Review: SOUNDS LIKE HEAVEN A DIVINE MOTHER'S DAY OUT at Independent Theatre

Mother's Day gives the most important women in our lives a chance to be celebrated, treated to a little breakfast in bed, and for some, a nice day at the opera! Pacific Opera, a company developing Australia's emerging talent, presented Sounds Like Heaven yesterday to standing ovation, a showcase of their stellar students delivering a program themed by nature.

Pacific Opera's shows are certainly a window for Sydney-siders and industry alike to take a look at the future of Australia's talent, with many of the graduating class being selected for overseas scholarships and work. Perhaps I should say it's more of a crystal ball than a window! Keep eyes particularly peeled for Elizabeth Smalley whose stature was in no way an indicator of how big and clear a voice she had. Her duet with fellow talent Bree Meara-Hendy from Lakme was flawless and almost tear-jerking. Joshua Oxley's counter-tenor from L'Roi d'Ys showed what a vast difference it is between simply singing, and using one's voice as a music instrument as he did in a halting performance. Laura Scandizzo and Georgia Hall showed incredible power, while Charlotte Merz's poise made her presence more than pitch perfect. Soonki Park's performances also paved the way for star turns, particularly in The Pearlfishers duet.

The accompaniment was also of note, where numbers weren't played by Artistic Director and MC for the event Simon Kenway, Antonio Fernandez and Jonathon Wilson gave rousing renditions of duets from Mother Goose Suite and The Fairy Garden.

When you take into account that this musical fare was accompanied by a delightful High Tea for patrons to meet and spend quality time, Pacific Opera prove themselves to be a first-choice for delightful afternoons and performances. Be sure to check out their Pacific Opera Gala Dinner coming up soon!