Local voices to shine in Opera Australia performance

Talented singers from the Geelong Youth Choir will have their voices heard on the main stage as they perform in Opera Australia’s touring production of La Bohème.

Presented by Geelong Arts Centre as part of its Season 2025 program of events, the production will take to the stage for two performances, starting today (Friday, July 11) and concluding tomorrow (Saturday, July 12).

Members of the Geelong Youth Choir have been participating in rehearsals with Opera Australia, under the direction of the children’s choir master.

“Geelong Youth Choir’s talented choristers who are members of our organisation’s Cantore Choir, are so excited to have been selected by Opera Australia as the local children’s choir of choice,” Geelong Youth Choir director of music Phillipa McQuinn said.

“This opportunity will further their musical education and ignite their passion, building on the high quality of tuition they already receive as part of our annual program.”

Founded in 1988, the Geelong Youth Choir was established to provide young people with access to high-quality choral training, musicianship and sight-singing.

This year’s La Bohème performance marks the 29th year of the annual national tour, celebrating the ’70s inspired bohemian production.

Led by award-winning director Dean Bryant, the production follows themes of love, friendship and loss, transcending time and place.

“This is a story about a group of young artists dealing with all the huge things in life for the first time,” Bryant said.

“Growing up in regional Australia, I had the same passion and urgency to be heard, to fall in love, to live, so it’s particularly exciting for me to be taking this production, set in Paris in the 1970s, across the country.”

Joining members of the Geelong Youth Choir on stage is a cast of singers and musicians including sopranos Danita Weatherstone and Maia Andrews who share the role of Mimi, along with tenors John Longmuir and Nick Kirkup as Rodolfo and more.

Geelong Arts Centre’s Season 2025 program is supported by major artistic partner Deakin University and government partner Creative Victoria.

For tickets and more information, head to geelongartscentre.org.au