Ghillian Sullivan to direct Cosi fan tutte

Operatic Soprano, Ghillian Sullivan, is swapping the stage for the Director's chair this season, when the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) presents Così fan tutte.

The internationally renowned singer has worked full-time on the Opera Stage for 25 years, performing in more than 40 of the great soprano roles.

During this period Ghillian has enjoyed many career highlights including a 1990 Tour of the USSR with the English National Opera and a three-year contract as a Prima Donna in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Ghillian said she is now enjoying passing on her knowledge and love of the stage to up-and-coming singers.

'I have been an Opera singer for 25 years and I find directing students of this age (20 to 30 years) incredibly satisfying.

'When you leave a career on the stage you wonder what else could be as rewarding, but directing is.'

Ghillian said she is also enjoying her first Directing position with USQ.

'This is the best University – the atmosphere and ambiance is great and I have found the production staff here to be extremely professional and very energetic.

'The students are very quick and retentive so we are actually ahead of schedule in terms of the production and they know their music, which makes it a lot easier to direct.'

Set amid the glamour and glitz of the 1930's, this new translation by Jeremy Sams of Così fan tutte explores the attraction between women and men, through the medium of some of the most captivating music ever composed.

'Così fan tutte is probably the best music of all three late Italian Mozart operas – if you say sublime you are not far off the mark,' said Ghillian.

Così fan tutte will feature the performers of the USQ Opera Studio and USQ Orchestra, under the baton of Arthur Johnson. Guest Baritone, Leon Warnock joins the company to perform the role of Don Alfonso alongside Opera Studio favourites, Jon Maskell as Guglielmo, Martin Paroz as Ferrando, Cherie Robinson as the scheming maid, Carli Walker as Dorabella and USQ staff member and Soprano, Hayley Sugars, as Fiordiligi.

Così fan tutte will run in the USQ Concert Hall for six performances only:
Wednesday 2 August – 7.30pm
Friday 4 August – 7.30pm
Sunday 6 August – 3pm
Wednesday 9 August – 7.30pm
Friday 11 August – 7.30pm
Saturday 12 August – 7.30pm

Tickets are $26.50 Adult, $21.50 Concession and $11 for school students.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092 or 0412 097 326