Pop-up Performances Springboard Opera

Springboard Opera / Photograph by Katelyn Gillard / Courtesy Springboard Opera

Springboard Opera / Photograph by Katelyn Gillard / Courtesy Springboard Opera / View full image

When

11.15 – 11.30 am & 12.30 – 12.45 pm
,
Sat 3 Oct 2026
View Calendar

Where

Queensland Art Gallery, Watermall

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible

What to expect

Admission

Free

About

Experience live opera performances in the heart of the gallery, performed by Springboard Opera

Witness unique pop-performances of avant-garde arias from the early 20th century, inspired by ‘Justene Wiliams: Once We Were Mudskippers’.

The 11.15am and 12.30pm performances are repeat sessions of the same repertoire.

Springboard Opera / Photograph by Katelyn Gillard / Courtesy Springboard Opera

Springboard Opera / Photograph by Katelyn Gillard / Courtesy Springboard Opera / View full image

Springboard Opera

Springboard Opera is quickly becoming a well-recognised organisation in the Brisbane arts scene. With a growing following of audiences and artists, existing to create differently – they aren’t a stuffy opera company! Springboard Opera works to support local emerging artists through creating paid opportunities for them to develop their craft in Brisbane. They are innovating deliberately and transforming the opera idea by bringing a fresh perspective to an art form that has a rich history. They want to make opera for all performers and audiences; striving to remove barriers to access and participation.

Luisa Tarnawski / Image courtesy Luisa Tarnawski

Luisa Tarnawski / Image courtesy Luisa Tarnawski / View full image

Luisa Tarnawski

Luisa Tarnawski is a local graduate from the Griffith Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 2025. Known for her warm tone and dramatic flair, her roles this year span modern and traditional opera; from the Widow in Dominick Argento's "The Boor", to The Countess in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro". She looks forward to making her international debut next year in "La Traviata".

Madeleine Stephens / Image courtesy Madeleine Stephens

Madeleine Stephens / Image courtesy Madeleine Stephens / View full image

Madeleine Stephens

Madeleine Stephens is a soprano, actor, and director, holding a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from WAAPA. A creative powerhouse, she is currently a cantor at the Cathedral of St Stephen, was an emerging director in La Boite Theatre’s Assembly Program and most recently was appointed as an Opera Queensland Young Artist. Notable productions this year include "Rusalka" and "In a Grove".

Justene Williams, Australia b.1970; A Metal Cry (performance still, Carriageworks, Sydney) 2017; Courtesy: The artist, The Commercial, Sydney, and Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne; Photograph: Ashley Barber / © Justene Williams /

Justene Williams, Australia b.1970; A Metal Cry (performance still, Carriageworks, Sydney) 2017; Courtesy: The artist, The Commercial, Sydney, and Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne; Photograph: Ashley Barber / © Justene Williams / / View full image

'Justene Williams: Once We Were Mudskippers'

3 Oct 2026 – 7 Mar 2027, QAG

Find out more
GOMA Friday Nights, May 2026 / Photograph: C Baxter courtesy QAGOMA

GOMA Friday Nights, May 2026 / Photograph: C Baxter courtesy QAGOMA / View full image

Members get more

Become a QAGOMA Member and get discounts, special offers, priority access + more. From $80.

Join today

What to expect

Here’s what to expect at this event.

Everyone is welcome! Please contact events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au in advance of the program if you have any access needs or queries about the event. Find out more about Accessibility at QAGOMA and planning your visit.

Participation and content

  • The 11.15am and 12.30pm performances are repeat sessions of the same repertoire.
  • You are welcome to come with a friend or by yourself. Many people attend the Gallery solo.
  • We ask all attendees to be kind, respectful, and courteous to all participants, speakers and staff at this event. This program will be monitored by QAGOMA staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our attendees, speakers and staff.

Sensory Aspects

  • These performances with have a combination of acoustic singing and amplified keyboard piano.
  • We try our best to minimise sound in the space, but sometimes there might be low level noise from a nearby artwork or the sounds of the Gallery.
  • This event is a pop-up style performance. Stools without backs will be provided. Chairs with backs will be available upon request.
  • This event is wheelchair and pram accessible.
  • Pre-reserved accessible seating is available, please email events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au in advance to request accessible seating.
  • The Gallery air conditioning is set to 21°C to conserve the artworks.
  • This event will be photographed by QAGOMA staff. If you do not wish to be photographed, please advise a QAGOMA staff member on arrival.
  • If the event becomes overwhelming or stressful, earmuffs and sensory kits are available. Each kit contains a number of resources for self-regulation and calming. Please speak to a staff member for assistance. These