Opera in the afternoon: a concert with Galatea Kneath and Daniel Verschuer

An Historic Collaboration

In a significant collaboration, the Rockdale Opera Company (ROC) and the Sydney Opera Society (SOS) are joining forces for an extraordinary concert that heralds the upcoming production of Verdi's timeless opera, La Traviata. The concert will take place on the 8th November at the Uniting Church Auditorium Willoughby, ahead of the grand performance running from November 27th to December 7th, at the Rockdale Town Hall.

Highlighting the concert will be the engaging soprano, Galatea Kneath, who will take on the role of Violetta, alongside the talented tenor, Daniel Verschuer. 

As the two organisations come together, music enthusiasts can look forward to an afternoon filled with beautiful arias and duets from Verdi’s masterpiece and other Bel Canto pieces, giving attendees a taste of what to expect in the full production. 

Mark your calendars for this momentous event, as it marks a new chapter in the collaboration between ROC and SOS, celebrating the art of opera and the community's dedication to the performing arts. Don't miss the chance to be part of this remarkable concert!

The artists

Galatea Kneath is a Greek-Australian soprano whose passion for opera and classical voice has paved the way for a promising career in music. Holding both a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) and a Master of Music Studies (Opera Performance) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Galatea's educational background has laid a strong foundation for her artistic endeavours. In 2024, Galatea took her talents to Germany, captivating audiences with her portrayal of the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s renowned opera, 'Die Zauberflöte.'

Prior to this, in 2023, she embarked on an enriching exchange program at the Royal Northern College of Music in the UK, further honing her skills and expanding her artistic network. During her time at the Sydney Conservatorium, Galatea stood out in her final year as she premiered the roles of Angelina Crescenzi in Oliver John Cameron’s 'M.T.H.R.' and Scout in Jessica O’Donoghue’s 'Menarche.'

These innovative productions formed part of 'Mother,' a collaborative project between the Conservatorium and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), dedicated to creating and producing new Australian works. Galatea’s impressive repertoire, combined with her dynamic stage presence, positions her as an emerging Australian talent in the operatic scene.

Daniel Verschuer is an operatic tenor, who has been described as “warmly lyrical” and having “a charismatic presence”, and who has performed leading roles in The Magic Flute, Albert Herring, The Marriage of Figaro, Fidelio, Die Fledermaus, The Gypsy Baron and Pirates of Penzance. He has worked with Opera Australia, QPAC, and was in the play Amadeus in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in 2023, performing with leading Australian actors.

 Daniel is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and an alumnus of Pacific Opera. He has previously featured at the Sydney Festival and the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and has also performed locally with Rockdale Opera and GSOS, among others.

In concert, Daniel has performed with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Jane Rutter, and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. He currently sings as a lay clerk at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.

Rockdale Opera Company

Rockdale Opera Company was founded in 1946 as the Rockdale Municipal Orchestra under the conductorship of Cedric Ashton M.B.E. and in 1948 Council decided to extend its cultural field to include opera. The four founding members of the Rockdale Municipal Opera Company were conductor Cedric Ashton, tenor Alan Ferris, pianist Megan Evans and cellist Rupert Orchard. The opera “Faust” was the Company’s first production and in the following year “Carmen” was staged. Every year since, the Company has produced at least one grand opera, making it the longest continually running opera company in Australia.

Over the past 74 years, there have been several company managers, most notably Councillor Ron Rathbone O.A.M., who in 1971, re-organised the Company when it looked in danger of closing. Fortunately it didn’t! -– and in 2008 the Company celebrated its 60th anniversary by staging a production of its inaugural opera – “Faust.”

The philosophy of the Company is to provide opera at a price patrons can afford, whilst at the same time providing a platform on which up and coming singers can get a start on the stage and have the opportunity to perform with established artists.

Since its inception, the Rockdale Opera Company has been a springboard for many singers. Artists such as Geoffrey Chard and the late Deborah Riedel have appeared with Rockdale Opera before going on to establish successful careers with Opera Australia and overseas companies. In 1951 a young Joan Sutherland was engaged to sing at Rockdale but never did - as luck would have it, she won the Sun Aria Opera Competition and went off to London instead! Jonathon Welch, now well-known for the television series “Choir of Hard Knocks” sang in productions at Rockdale in the 1980’s and 90’s and most recently, Jose Carbo went on to sing the role of Figaro in Opera Australia’s “Barber of Seville” after dazzling Rockdale audiences in the same role in 2000. He is now one of Opera Australia’s leading baritones.

Sydney Opera Society

Founded in 1982, the Sydney Opera Society (SOS) has dedicated itself to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of opera across generations.

By organising a wide array of talks, concerts, and discussions, the Society aims to engage both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Each event is carefully curated to provide a unique and captivating experience, allowing attendees to explore the rich tapestry of operatic tradition.

Through these initiatives, the Society not only celebrates the art form but also ensures that the love of opera is passed down, creating a vibrant community that cherishes this timeless performance art. 

Opera enthusiasts and new comers join our monthly lectures to learn about classical and contemporary operas, music and pre-introduction to upcoming opera performances.