State Opera South Australia and Opera Queensland present Are You Lonesome Tonight, a celebration of Opera and Country music that makes its way to South Australia as part of a highly anticipated National Tour.
Let’s meet Gabrielle Diaz, Marcus Corowa and Jonathan Hickey, the young artists ready to bring this show to life.
What drew you to this production of Are You Lonesome Tonight?
GABRIELLE: After working with OQ in their schools touring productions over the past few years, I have gained a great appreciation for the work the company does in delivering opera performances in regional areas in a way that is exciting, fresh and accessible for people who may not yet have had the chance to explore this beautiful genre of music. Are You Lonesome Tonight is a show that uniquely blends opera and country music, creating an experience where fans of both genres can come together in celebration! I am excited and honoured to be cast in a production that challenges the ideas of genre exclusivity and is also packed with really great music.
JONATHAN: I’ve always been a fan of country music, so that naturally drew me in. Additionally, the opportunity to contribute to the development of a new production was a truly special experience. The blend of country and opera is particularly exciting, and I was eager to be part of that unique combination.
MARCUS: This show is a favourite of mine. It uses two genres that seemingly have nothing in common with each other to take people on a beautiful journey of discovery and commonality despite vast differences.
This show blends country music with opera. How do you approach working between the two styles?
JONATHAN: Vocal flexibility is key when transitioning between the two genres. There’s a certain vocal technique required to switch between country and opera, and I focus on adapting my voice to suit the demands of each style.
MARCUS: To me, one is a closed sound and the other is an open sound. It’s fun to play within the sounds.
GABRIELLE: It can be a challenge technically going from Taylor Swift to the most dramatic moments of Puccini in the space of a few bars. The set up of the voice is changed quite dramatically between operatic and contemporary vocal styles, so it takes plenty of practice to navigate fast adjustments in a way that is efficient and free for the voice. For me, this is an exciting challenge. A show that allows the artist to explore so many nuances and stylings of the voice is what I most enjoy working on as you are always uncovering new and exciting sounds that your instrument can make.
What do you enjoy most about touring?
MARCUS: I enjoy connecting to people. Every town has its own flavour and I feel lucky that I get to experience the uniqueness of the towns and people we visit.
GABRIELLE: I most enjoy seeing new places that you may not usually get to! Australia is a vast country, and exploring all the little pockets of culture found throughout is a real highlight of touring.
JONATHAN: I thoroughly enjoy traveling to various parts of Australia, experiencing small towns, and engaging with the locals. As an avid runner, tour life also provides the perfect opportunity to explore new locations through my runs.
If you could collaborate with any country or opera artist, who would it be and why?
JONATHAN: I would love to collaborate with Troy Cassar-Daley. He seems like an incredibly kind individual and a remarkable artist and songwriter. Additionally, as a fellow fishing enthusiast, I believe we would get along very well!
MARCUS: I would have to say Troy Cassar-Daley too, he’s such an Aussie icon.
GABRIELLE: I would love to don the rhinestones and super volumised hair to collaborate with Miss Dolly Parton herself! I can’t help but smile when I hear or see Dolly Parton and I think this is something that she brings with her wherever she goes. She is a woman who has carved an incredible legacy for herself with her singing, songwriting, acting and philanthropy. I’ll have to make her proud with my rendition of Jolene in the show first!
Three words to describe Are You Lonesome Tonight?
GABRIELLE: Love, passion and yeehaw!
JONATHAN: Entertaining, unique, and exhilarating.
MARCUS: Adventure, Discovery, Heart – Warming.
What’s your favourite tune that features in the show?
MARCUS: My favourite tune is “The Dance in the Love” Medley.
GABRIELLE: It has got to be the “Carmen/These Boots are made for walkin’” mashup!
JONATHAN: “Let Your Love Flow”, written by Troy Cassar-Daley, is definitely one of my favourites. It’s a truly uplifting and feel-good tune.
Come in your jeans and boots or your tuxedos and ballgowns – this is opera that is bold, accessible and full of heart!