Michelle Hodgson
Michelle Francis Cook, an Italo-Australian soprano, emerged as a notable talent after earning her opera degree with the esteemed Best Voice award from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in Australia. Her career soared shortly after, showcasing her versatility and vocal prowess in roles like Mimi, Giorgetta, and Anne Trulove with Melbourne City Opera and Opera Australia's OzOpera division. Seeking continuous growth, she pursued further operatic studies at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM).
Michelle's talent has garnered numerous awards, including the prestigious Acclaim Awards. Notably, she wowed audiences with her portrayal of Madama Cortese in Rossini's "Il Viaggio a Reims" for Florence Opera at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Formazione in Italy. She refined her artistry under renowned mentors like Deborah Polaski in Berlin and at the Montserrat Caballé Masterclass in Barcelona, Spain.
Her repertoire spans international stages, including performances at the Puccini Festival in Italy and the Opera de Oviedo in Spain. Noteworthy recordings with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra in the Czech Republic attest to her versatility.
Returning to Australia, Michelle embraces her role as a vocal coach, appointed as the Acclaim Award Vocal Coach, preparing young talents for international acclaim. Alongside her teaching, she continues to enthrall audiences with iconic roles like Carmen, Tosca, and Aida, earning acclaim for her performances.
Michelle Francis Cook's journey exemplifies dedication and excellence in opera. Her passion for both performing and mentoring underscores her status as a luminary in the operatic world, poised to inspire future generations of vocalists.
Helen Ling
Helen Ling, the acclaimed Australian soprano, is celebrated for her ethereal high tones, earning her the moniker of "songbird" in the classical music scene. Armed with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Melbourne’s Conservatorium of Music, Helen's journey in music has been marked by both performance and innovation.
During the challenges of lockdown, Helen pioneered the "High Tea Diva" live shows on social media, providing solace and inspiration to audiences worldwide. In 2022, she unveiled her latest recital series titled "Songbird," captivating audiences with her emotive performances at various venues.
Helen's repertoire is as diverse as it is impressive. Her performances on esteemed platforms such as ‘The Talent’ on 3MBS FM, and her roles in productions like Tannhaüser & Lohengrin with Melbourne Opera, showcase her versatility and talent. Noteworthy among her performances are her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in ‘Resurrection Story’ by Schutz, and her achievement as a runner-up in the Boroondara Eisteddfod Aria competition.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and excellence, Helen has pursued further studies at prestigious institutions including Victoria Opera’s Mozart Style School with Richard Gill, XL Arts Summer School focusing on Mozart & Arie Antiche, and Songmakers Lieder/Art Song Masterclasses.
A fixture in the concert circuit, Helen has graced esteemed stages such as the Diamond Creek Concert Series, Winchelsea Morning Melodies, and Cordelia’s Potted Opera concerts. Her performances at events like 'Songs of Praise' in Geelong underscore her ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Beyond her performances, Helen shares her passion and expertise as a teacher of Voice & Piano at Overnewton College. Her talents extend to arrangement as well, having created the majority of arrangements for the Mia Sorella Trio.
Dannielle O’Keefe
Mezzo-soprano Dannielle O’Keefe has garnered esteem in performances spanning a broad range of musical styles, from baroque to Broadway and everything in between. A compelling artist, her assumptions on the operatic stage, both locally and aboard, have showcased the warmth and sensuous timbre of her voice with an equally winning stage personality.
Dannielle has appeared in several seasons with Lyric Opera of Melbourne. Her principal work with this company has included her portrayals of La Ciesca in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Mrs Splinters in Copland’s The Tender Land and Second Priestess in Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride. Dannielle was featured as a solo artist with the Australian International Opera Company in their Opera Gala Concert series of music by Mozart, Rossini and Verdi in Xinning and Jinan in China. During this tour she also performed the role of Cherubino in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro.
Her talent for operetta and musical comedy has been a mainstay in annual opera pastiche productions by Opera Su Presto for the Beleura-Tallis Foundation, devised by director James Wright. She has played the roles of Carmen in Carmenesque, and Yum Yum and Patience in the company’s series of Gilbert & Sullivan parodies, The Pirates of Portsea, The Gallant Gondoliers and Mikado on the Rocks.
Appearing regularly in concert, Dannielle has amassed considerable experience both as a recitalist and as an oratorio soloist throughout Victoria in some of the sacred masterworks of composers such as Handel, J.S. Bach, Mozart, Gounod and Duruflé. She has appeared at the Festival of Broadway for Stephen Schwarz, with the Melbourne Chamber Choir, Victoria Chorale and the Stonnington Symphony Orchestra. Her most recent concert engagements have included the alto soloist in both Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle and J.S Bach’s St John Passion.
Dannielle has been a finalist on 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne’s The Talent. She has also been a much-admired guest artist at the Victoria Police Academy Christmas Carols, where she has been supported by the Australian Girls Choir.