“What an extraordinary performance,” said an audience member behind me in awe, as the lights went up in the Rosina Hall at Melbourne’s Abbotsford Convent.

It was interval on opening night at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s ambitious production of Poulenc’s tragic opera, Dialogues des Carmélites. This rarely-performed gem, which debuted in Milan in 1957, follows the tragic true story of 16 Carmelite nuns who lost their lives to the guillotine during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution.

Teresa Ingrilli and Amelia Wawrzon in Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Dialogues of the Carmelites. Photo © Sarah Walker

This performance was a triumph. Not only did it successfully showcase the talent of some of Melbourne’s finest developing artists, but through considered choices in production it paid respectful homage to the nuns who sacrificed their lives for their faith.

There were solid performances from all leads across the board. Due credit must be given to Teresa Ingrilli as the anxious protagonist Blanche de la Force, and Rebekah Luise as Mother Marie de l’Incarnation. Both managed to sustain character focus and vocal consistency throughout their ample time on stage. Amelia Wawrzon was also strong as Soeur Constance,...