Longing
Description
Longing — Returning by Popular Demand
5 September 2026, 5pm
Following its successful first performance in Winchelsea, Longing returns by popular demand to St Paul’s Anglican Church, Geelong.
Sopranos Helen Ling and Zinaida Campion, accompanied by pianist David Stewart, explore the many faces of longing through a programme that moves effortlessly between opera, operetta, musical theatre and beloved song.
From the exquisite intimacy of Delibes’ Flower Duet from Lakmé and the romantic enchantment of Offenbach’s Barcarolle, to Puccini’s much-loved O mio babbino caro, the programme celebrates music’s extraordinary ability to express the things we desire most.
The evening continues with beloved favourites including Over the Rainbow, The Sound of Music, and Time To Say Goodbye, creating a programme that is by turns tender, passionate, nostalgic and joyful.
Whether longing for love, home, freedom, beauty or something just beyond our reach, these songs remind us that longing is one of the most deeply human experiences — and one of music’s most powerful subjects.
Come and experience an evening of beautiful voices, familiar melodies and the emotional world of Longing, in the atmospheric setting of St Paul’s Anglican Church Geelong.
Proudly presented by Rural Arts Victoria.
Lineup
Helen Ling
Helen Ling is an acclaimed Melbourne-based soprano recitalist, celebrated for her ethereal high register and stylistic versatility. She holds a Bachelor of Music and is currently completing a Master of Music at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Career highlights include appearances in Morning Melodies at Hamer Hall with the Mia Sorella Trio, for whom she is principal arranger, and regular solo and trioperformances at St Paul’s and St Patrick’s Cathedrals, as well as the Diamond Creek and Winchelsea recital series. Helen has performed with the Melbourne Opera chorus, appeared as a University of Melbourne Graduation soloist, and is the curator of the Songbird recital series and High Tea Diva livestreams. She has also been featured on 3MBS FM’s The Talent and has performed recently with the Bacchus Marsh Light Orchestra. Further highlights include performances of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater at St Paul’s Cathedral. A dedicated educator, Helen has taught voice and piano at Overnewton Anglican College for 20 years, while continuing to share music widely through church and community programs.
Zinaida Campion
Zinaida Campion is a classical soprano, vocal coach, artist, and model raised in Winchelsea. Her love of singing was sparked in childhood through the legacy of fellow Winchelsea-raised soprano Marjorie Lawrence, whose career continues to inspire her work. She began formal vocal studies at thirteen under multi-award-winning soprano Lee Abrahmsen, became a Windfire Vocal Scholar, and later completed her training with Victorian Opera's youth program VOYCE. She has performed with ensembles including Trinity College Chapel Choir, St Paul's Choir Geelong, and the Windfire Chamber Choir. Zinaida has appeared as a freelance soloist across Geelong, Melbourne, and rural Victoria, winning awards at competitions including the Warrnambool Eisteddfod, and successfully entering 3MBS The Talent 2025. An enthusiastic entrepreneur, she is Vice President of Geelong Opera and Artistic Director of the Winchelsea Music Season, as well as the founder of Rural Arts Victoria, an organisation dedicated to elevating regional creativity, celebrating local heritage, and employing Australian artists. Together with acclaimed organist/pianist Victoria Hay, she is a founding member of the classical duo Cecilia’s Daughters. With a strong background in languages, she is a keen arts writer with her own column in the Winchelsea Star, ArtsRural. Passionate about community engagement, she is committed to promoting the arts in rural areas and fostering meaningful cultural experiences across her home region.
David Stewart
David Stewart has been a piano teacher in the Colac area for over 30 years. He has been involved with many schools teaching keyboard, music theory and accompanying instrumental students through to VCE level. David has previously performed as one half of the Perfect Harmony duo playing and singing for weddings. He has been a member of the team of organists at St Marys Church in Colac for 40 years. He is also one of the inaugural musicians to play in the first annual Winchelsea Music Season.
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