I have to admit, being a devoted early music fan, that generally the words “coloratura soprano” fill me with fear – I’ve seen too many sopranos waver all over the pitch, some with little regard for diction. What a wonderful surprise it was to hear Alexandra Flood’s clean, clear voice effortlessly alleviate all of my (completely unfounded) worries!

Alexandra Flood

This recital kicks off a new venture for Opera Queensland, consisting of vocal recitals in the Opera Queensland Studio in the Conservatorium. It’s an intimate space and a fine concept, although it’s clear that it wasn’t really designed for performances, given that the loud rumble of air-conditioning became distracting from time to time. Still, there will be plenty of fabulous singers performing there in 2020, so good news for Brisbanites.

Flood’s been doing a remarkable number of performances overseas (and lives all the way over in Paris, apparently), but this recital is her Opera Queensland debut. This recital was mostly focused on the big hitters of lieder favourites, though with some French and Italian left-turns throughout. Regular readers may have noticed my preoccupation with the organisation of a program, since it really does...