Shakespeare  

THE SOARING power of opera will collide with the drama of William Shakespeare when Brisbane-based ‘Voxalis Opera’ perform their intimate recital ‘Shakespeare’ for one night at the Coolum Civic Centre on Friday, February 27 at 7 pm.

Founded in 2021 by musicians Camilo Lopez and Matthew Schwarz, Voxalis Opera is a Brisbane-based opera company dedicated to enriching Brisbane’s cultural landscape through unique and innovative renditions of art, song and opera.

The Shakespeare recital features sopranos Rebecca Cassidy and Annika Hinrichs, baritone Cameron Bodiam-Taylor and pianist Brendan Murtagh, performing excerpts from operas including Verdi’s Macbeth, Thomas’ Hamlet and Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, alongside other Shakespeare-inspired works.

Spanning more than 400 years of influence, the program showcases some of opera’s most iconic works inspired by the Bard’s plays. Overflowing with passion, intrigue and unforgettable characters, Shakespeare’s stories have fired the imaginations of composers from Henry Purcell to Giuseppe Verdi, Charles Gounod and Ambroise Thomas — and now audiences across the Sunshine Coast and beyond can experience the result up close.

Red Chair Director Angie Dunbavan said this is the first time the company has toured an opera production to the region.

“We love presenting music that invites people to come together as a community and enjoy an evening or afternoon together,” Angie said.

“This is a chance to experience opera up close, in a relaxed and welcoming setting, with artists who are deeply connected to the work they’re performing.”

Reviews have praised the production, noting that the recital is a “thrilling … authentic performance by three polished and powerful soloists.”

Voxalis Opera has built a strong reputation for delivering thoughtfully curated opera and recital programs that highlight both established and emerging Australian artists, and this unique performance of works from literary giant Shakespeare is not to be missed.

Performance Dates – February and March 2026 

*Maleny Community Centre
Friday 20 February, 7pm

*Majestic Theatre, Pomona
Saturday 21 February, 7pm

*Coolum Civic Centre
Friday 27 February, 7pm

*Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
Saturday 28 February, 7pm

*Eudlo Hall
Sunday 1 March, 4pm

Full Event Details: redchair.com.au