‘The top of the pops of opera’: 3 reasons The Lyrebird’s Voice is unmissable

This is the premise of The Lyrebird’s Voice, a brand new family friendly opera that explores identity, the power of being different, and the strength of your voice.

It tells the story of a trickster lyrebird who gets in trouble with their friends in the flock. The other birds banish the lyrebird and curse them: never again will the lyrebird be able to use their own voice. From now on, it’s mimicry only. Alone in the bush, the lyrebird meets a delightful assortment of Australian animals, where they learn to embrace their individuality.

With performances in Nunawading, Darebin and Frankston, The Lyrebird’s Voice is the perfect opportunity for schoolchildren, teachers and parents across Melbourne to experience opera’s most iconic tunes with an Australian twist.

Here, Elizabeth Hill-Cooper, Victorian Opera’s CEO and Director of The Lyrebird’s Voice, chooses three reasons the opera is a must see.

1. A beautiful message created by young people

The story was created by six people between 15 and 20 years old from a range of cultural backgrounds, in collaboration with musical director Peter Rutherford. They delved into their experiences of adolescence and the difficulty of finding their place in Australia.

“They chose a lyrebird as the subject because one young girl said she used to imitate the way her friends spoke, so she didn’t sound different to anyone else,” Elizabeth says.

“When they constructed the story, they wanted to make it more universal and like a fairytale.”

The story was then finessed, refined and workshopped into a Victorian Opera production that gives emerging performers and designers a chance to showcase their impressive talents.

2. An amalgamation of familiar tunes

The Lyrebird’s Voice features opera’s most iconic arias and duets, such as the ‘Flower Duet’ from Lakmé, ‘Habanera’ from Carmen, ‘Queen of the Night’ from The Magic Flute and ‘I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General’ from The Pirates of Penzance. You’ll also hear a huge range of famous classical music, including works by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Rossini and Wagner.

Elizabeth says this assortment of hits is the perfect way to introduce the next generation to the magic of opera – the music is easily recognisable and enduringly beautiful.

“When I was a kid, there was an ad on TV with the Flower Duet playing in the background. I didn’t realise it was an opera tune until I grew up and went to the opera,” she says.

“Young people hear these tunes all the time, it’s the top of the pops of opera.”

3. Inspiring costume and set designs

Ishan Vivekanantham is an emerging designer, who was selected by a panel of experts for perfectly evoking the colourful diversity of Australian animals into his set and costumes.

His designs not only enrich the story but also immerse the audience into the wonder of Australian wildlife, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages.

“We get to work with the emerging artists in the company and create something new for them from the beginning,” Elizabeth says.

“Having been a part of the process for three years and watching The Lyrebird’s Voice develop and grow, I can’t wait to see it on stage.”

In addition to its performances across metropolitan Melbourne, The Lyrebird’s Voice is also part of our education-focused Access All Areas program. Register your school now to take part and see this unique work.