An ominous low rumble from the timpani, while the strings of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra eerily whined and scraped, accompanied by the Brisbane Chorus vocalising backstage, made for an enchanting opening to Eucalyptus, an Australian operatic fairy tale.

Eucalyptus. Image © Brisbane Festival

Eucalyptus by Sir Jonathan Mills premiered at the QPAC Concert Hall on 4 September as part of the 2024 Brisbane Festival, which this year celebrates Indigenous cultural legacies. The work is based on the multiple award-winning 1998 novel by Murray Bail and was commissioned in 2006 by the late Richard Hickox for Opera Australia. However, its composition was delayed by Mills’ relocation to Scotland.

The talented soprano Desiree Frahn plays Ellen, a daughter imprisoned among 500 species of gum trees planted by her father, Holland (Simon Meadows), after her mother tragically died during childbirth. Knowing that Ellen must marry, Holland advertises a competition for the perfect suitor, who must name each species of gum tree in his forest to win his daughter’s hand.

Just as it appears the knowledgeable Mr Cave (Samuel Dundas) – whom Ellen describes as “a dill in a safari jacket” – will succeed, Ellen...