'Hilarious, modern fun’ is not how many school children would describe opera. But that looks set to change thanks to a collaboration by the University of the Sunshine Coast and Opera Queensland.

USC will sponsor a special performance of one of the world’s most famous opera comedies, The Barber of Seville, for up to 800 students from schools across the Fraser Coast at Maryborough’s Brolga Theatre on August 3.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the free, hour-long production by OperaQ was a wonderful opportunity to give many Fraser Coast students their first taste of opera.

Media are invited to attend. The best time for interviews will be before and immediately after the 12.30pm performance.

“As part of its commitment to the community, USC welcomes the chance to partner with Opera Queensland to connect Fraser Coast students with this incredible cultural learning experience,” Professor Hill said.

“It will allow these students to discover opera’s ability to create drama and adventure and stir emotions through powerful voices, inspiring music and clever storytelling,” he said.

“There may be children interested in opera who will now experience something they might otherwise never get to do, and that could be a life-changing moment for them.”

Described as the 200-year-old equivalent of a modern-day sitcom, The Barber of Seville tells the tale of charismatic Figaro who comes up with a series of comedic, “fool proof” schemes to unite two young lovers.

OperaQ has tailored a 60-minute version of the opera to align with the Queensland curriculum and assessment and incorporate learnings from music, dance, drama and visual arts strands.

As part of USC’s sponsorship package, a colourful, 16-page learning guide will be provided to each student before the performance which includes a synopsis of the plot and characters and information on periods of music, opera voice types and opera terms.

— Clare McKay