Battle of the Divas
The gauntlet has been thrown down and the stage set for a duel with a difference.
Two songstresses from opposite ends of the musical spectrum will present a battle of the divas at USQ’s next Twilight Recital.
The Duelling Divas - contemporary vocalist, Melissa Forbes and classically trained soprano, Melinda van der Meulen - will perform a kaleidoscope of works from the song genre.
Accompanist and singer, Alison Riethmuller said, “the recital will be a fabulous journey through vocal music from classics to pop and everything in-between - with a little bit of humour and fun thrown into the mix.
“We are blessed with two incredibly talented singers who, despite the title of the show, are both humble about their abilities and a real pleasure to work with - definitely not the divas we might imagine!”
Toowoomba-born Melinda is a graduate of USQ, with a Master’s degree from the Queensland Conservatorium and has also studied at the Australian National Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
She has performed with Opera Queensland, the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and the Queensland Choir and appeared professionally throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
On the other end of the spectrum, Melissa trained in jazz improvisation at the Queensland Conservatorium and is now the Lecturer in Contemporary Singing at USQ.
Her career has taken her to Singapore, Japan and to the United States as part of a Churchill Fellowship, and allowed her to share the stage with the like of Michael Buble, Naturally 7 and David Hobson.
Together they will perform a program of duets, solos and beautiful original arrangements.
“We have chosen a mix of classical and contemporary styles to show-off each individual singer in their respective genres as well as presenting some lovely cross-overs.
“Melinda will be featured in some amazing operatic solos including the popular Queen of the Night from the Mozart’s Magic Flute and Melissa is performing some jazz, popular and music theatre numbers including Sondheim’s classic, Send in the Clowns.”
Also on the program will be Summertime and Stormy Weather, Rossini's light-hearted, Duet for Two Cats and even a Kate Miller-Heidke song as a perfect example of someone from a classical background crossing into popular music.
A musical all-rounder and world-class performer in her own right, Alison brings a wealth of experience to the Divas showdown, and has provided invaluable musical direction to the show.
The Twilight Song Recital will commence at 6pm in the USQ Arts Theatre on Wednesday 23 May.
Tickets are $18.50 adult, $15.50 concession, $13.50 student, $7.50 child and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.