Over the course of a week in April, Opera Queensland artists Jason Barry-Smith, Kylie Los and Sofia Troncoso delivered half-day residencies with Mount Isa-based community groups including the Mount Isa Community Ensembles Inc. (MICE). The artists spent time with students and community members, teaching them repertoire and performance skills. The workshops culminated in a community choir performance at the top of Are You Lonesome Tonight at the Xstrata Entertainment Centre.

A highlight of the performance was Gyan Angon. 15-year-old Gyan worked closely with Jason Barry-Smith and accompanied the choir performance on piano. Just under 500 community members filled the forecourt of the Xstrata Entertainment Centre for the show. It was smiles all-round from parents, teachers, students, and the wider community.

Here Gyan reflects on his debut performance with Opera Queensland.

ABOVE: Jason Barry-Smith with Mount Isa student Gyan Angon.

What was it like to perform with Opera Queensland, Jason Barry-Smith and the community choir?

It was an amazing experience and very proud to have worked with professionals musicians such as Jason, who was very approachable and fun to work with. I look forward to future exciting opportunities with Opera Queensland.

What will you remember most about the experience?

The most memorable part of the experience for me was being able to team up with Jason and the school choir to put on a great performance for the Mount Isa community. I also learnt new skills including how to follow the beat when he is conducting.

ABOVE: Jason Barry-Smith and Kylie Los host a workshop with students from Happy Valley School; Workshop with St Joseph School students.

ABOVE: Professional development workshop for Mount Isa Community Ensembles Inc. (MICE); Rehearsal at the Xstrata Entertainment Centre

ABOVE: Professional development workshop for Mount Isa Community Ensembles Inc. (MICE); Jason Barry-Smith, Kylie Los and soprano Sofia Troncoso out and about exploring Mount Isa.

ABOVE: Opera Queensland Director Learning, Regional and Community (left) with Istvan Torok from Mount Isa Mines and Cr George Fortune; Performance at Xstrata Entertainment Centre