenor, Josh has participated in a number of fully staged operas as both Principal and chorus member. These operas include: Acis and Galatea (Coridon), A Husband at the Door (Florestan Ducroquet), Maria Stuarda (Chorus), Werther (Schmidt), Fledermaus (Alfredo), Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Chorus and Apprentice role), Cosi Fan Tutte (Ferrando), and as a cover in Don Giovanni (Don Ottavio) performed by Henry Choo.

In 2016 and 2017, Josh was a member of the Gertrude Opera Young Artist program, and was a 2025-2026 member of the Richard Divall Emerging Artist Program.


Kate Pengelly – Soprano

Kate Pengelly is an emerging soprano currently undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma in Music (Opera Performance) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. In 2026, she performed the title role in Suor Angelica (MCM) and covered Wombat and Benjamin Brandysnap in Victorian Opera's The Magic Pudding. Other credits include Spirit/Surintendent in Cendrillon (MCM, 2025), covering Krystyna Zywulska in Nightingale Opera's Two Remain (2024), and Dido in VOYCE's Dido and Aeneas (2023). Kate was awarded first prize in the Ringwood Aria, City of Kingston Aria and Armstead Singing Award, and is grateful to be a finalist in this year's Herald Sun Aria.

Chloe James – Mezzo-Soprano

Mezzo-soprano Chloe James is a graduate of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music with degrees in Classical Voice and Opera Performance and an alumna of Opera Scholars Australia. Her performing credits include Hänsel und Gretel and Die Zauberflöte (Melbourne Conservatorium); The Pirates of Penzance, Boojum!, English Eccentrics, Parrwang Lifts the Sky and The Grumpiest Boy in the World (Victorian Opera); and the Premiere of Eva by Stefan Cassomenos (2025 Port Fairy Spring Music Festival). Chloe is the 2026 recipient of the Jo Horgan and Peter Wetenhall Opera Scholarship and the Valma Allaway Opera Society Scholarship with Melba Opera Trust.

Opera's suddenly everywhere and if you've been curious but never taken the plunge, Così fan tutte is exactly where to start.

"A beautifully sung, well-paced production." — Australian Arts Review

"This Così should not be missed." — Classic Melbourne

It's funny, it's in English, and it's got some of Mozart's most beautiful music. Last season sold out its closing shows, so be sure to book your tickets early!
Performed by Richard Divall Artists and Associates with the Melbourne Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Conducted by Raymond Lawrence and directed by Suzanne Chaundy.

Così fan tutte
15 & 18 October
Athenaeum Theatre 2
Book now:
https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artist/803666

Not into a certain sport this weekend? Then please join Richard Divall program member Shimona Rose - Soprano on Saturday 26th September at 2.00pm for this lovely recital.
Art Etc Collective presents vocalist Shimona Rose and pianist Peter Toohey in an evocative program of songs exploring water, wanderers, moonlight and longing.

This beautiful and atmospheric concert brings together works by Franz Schubert, Benjamin Britten, Henri Duparc, Lili Boulanger and Australian composer Calvin Bowman.

From intimate reflections and moonlit landscapes to journeys of the heart, the program explores the many shades of longing, solitude and wonder through the expressive partnership of voice and piano.

An enchanting evening of song, poetry and musical storytelling.
https://www.nightingalegallery.com/products/an-invitation-to-voyage?variant=52201705406752

"This Così should not be missed." — Classic Melbourne

With 5 star reviews and sold-out audiences, Così fan tutte returns to the Athenaeum 2 this October.

Two officers. A wager on fidelity. A maid who knows exactly how this is going to end. Staged in a Bridgerton-esque Regency world by the rising stars of our Richard Divall Program. Performed with the Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra, directed by Suzanne Chaundy and conducted by Raymond Lawrence

Thursday 15 October 7 pm
Sunday 18 October 6pm
Athenaeum Theatre 2

Book your tickets now!

https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artist/803666

Book your tickets now to see the next generation of stars perform with the Melbourne Opera Orchestra under the baton of Raymond Lawrence

THREE WEEKS TO GO!

On Sunday 11 October, six of Australia's most exciting emerging singers take the stage of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for the 102nd Herald Sun Aria Final.
An afternoon not to miss, book your tickets now to see the next generation of stars perform live with the Melbourne Opera Orchestra under the baton of Raymond Lawrence.

Founded in 1924, the Herald Sun Aria is Australia's oldest and most prestigious competition for emerging classical singers. Open to singers aged 19 to 36, it offers nearly $60,000 in cash prizes, including the Medownick First Prize, to support the training of the country's brightest young voices.

Our finalists this year are:

Joshua Erdelyi-Götz, tenor

Kate Pengelly, soprano

Hartley Trusler, baritone

Chloe James, mezzo-soprano

Leon Vitogiannis, baritone

Livia Brash, soprano

Herald Sun Aria Final
Sunday 11 October, 3pm | Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre

Book now, tickets from $49.

https://www.melbournerecital.com.au/purchase/single-event?productionId=12a13629-3109-4d43-bd5f-b2705795775e

A Special Opportunity

Have you ever wanted to step inside one of Melbourne's most exclusive private clubs?

A limited number of seats remain for our critically acclaimed Così fan tutte, performed under a heritage-listed glass dome in one of Melbourne's greatest architectural treasures, by members of the Richard Divall Program with the Melbourne Opera Orchestra and Chorus — Sunday 20 September at 2pm.

Ticket price includes drinks and interval finger food.

For more info and to reserve a place, email mailto:[email protected]

What’s up next with Melbourne Opera?

This Friday 11th of September we have ‘Diamonds for the Diva’ at NGV Fridays featuring our very own diva and the Melbourne Opera Orchestra conducted by Raymond Lawrence

Next Sunday 20th of September we have Così fan Tutte at the Australian Club with the Richard Divall Artists, Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra conducted by Raymond Lawrence

Sunday the 11th of October the Melbourne Opera Orchestra and conductor Raymond Lawrence will join the Herald Sun Aria for the 2026 grand finals of the Herald Sun Aria

To book tickets or find out more information head to www.melbourneopera.com

Melbourne Opera. As you can see it takes a village to bring to you a production such as Il Trovatore. We could not do what we do without each and every person on this stage and behind the scenes. Thank you everyone for a wonderful season and here’s to the next one!
📸 by the wonderful Robin Halls