See also

First, I just have to share this, from James Waites' overview of the 2008 Helpmann Awards at Australian Stage Online:

"In a tentative move to comment on the realm of opera, I was thrilled to see Cheryl Barker take out the award for Best Female Performer in an Opera. This was for her title role performance in Arabella, which I did not see. But who cares – I saw and heard Barker in Otello last week – and oh my gosh! Here is another perfect candidate to support my theme.

I did happen to be there eighteen years ago on the opening night of Baz Luhrmann/Catherine Martin’s La Boheme – which not only set that mildly talented duo up for all that has since followed; but where Cheryl Barker made us weep as a most tender of Mimi’s. A star was born.

Cheryl Barker - look at you now! Your Desdemona is incandescent. You are in full flight. As the guy who gets to hangs out in the stalls with the punters, I had to stop and pinch myself: how goddam lucky am I?"

Indeed.

Also, a bit of a link drop. You should see...

...wonderful Dunedin mezzo Claire Barton singing the South African national anthem at Carisbrook.
...Anna Leese's debut recital on EMI, which will finally be released next week.
...as much as you can of Anna Moffo in Pergolesi's La serva padrona, now available on YouTube. Forget glossy crossover and barihunks; if this doesn't make you love opera, nothing will.
...Not Another Music Blogger, the brand new blog of one Lady Blogger, who has been providing comprehensive and highly entertaining coverage of the Sydney International Piano Competition. Welcome to the blogosphere, Lady Blogger!