This year’s celebration of ‘beautiful singing’ replicates last year’s program with two performances at QPAC of La Cenerentola, Rossini’s fizzy take on the classic Cinderella story. Richard Mills conducts Laura Hansford’s staging, which stars Margarita Gritskova as Angelina (Cinderella), Mert Süngü as Don Ramiro (Prince Charming) and Jeremy Kleeman as Dandini. Other events include f ive-part madrigals by composers including Monteverdi, Gesualdo and Strozzi at St Brigid’s Church; a performance of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle at the Cathedral of St Stephen; and Red Dirt Hymns, a collection of Australian ‘secular hymns’ composed by Andrew Ford, with lyrics by some of Australia’s finest writers at the Opera Queensland Studio.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

La Cenerentola (Cinderella) is a tale of heart and humour full of clever disguises, unlikely heroes, a midnight ball and the kindness of one very determined young woman.

Part of the Brisbane Bel Canto festival, La Cenerentola is set to the sparkling and exquisite music of Rossini and swaps pumpkin carriages and fairy godparents for an evening of magical music and theatrical mischief.

When an invitation to the Prince’s Ball arrives, the gentle and warm-hearted Angelina (Cinderella) is overlooked by her selfish stepsisters and father Don Magnifico. However, kindness can conjure an unpredictable magic; when Cinderella captures the heart of Prince Ramiro, it’s not the slipper that fits, but the heart that shines.

There are plenty of laughs, thanks to the antics of Magnifico and Dandini, a pair of scheming stepsisters, and a mix-up at the ball. Add some dazzling singing and you’ve got a night at the opera offering the rare and joyous conclusion that fairytales really can come true.

Brisbane Bel Canto is supported by Philip Bacon AO and Haymans Electrical.