IMMERSIVE OPERA: The Domestic Sublime - Springboard Opera

Title: The Domestic Sublime

Presented By: Springboard Opera & Riverbend Ensemble, as part of the Queensland Art Song Festival

Genre: Immersive Opera / Art Song

Synopsis: Step into the rituals of domestic life, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The Domestic Sublime takes audiences on a journey through kitchens, bedrooms, backyards, and gardens, transforming everyday objects into symbols of beauty, memory, and change. The program centres around Katy Abbott’s award-winning song cycle The Domestic Sublime, alongside works by Alys Rayner, Leonard Bernstein, and Clara Schumann. This immersive performance—set within the Winning Appliances Showroom—blends live music, movement, and thematic culinary delights to reveal the profound within the everyday. The event also features the Queensland premiere of Abbott’s work in string quartet arrangement and the world premiere of Rayner’s The Orange Tree.

Written By: Music by Katy Abbott, Alys Rayner, Leonard Bernstein, and Clara Schumann; Text by Chris Wallace-Crabbe

Performance Dates: Friday 22 August 2025

Performance Times: Doors 6:30pm, Show 7:30pm

Performance Location and Address: Winning Appliances Showroom, 167 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley QLD

Ticket Costs:

• General: $120

• 4MBS Subscribers: $110

Ticket Link: Book Here

Warnings: Light walking required through the showroom (seating available at all times); contains English and German language songs (translations provided); some themed canapés inspired by works performed.

Recommended Age: All ages

Duration: 1.5 hours with intermission

Cast:

• Alison Paris – Soprano

• Monica Ruggiero – Mezzo

• Annika Hinrichs – Soprano

• Connor Willmore – Tenor

• Madeleine Stephens – Director & Soprano

• Mark Connors – Pianist

• Riverbend Ensemble – String Quartet

Creative Team:

• Director: Madeleine Stephens

• Composers: Katy Abbott, Alys Rayner, Leonard Bernstein, Clara Schumann

• Text: Chris Wallace-Crabbe

Production Website: springboardopera.com.au

Other Information: Ticket price includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as themed canapés. Lift access is available to the performance area.