New Chairman for Coast Opera Australia and new beginning

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By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers

WELL KNOWN ACTOR, director, producer and writer, Graeme Blundell has been appointed Chairman of Coast Opera Australia as it rebuilds following disruptions to performances over the past two years and will go back to basics with its 2023 season.

Remembered as the lead actor in the iconic 1970s Australian film Alvin Purple, Mr Blundell has also worked at La Mama Theatre, the Pram Factory, Hoopla, the Playbox Theatre Company and the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Additionally, he has a wealth of experience both on stage and in TV and movies as well as on the business side of the arts industry.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Blundell said, “It’s exciting to be part of a new creative adventure here on the Coast. The company is starting anew after the horrors of Covid and Angela Brewer, Founder and Artistic Director and her team have some great plans. It’s like a creative theatrical renewal for me after so many years as a critic and Foxtel movie presenter.”

“We will present intimate performances by artists including, Deborah Humble, Viktoria Bolonina and conductor Luke Spicer in a downscaled format and plan to end the year with a full-scale opera,” he said. “We also plan to feature some other genres of music in our program, including a bit of Gilbert and Sullivan and some German Lieder songs.

Seeking supporters and sponsors Ms Brewer said, “We will be re-engaging with our supporters and offering subscriptions on our website.”

“We are keen to broaden the company’s appeal. We want to present pure voices with no amplification or add-ons. It is important to make opera accessible to the wider community.”

Ms Brewer paid tribute to the huge support offered by the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts.

“Several scholarships from the Foundation have enabled us to work with performers and prepare them for the world stage,” she said.

The 2023 program and subscription details will be available at www.coastoperaaustralia.com early next year.