Watch: Desiree Frahn on what Eucalyptus: The Opera means to her

It captures the mysterious ambience of an Australian forest, from the scuttle of wildlife, to wind murmuring through the canopy, to light dappling the leaf-littered floor. Within this dreamy setting, the opera tells the story of Ellen, who must navigate the eccentric whims of her overprotective father and her many unfit suitors.

Desiree Frahn is perfectly cast as Ellen. The soprano grew up on a farm in rural South Australia and says she can identify with Ellen’s challenges. In the video below, she says “being a classical musician and wanting to pursue a classic music path, in the country, is very much like Ellen trying to find her own dreams and her own path through life”.

Here, Desiree describes how Eucalyptus can transport you to the Australian bush without leaving your seat, and help you appreciate the nuances of the outback.

Video edited by Chynthia Wijaya-Kovac.