The Cooperative has quickly cemented its place as a jewel in Sydney’s operatic crown. Not only does it champion accessibility to the arts by welcoming audiences on a pay-as-you-feel basis, but its productions at the Pitt Street Uniting Church also provide a rare opportunity to hear some of this country’s finest emerging singers before they leave to study abroad.

Last year’s Marriage of Figaro introduced us to baritone Jeremy Boulton, who went on to win the 2022 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, and mezzo-soprano Cassandra Doyle, who is a finalist this year.

Now it is soprano Natasha Gesto’s turn to shine as Nedda in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, her rich voice and acting prowess making nimble work of the aria Stridono lassù.

Natasha Gesto as Nedda in the Cooperative’s Pagliacci. Photo © Terence Bright

With the audience firmly in her grip, she surprises us by adding ornamentation to the already challenging intervals of the cadenza. Some singers will hide inaccuracies at this point by speeding up, but not Gesto. As her voice soars, the final moments of the aria remain unrushed, allowing us to luxuriate in her superb intonation and effortless high notes.

At times, Gesto’s...