A round-up of our recent news reports.

The editors of Limelight share their selection of the most exciting classical music, opera and theatre events coming soon.

When Anna-Louise Cole first auditioned for the University of Melbourne, she was torn between playing cello and singing, but vocal studies won the day. Now the exciting young Australian soprano is to make her role debut as Turandot and, next year, Brünnhilde for Opera Australia.

What have our opera and dance companies programmed this year?

The coveted $25,000 grant has been awarded to the Australian mezzo-soprano through Melba Opera Trust by Dame Heather Begg’s estate.

This month’s news round-up includes the return of the arts, Opera Australia’s latest outdoor spectacle, Queensland Ballet’s new home on the Gold Coast, the triumph of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Tony Awards, and the winners at the 2021 Art Music Awards.

We chart the latest appointments and departures in the arts sector, among them Anne Dunn who joins Sydney Theatre Company and Carl Crossin who leaves Adelaide Chamber Singers.

Opera Australia will celebrate New Year's Eve in two venues this year – the Sydney Opera House and Cockatoo Island.

Highlights include the Australian premiere of La Juive, a new digital production of Il Trovatore, Olivier Py's staging of Lohengrin, as well as Maria Stuarda and Mefistofele in concert.

Opera Australia has announced that the 2022 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will be The Phantom of the Opera, while a new event called Opera on Cockatoo Island will begin with Carmen.

Performing in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a return to a love affair, says the actor, whose parents surrounded her with music as a child. In return, she played music to them as they approached death.

From heart-breaking cancellations due to COVID to funding lifelines, from awards to obituaries, we gather the arts news we have covered over the last month.