Learning through practice and pressure 

For the students involved, the production challenged them in ways they had not experienced before, both in their technique and their artistic expression. It was a chance for them to grow and approach their work from a fresh perspective.  

The principal singers were a mix of third and fourth-year students in Bachelor of Music (Performance, Classical Voice) while the chorus singers included students from first-year up to fourth-year Bachelor of Music (Performance, Classical Voice). Two casts rotated the roles allowing some students to understudy lead roles (a vital skill). The student orchestra was formed by students in undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Bachelor of Music (Classical Performance) and Bachelor of Music (Education).

“Performing in Parrwang Lifts the Sky was a clear sign that I had definitely chosen the right degree at the right university,” said Bridget Power, a fourth-year Bachelor of Music Performance (Classical Voice) student who played Gorngany in the production. 

The production marked the first time the opera had been staged by a non-Indigenous cast, offering students a rare opportunity to engage with First Nations storytelling, language and music in a meaningful and respectful way.

“Working directly with the composer is rare in our field, as most of our repertoire dates as far back as the 16th century,” Bridget said.  

“Parrwang Lifts the Sky gave us an invaluable opportunity to ask Professor Cheetham Fraillon throughout the entire production about her music, giving us deeper insight into the nuances of our characters.” 

Singing in languages

Students were challenged to sing in Wadawurrung, a language many had never encountered before, pushing them to develop new skills and deepen their connection with the performance. 

“Most of the languages we sing in are predominantly European: French, Italian, German, and Spanish. I always get excited learning to sing in new languages, and getting to sing Wadawurrung in this opera was a definite highlight!” said Bridget. 

For many of the students, Parrwang was also their first taste of a full-scale production, complete with costumes, staging and a live orchestra. 

Third-year, Bachelor of Music Performance (Classical Voice) student Izabelle Zammit made her debut in the title role of Parrwang, a milestone that came with both pressure and growth.  

“The pressure of playing the title role pushed me to work harder, and as a result, my vocal technique and artistry immensely improved,” she said. 

“The amazing makeup and costume teams, along with the incredible cast, made the experience very enjoyable, but what made me the most happy was the positive impact it had on my voice.”  

Jack Futcher, a third-year classical voice student who played Mr Waa, said the production was rewarding. 

“We spend a lot of time in our study working on language, technique, history and performance fundamentals, which is great to build our foundation as singers, yet this experience also allowed us to bring these skills to life and be a part of something that lets us tell the story in a unique and creative way. 

“Having this opportunity while still in an undergraduate degree allows me to carry skills and experience into my next role or performance that I may not have had otherwise, if not for Parrwang.”

At its heart, Parrwang Lifts the Sky is a story of hope. Through their roles, students became more than just performers, but storytellers who help lift that hope into the spotlight.