South Australian composer Jodie O'Regan has created a complete song cycle for mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell, premiering at UKARIA Cultural Centre on 23 October 2026. The work sets poems by Hone Tūwhare, Sara Teasdale, Christina Rossetti and Frances Frost for mezzo-soprano…

Composer Jodie O'Regan has written a new song cycle for mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell, which will receive its world premiere at UKARIA Cultural Centre on 23 October 2026. The work grew from a 2023 visit when Russell came to O'Regan's studio in Burra and left with a setting of Emily Dickinson's Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, which Russell subsequently performed at the Sydney Opera House and across European concert halls.

Inspired by Russell's artistry, O'Regan created a complete cycle setting poems by Hone Tūwhare, Sara Teasdale, Christina Rossetti and Frances Frost. The premiere performance will feature an arrangement for mezzo-soprano, flute, cello and harp, with Russell joined by flautist Linda Pirie, cellist Joseph Freer and harpist Suneetha Carter. The concert runs approximately two hours including interval and will be recorded live.

The evening begins with a pre-concert conversation between O'Regan and Russell at 7pm. Light meals are available from 5:30pm.

Hope Song Cycle (Presented by Jodie O'Regan) - Performer with blonde hair and red lipstick in black clothing against a dark red-lit background with bokeh effects.

Hope Song Cycle (Presented by Jodie O'Regan) - Man in a blue blazer and white shirt standing in a sunlit corridor with warm beige walls.

Hope Song Cycle (Presented by Jodie O'Regan) - Modern glass and steel pavilion set within native trees and gardens at UKARIA Cultural Centre.

Hope Song Cycle (Presented by Jodie O'Regan) - Woman with long wavy hair smiling against a black and pink geometric backdrop.

Details are correct at the time of publishing. Events can change or be cancelled, so please confirm dates, times and prices with the venue or ticket seller before booking.