Opera Australia (OA) Soprano Kirsten Jones will be one of the highlights of our Christmas Gala concert, performing with the BlueScope Youth Orchestra.
“I absolutely love Christmas, so this is just a wonderful way to finish the year. Also, working alongside John Spence and singing his arrangement of O Holy Night is an absolute privilege.”
Kirsten, who started in the Chorus with Opera Australia in 2015 after a successful general audition, has performed in four seasons of La Boheme and three of Turandot, and six other productions, which has spanned over nine seasons with the company.
“It’s such an incredible experience walking into Stage Door of the Opera House every performance night, and stepping onto the Joan Sutherland Stage with incredible colleagues.” KJ.
A Voice teacher at WollCon from 2017 Kirsten works with students of all abilities, from primary school age, up to adult students starting their singing lessons or coming back from a break. Her career began when she performed in the school choir at Otford Public School at the age of eight. Principal Tracey Rae (now Cappie-Wood) heard something very special, spoke with her parents and the singing lessons began.
One of Kirsten’s first listening experiences of Opera was Maria Callas singing Casta Diva, who Kirsten describes as an incredible artist with an intoxicating voice.
“I love the more dramatic roles so look towards Renata Tebaldi, Montserrat Caballe and Jessye Norman. They are still my go to when I want to hear beautiful voices and traditional interpretations.” – KJ.
Throughout her years as a student at university and in the professional world, she feels lucky to have performed many wonderful roles, with orchestras throughout Australia and in NZ.
“In 2019, I performed with the Auckland Philharmonic in the final of the Lockwood NZ Aria. Singing Tosca in front of a massive audience was incredible, and to top it off I placed 3rd in the competition which was a great honour.”
Having grown up in the Northern suburbs of the Illawarra, Kirsten has performed Christmas Carols during her Primary school years at the old amphitheatre in the Wollongong mall, and has also been a featured artist in Southern Stars. She is looking forward to performing for her hometown, and for friends and family who have all been so supportive of her singing career.
“This industry is a difficult one, and without the love and encouragement of family and friends, I don’t know how I’d do it.” KJ.
CONCERT DETAILS:
Saturday 9th December 2pm.
Wollongong Town Hall.
TICKET PRICES:
Children Under 5 years are FREE ENTRY
Student 5-18 years – $10
Concession / Pensioners – $25
Adult – $35
