Soar across the Gold Coast skyline from a butterfly’s perspective. Be amazed by floral creations from around the world. And be left speechless by an exclusive performance from Opera Queensland.

These are just some of the experiences that await you at the Main Beach Flower Festival – the world’s first digital flower festival launching online this weekend 27 and 28 June.

Opera Queensland Artistic Director Patrick Nolan said the company has a longstanding relationship with audiences on the Gold Coast, most recently with the highly celebrated performance of Verdi’s Requiem in collaboration with HOTA and Queensland Conservatorium at the 2019 Bleach* Festival.

‘As the state’s opera company, we see our presence at the Gold Coast as a very important part of what we do. We are driven to bring the excitement, drama and passion of opera to all Queenslanders, travelling extensively to perform to more than a quarter of a million people last year,’ he said.

‘Now, more than ever, with our theatres closed, we are reminded of how important the Arts are in our lives. The Arts bring people together, strengthening the bonds between us and, like a Flower Festival, making us aware of the beauty and wonder in our lives.’

Opera Queensland continued this important engagement throughout the Covid-19 lockdown with numerous digital programs including QPAC’s online concert, True North, the phenomenally popular An Aria A Day initiative, and now The Main Beach Flower Festival.

Opera Queensland’s 2020 Young Artist Rebecca Cassidy headlines the digital festival.

Filmed exclusively for the Festival, Rebecca brings us the melting performance of Thomas Moore’s classic song, ‘The Last Rose of Summer’, exploring the beauty, tenderness and joy a flower brings.

As the company’s 2020 Young Artist, Rebecca Cassidy is undertaking a period of extensive training and professional development including voice coaching, stagecraft technique and language tuition. Rebecca is also understudying the coveted role of Isolde in Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde.

The Young Artist Program supports and nurtures future generations of talented performers who are essential to the future of opera.  Your donation to Opera Queensland allows us to support emerging artists like Rebecca and prepare for a return to the stage – as soon as that may be possible.

Opera Queensland’s performance for The Main Beach Flower Festival is available to watch from this weekend 27 June.