Lyric Opera of Melbourne to Present STELLA in September

A fascinating gem of Australia's musical and social history, Stella by G.W.L. Marshall-Hall, makes its long-awaited return to the stage in a new production by Lyric Opera of Melbourne this September.

Lyric Opera's production celebrates Marshall-Hall's important role in making Melbourne's arts scene what it is today and marks 100 years since the composer's passing. His achievements include founding and conducting the first significant orchestra and concert series in the city and becoming the very first professor of music at the University of Melbourne.

Marshall-Hall was famously dismissed from his post after falling out with the University establishment and his opera Stella is allegorically based on his experience in Melbourne and at the University.

Set in bayside Melbourne at the time of Federation, Stella is the story of a nurse ruined by suburban hypocrisy, brought to life through music of great power and beauty.

Composed in 1908, it was the first opera to ever be set in Melbourne.

Bringing Stella out of the shadows and into the spotlight, Artistic Director and Conductor Pat Miller said, "As part of our history, Stella deserves to be part of our future".

Making her lyric Opera debut, Lee Abrahmsen takes the title role of Stella, leading a superb local cast including Carolyn Vercoe, Roberto Barbaro and Matthew Thomas.

With this small cast and lasting only 90 minutes, this intimate and accessible opera will feature lighting design by Greenroom award winner, Rob Sowinski, and costume design by Sam Fisher from Melbourne's Tanner and Teague.

The revival of Stella is in partnership with the University of Melbourne who published the opera in 1992 and presented it in concert in 1996. The University is also presenting a mini symposium on Marshall-Hall and his opera on September 12 at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Ticket holders for performances of Stella will receive a free pass to attend this symposium.

Stella is the first in Lyric's Australian Opera Series and is a not to be missed opportunity to see our history brought to life through wonderful music, singing and an intimate and dynamic production.

Stella will be performed September 25, 26, 28 and 30 starting at 8pm, at the David Williamson Theatre, located just off Chapel and High Streets in Prahran.