Music lovers are in for a treat this weekend at Customs House when UQ music graduate and rising opera star Kathleen Parker presents a free program of Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven.
The 26-year-old soprano graduated with honours from UQ in 2003 with a Bachelor of Music and has subsequently graduated from one of the best operatic training institutes in the country, the Australian Opera Studio.
After a two-year intensive course, likened by some to "opera boot camp", Ms Parker was named Dux of her year in 2008.
Her time at the Opera Studio required a rigorous weekly schedule including German, Italian, Russian and French language study, singing, acting, dancing and even stage combat classes. Ms Parker was one of three recipients of a $250,000 scholarship which covered 100% of her training over the two years.
"It's been a long journey to get to this point and yet still I am only beginning. Music is such a tough industry but performing is incredibly rewarding and I can't think of a more thrilling career," Ms Parker said.
For the first time since her graduation, Ms Parker will return to Customs House on Sunday March 29 to present a lieder recital with pianist John Woods.
She said she was honoured to be able to perform at Customs House and hoped to inspire current UQ music students.
"It's a really great venue for recitals with a beautiful acoustic and a very classy view of the river," she said.
"The concerts are always popular and very well received. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to represent UQ and to perform at Customs House."
In October last year Ms Parker returned to UQ to compete for the Ethel Osborn Prize and was thrilled to receive the $4,600 scholarship, which she will use to travel to London for auditions and coaching later in the year.
Kathleen Parker will perform with John Woods at Customs House, Queen St, on Sunday March 29 at 11:30am. All are welcome.
Media: Wendy Burford at UQ Arts (07 3346 7898, w.burford@uq.edu.au) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
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