Chorus Master
Narelle French
Biography
One of Australia’s most respected and versatile pianists and musicians, Narelle French undertook studies at Sydney Conservatorium and Sydney University, and has been awarded the Dame Roma Mitchell Churchill
Fellowship (2002) and Centenary Medal (2002).
Narelle was for many years a senior member of the music staff at Opera Australia, where she fulfilled a number of roles including Head of Music Staff, Guest Chorus Master and Children’s Chorus Master, harpsichord continuo, prompting (including Dame Joan Sutherland’s farewell season of Les Huguenots), overseeing musical preparation for conductors including Richard Bonynge, Dame Jane Glover, Richard Hickox, Johannes Fritzsch and Carlo Felice Cillario. She has worked with organisations including Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Brisbane Festival, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, University of Tasmania, University of Queensland and Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Since relocating to Queensland in 1999, Narelle’s roles at Opera Queensland have included Head of Music (2001-present), Director of Young Artist Program (1999-2008 and 2020-present) and Chorus Director (since 2013). Her roles have included conductor, pianist, arranger, librettist and translator, and she has co-created, performed and toured with productions, special events, concerts, education and workshop programs. As Chorus Master, she has led the Opera Queensland Chorus for over forty productions and concerts.
Current Performances
Past Performances
Recital Hayley Sugars
Award-winning mezzo-soprano Hayley Sugars gets up close and personal for an intimate recital of songs about love in all its mystery, intrigue, yearning and splendour. Hayley’s impressive career includes contracts…
29 March - 2 April 2022Performance The Sopranos
Celebrating bold and rebellious women Season 2022 opens with The Sopranos, a new commission by writer Sarah Holland-Batt, celebrating the bold and rebellious roles women have played throughout the history…
14 - 23 July 2022Performance La Traviata
Love, intensity, heartache Violetta is the ultimate party girl, a courtesan who can charm her way into the life of anyone she chooses. Then she meets Alfredo and the rules…
Thursday 10 – Saturday 26 August 2023Performance Così fan tutte
What is love? What is fidelity? Love and fidelity are tested to their limit in Mozart and Da Ponte’s timeless comic opera, Così fan tutte. Be swept away to the Mediterranean seaside, where young officers…
Regional Outback River Lights Festival
Paroo Shire Council is hosting Opera Queensland for a concert, a sing-along and a series of school holiday workshops from Wednesday, 12 April, to Friday, 13 April, at the Outback…
20 & 27 April 2024Performance Lucia di Lammermoor
A Brisbane Bel Canto event A NEW FESTIVAL FOR THE BRISBANE STAGE Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti ★★★★★ “One for the ages, it’s not to be missed” – Limelight…
Tuesday 4 March & Saturday 8 March 2025Performance La Cenerentola – (Cinderella)
OPERA QUEENSLAND PRESENTS LA CENERENTOLA (CINDERELLA). La Cenerentola Gioachino Rossini La Cenerentola is a tale of heart and humour full of clever disguises, unlikely heroes, a midnight ball and the…
29 April & 2 May 2026Performance La Cenerentola (Cinderella)
Following rave reviews from audiences and critics alike in 2025, Opera Queensland’s highly acclaimed La Cenerentola will return in 2026! ★★★★ 1/2 “Enchanting.” – Limelight “Delightful design, impeccable comedic timing, and awe-inspiring…
Tuesday 4 March & Saturday 8 March 2025Performance La Cenerentola – (Cinderella)
OPERA QUEENSLAND PRESENTS LA CENERENTOLA (CINDERELLA). La Cenerentola Gioachino Rossini La Cenerentola is a tale of heart and humour full of clever disguises, unlikely heroes, a midnight ball and the…
