Performers
Mirusia, Headline Soprano
Mirusia, celebrated as one of the world's most sought-after sopranos, boasts a remarkable 17-year global stage presence. Hailing from Brisbane, she achieved operatic excellence at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium and made history winning the prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award at just 21. Her post-graduation journey led to over a decade of international stardom as the star soprano alongside André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra, performing before world leaders, royalty and millions of enraptured fans. Mirusia features on over 20 million records sold worldwide, both with André Rieu and as a solo artist.
Recognised by ARIA as Australia's #1 Classical Crossover artist, her albums consistently top ARIA and AIR charts, earning numerous #1 rankings in Pop, Classical Crossover, Jazz & Blues and Music DVD categories. Mirusia's accolades include Platinum and Gold Album Sales Awards, an ARIA #1 Award and the 2022 Hollywood Music in Media Award for her Christmas single, “Snowflake”.
Mirusia’s versatile career has seen her perform in operas, musicals, oratorios and she has collaborated and worked alongside some of the world's finest entertainers including André Rieu, The Seekers, The Wiggles, Anthony Hopkins, Nana Mouskouri, José Carreras, Jermaine Jackson, Lou Bega, Georghe Zamfir and many more.
Beyond the stage, Mirusia proudly serves as the International Ambassador for Don Spencer's Australian Children's Music Foundation, the Redland Foundation and as Prima Ambassador for Silver Memories.
Kristian Scott, Baritone
Kristian Scott is a vocalist from Brisbane, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Music in Performance (Honours) at the University of Queensland in 2018. In 2019 Kristian completed his Masters of Music Studies in Operatic Performance at the Queensland Conservatorium. Kristian’s diverse career has included touring Australia as a Backing Vocalist with Mirusia in her “Salute to the Seekers” tour, premiering his own show “ANTEMONTONIE” featuring 8 other Brisbane local musicians in 2022, and most recently performing as a Quartet member in 2024’s Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.
Kristian has performed as a Bass soloist in Faure's Requiem, Handel's "Messiah", Bach's "Cantata No. 37", Bruckner's "Requiem in D minor", as well as a Bass Soloist understudy for UQSO's 2018 performance of Faure's "Requiem". Kristian performs frequently in public concerts with ensembles such as the Brisbane Baroque Ensemble, University of Queensland Orchestra, Queensland Conservatorium Orchestra and Noosa Orchestra. Notable roles include ‘The Drunken Poet’ in Purcell’s “The Fairy Queen” (2017), ‘Bartolo’ in Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” (2018), 'Bretigny' in Massenet's "Manon" (2019), as well as his local debut as "Betto di Signa" in Opera Gold Coast's production of "Gianni Schicchi" (2019). In 2020, Kristian was to be touring China in “the Barber of Seville” with the Australian Opera Company, which is delayed due to COVID-19
Zoe Catchpoole, Soprano
Soprano Zoe Catchpoole was honoured to receive first place in the Aria section of QMTA’s Queensland Vocal Competition in 2024. She was delighted to be selected for the female chorus of Prospero Art’s production of Pirates of Penzance at QPAC at the end of the year. Other highlights of 2024 include her Voxalis Opera chorus debut at Tyalgum Music Festival. She enjoyed performing in the QCGU Classical Voice Department concert, as well as a series of lunchtime concerts at Brisbane City Hall and St Johns Cathedral.
In 2024, she completed her honours thesis at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University under the supervision of Shelli Hulcombe. With the mentorship of Associate Professor Margaret Schindler, Zoe Catchpoole eagerly embraced her role as Sorella Infirmiera in this year's production of Suor Angelica, following her successful portrayal as First Lady in the 2024 Val Machin scenes.
Seren8
Seren8 is an exciting young group of classical musicians who are passionate about using their craft to enrich the lives of the community around them. At the heart of the group lies the founding Seren8 vocal quartet (sopranos Naomi Yu and Jenny Gunnarsson, tenor Connor Willmore and baritone Hainian Yu), which has now performed for over seven years together at events, functions and competitions ranging from the final of the Sid Page Memorial Prize in Chamber Music to the Lord Mayor's Seniors Christmas Parties.
Recently, the quartet was joined by talented associate artists Jasmine Buckley and Reuben Flower on the piano in one of the prestigious UQ Lunchtime series, performing the canonical Liebeslieder Waltzer along with several Rossini quartets. Seren8 looks forward to continuing their collaboration with these and other musicians in the future. Seren8 has performed a wide range of repertoire, from Schumann's Spanisches Liederspiel to Schmitt’s Chansons à quatre voix to a collection of over 30 popular Christmas carols and songs.
Rhonda Davidson-Irwin, MC
Rhonda is a highly accomplished flautist, producer, conductor, and music educator with a Masters of Music Education (with distinction) and AMusA qualifications in flute and piano.
She has taught over 100,000 children, founded the vibrant Queensland music organisation Viva La Musica, and composed for the 2004 Athens Olympics.
With accolades like QUT’s Outstanding Alumni Award and a Telstra Business Award nomination, Rhonda is a passionate advocate for music education and community-driven performances.
Rhonda has performed globally in venues like Albert Hall and Red Square and for dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton.
Viva La Musica Voices
Viva La Musica Voices is a local initiative for young and old to embrace all the benefits of having music in their lives. Viva La Musica Voices provides opportunities for children ages 5 to 17 and adults from 18- 108 to sing in a warm musical community.
Choirs experience fabulous performance opportunities at some of Brisbane‘s most iconic venues such as City Hall, Governors Residence, QPAT and St John’s Cathedral. Expert music educator, conductor and producer Rhonda Davidson-Irwin states that “without exception, everyone has the potential to sing competently and enjoy singing across their lifespan.” The Viva La Musica Voices initiative has come from a large body of community members (including parents) that have asked Rhonda to curate this Choir program in Kenmore.
There are many different benefits that arise from engaging in singing activities. These apply to all ages, from childhood into adolescence and through into retirement age and beyond. With appropriately nurturing experiences, singing competency is developed and Viva La Musica Voices will give the opportunity to nurture the musician that is in all of us.Viva La Musica Voices is non auditioned.
For any enquiries, don’t hesitate to contact Rhonda at vivalamusica@bigpond.com.au or via phone 0412185551
ROAR Academy
ROAR Academy was created in 2011 by Principal MADELEINE JOHNS to give young performers the courage to dream – and to create magic on stage.
ROAR Students have achieved some truly amazing things over the years – most recently they have been seen performing in MARY POPPINS JR and in CHARLIE and the CHOCOLATE FACTORY at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre - at The Lord Mayor’s Concert at City Hall, at Picnic Hill, as part of the Moreton Bay Region’s Anywhere Festival, at the Junior Theatre Festival in Newcastle, at The Redcliffe Show and at many Community Events and of course at home at THEATRE 102 where we run our classes and regular training and most of our Holiday Workshops.
Check us out at https://www.roaracademy.com
Murray Keidge, CPC Sound
Located in Ipswich, QLD, CPC Production Services has been a leader in the event production industry for over 45 years, establishing itself as one of Queensland’s top production companies. CPC is dedicated to providing high-quality production solutions with expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Their team has extensive experience across theatre, live concerts, community events, corporate functions, live broadcasts, streaming, and recording.
CPC has been involved in major theatre productions, including Phantom of the Opera, Guys & Dolls, and Billy Elliot. CPC offer a full range of services, including production design, management, show operation, build/load-out, crewing, dry hire, and servicing.
With a commitment to excellence and reliability, CPC Production Services supports local, national, and international clients, delivering outstanding results for every production.
Orchestra
Matt Rofe, Pianist and Musical Director
Celine Crellin, Violin
Lily Taolo, Cello
Taylee Rofe, Flute/Piccolo
Harold Bryson-Dean, Percussion