One of Australia's favourite singers, soprano Emma Matthews, is soloist in this special program in which she performs some of her signature pieces from the bel canto repertoire. Fresh from her performances in Opera Australia's new production of Bellini's The Capulets and the Montagues, she sings Giulietta's balcony scene aria from this rarely staged masterpiece, as well as the dazzling waltz song from Gounod's operatic setting of Shakespeare's immortal love story, and one of the greatest of all coloratura showpieces, the celebrated 'Mad Scene' for Ophelia from Thomas' grand opera version of Shakespeare's Hamlet. From Lucia di Lammermoor, Matthews sings the haunting aria from the 'Fountain' Scene in the opera's first act.

Under the direction of charismatic young British conductor Alexander Shelley, these showpieces are interspersed with magnificent orchestral works including the overture to Rossini's most beloved comic opera; Respighi's lavishly beautiful musical picture of four fountains in the eternal city, Rome, at different times of day and Debussy's languorous Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun.

This will be a grand night of music, featuring an outstanding Australian vocal artist making a major impact on the international scene.