Patients, visitors and healthcare workers at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital today experienced the uplifting power of live opera, thanks to a unique partnership between the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Opera Australia and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Ahead of Opera Australia's performance of Don Giovanni at the Civic Theatre tonight, singers from Australia's national opera company presented two free pop-up performances in the hospital foyer and Aged Care and Rehabilitation Ward, bringing world-class music directly to patients, families, staff and visitors.
Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris said the initiative reflected the theatre's commitment to taking the arts beyond the stage and into the community.
"We're incredibly proud to have worked with the team at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital to make these performances possible," Ms Harris said.
"The Civic Theatre isn't just about what happens on our stage. Opera Australia is one of the country's most respected performing arts companies, and to share artists of this calibre with patients, visitors and healthcare workers, free of charge, is something really special."
Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Acting General Manager Kate Woodward said the performances highlighted the important role the arts can play in supporting wellbeing.
"We're so grateful to the Civic Theatre and Opera Australia for bringing this experience to our hospital.
"Healthcare is about caring for the whole person, and moments of music, connection and joy can make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of our patients, their families and our staff.
"Hospitals can be stressful places. For a few minutes, patients weren't thinking about appointments or treatments - they were simply enjoying beautiful music. Those moments matter."
This initiative reinforces the importance of collaboration between health services and local government within our community with both Council and MLHD being active members of the Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct.
The hospital performances formed just one part of Opera Australia's visit to Wagga Wagga.
Later tonight, the company will present Mozart's Don Giovanni on the Civic Theatre stage, featuring Opera Australia's acclaimed principal artists alongside a chorus of talented local young performers.
A local children's chorus has become a much-loved tradition of Opera Australia's visits to Wagga Wagga, giving young local singers the rare opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside one of the country's leading performing arts companies.
Ms Harris said the experience was invaluable for the young performers.
"Sharing the stage with Opera Australia is an extraordinary opportunity," she said.
"They've been rehearsing for months and gaining first-hand insight into the dedication and artistry required to perform at the highest level.
"Experiences like this inspire the next generation of performers and are one of the many reasons it's so important to bring companies of this calibre to regional communities."
Opera Australia's performance of Don Giovanni will take place at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre tonight, Tuesday 18 August at 7.30pm.
