After the resounding success and popularity of Opera in the Pub’s first performance at the Lion Hotel earlier this month, State Opera South Australia is bringing three more live opera performances to pubs around Adelaide. Because we all know what opera looks like on stage at the theatre, but what does it look like at your local watering hole? State Opera is taking live music to the next level, giving the people of Adelaide the chance to experience operatic melodies in the comfort of their local establishments.
Over the next few months, the Saracens Head Hotel, the Cremorne Hotel and the Alma Hotel will all play host to a free one-off performance featuring the vocal talent of Adelaide-based soprano Jessica Mills, accompanied by pianist Josh van Konkelenberg, presenting a cabaret-style journey through the most popular operatic hits.
Mills, who earlier this year was the only Australian singer shortlisted for the prestigious Lotte Lenya Competition, a unique contest for singers and actors, and who participated in the semi-final in New York City, said that she was overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm and support she received at her first performance at the Lion Hotel a few weeks ago.
“I’m delighted to be bringing opera in the pub back after the success of its first instalment” said Mills, “You can expect an afternoon filled with fun surprises and opera bangers! Audiences will definitely know more arias than they think they do!”
State Opera’s Artistic Director Dane Lam applauds the initiative, “Opera in the Pub shows that this music style really is for everyone. We’re all born with a voice and so many of our earliest memories revolve around singing. Join some of our brilliant State Opera artists to experience the very human emotions that are captured by opera: joy, sorrow, love and, most importantly – fun!”
Mark Condi, CEO of the Duxton Pubs Group, owners of the Saracens Head, the Cremorne and the Alma, said that he is excited about the direction their pubs’ live music is taking.
“We’re always looking for new fun ways to showcase local talent and keep our patrons coming back for more, and we’ve never heard of anyone having an opera singer perform in their pub before, so we’re super excited to be the first ones to take that step,” said Condi.
RAA members will enjoy an exclusive food and drink deal, and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Healy said RAA are always keen to offer fun and exciting new benefits for their members.
“It’s better to be a member! At RAA we’re passionate about supporting our members and the hospitality venues they love,” he said. “We think this is a fantastic concept and encourage as many RAA members as possible to get along for an amazing show and discounted food and drink.”
Whilst these events are completely free and no registration is necessary to attend, booking a table in advance is recommended to secure a spot near the performing area.
These Opera in the Pub performances will take place on Sunday 23 June at the Saracens Head Hotel in the CBD, Sunday 21 July at the Cremorne Hotel in Unley, and Sunday 25 August at the Alma Hotel in Norwood, at 3:30pm. For more information and to book a table, please visit https://stateopera.com.au/productions/opera-in-the-pub/
PERFORMANCE & TICKET INFORMATION:
Date, Time & Location:
– Sunday 23 June, 3:30pm – 5:00pm at the Saracens Head Hotel, Carrington St, Adelaide
– Sunday 21 July, 3:30pm – 5:00pm at the Cremorne Hotel, Unley Rd, Unley
– Sunday 25 August, 3:30pm – 5:00pm at the Alma Hotel, Magill Rd, Norwood
Ticket Costs: FREE
More Information: https://stateopera.com.au/productions/opera-in-the-pub
PERFORMERS
Jessica Mills – Adelaide-born Soprano Jessica Mills holds a Musical Theatre degree from the Queensland Conservatorium. Performing in Australia and overseas, she was most recently seen at the Sydney Opera House in Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, as well as appearing in the national broadcast of the 2023 Carols by Candlelight. This year, she was the only Australian performer shortlisted for the prestigious Lotte Lenya competition, celebrating rising talent in opera, operetta and musical theatre, and participated to the semi- final round in New York.
Previous appearances for State Opera South Australia include First Bridesmaid and Barbarina understudy (The Marriage of Figaro), Isabel (Pirates of Penzance), Swing/Angela alternate (Love Burns), Bright Lights & Big Dreams, La traviata, Voss and Bohème on the Beach.
Full bio https://stateopera.com.au/artist/jessica-mills/
Josh Van Konkelenberg – Josh van Konkelenberg studied piano at the University of Adelaide and the Australian National Academy of Music before relocating to London to study organ and improvisation at the Royal College of Music. He received the degree of Master of Music with distinction in 2012 and completed the Ph.D. in Composition (at the University of Adelaide) in the same year.
For State Opera South Australia, he recently was the touring conductor of Love Burns and Associate Conductor in Adelaide Festival’s 2024 centrepiece The Nightingale and Other Fables, as well as appearing in several recitals at UKARIA Cultural Centre.
Full bio https://stateopera.com.au/artist/josh-van-konkelenberg/
