Rockdale Opera Company has been providing the highest quality
Opera, Light Opera and Gilbert and Sullivan productions at affordable prices since 1948.
Opera, Light Opera and Gilbert and Sullivan productions at affordable prices since 1948.
The Monk, a gothic chamber opera by Steven Stanke
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Rockdale Opera Company proudly presents the world premiere of a new Australian opera in a workshop performance of The Monk, a gothic chamber opera by Steven Stanke.
Inspired by Matthew Gregory Lewis’s notorious 1796 novel, The Monk is set in Madrid, where piety, desire, and the supernatural collide. This gripping tale centres on Ambrosio, a celebrated monk whose ironclad virtue begins to crumble when he confronts temptation in its most beguiling forms. From its atmospheric opening scenes within the cloistered monastery to its seductive encounters, spectral visitations, and final harrowing downfall, The Monk conjures a world of mystery, passion, and moral peril. With its haunting music, intense drama, and shadowy gothic aesthetic, this bold new work promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of human frailty and forbidden desire. One performance only at 8pm on Saturday, 28 February at Rockdale Town Hall. The opera's duration is approximately 90 minutes (no interval). Tickets are $50, and includes a pre-performance talk by composer Steven Stanke at 7.15pm on the genesis of the opera. |
CAST
AMBROSIO (the Monk) - Daniel Verschuer ROSARIO/MATILDA (a monk) - Elizabeth Cooper ANTONIA (a young villager) - Galatea Kneath LEONELLA (Antonia’s aunt) - Camilla Wright FATHER PABLOS (a monk) - Brett Crocker DEMON (a youth) - TBC Musical director: Steven Stanke Pianist: Teoman Ayhan Ozbakir Rockdale Opera Company is raising $2,000 to help bring The Monk to the stage for its world premiere, and we’d love you to be part of it. Developing new work is exhilarating, but it also comes with real costs. By contributing, you’re not just donating — you’re actively investing in the creation of a brand-new opera and taking part in Australian operatic history. Thank you for your support!
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Announcing our 2026 Season!
OUR 2026 SEASON IS HERE!
Get ready for a spectacular year of drama, romance, wit and passion at Rockdale Opera Company — Australia’s oldest continuing opera company!
Get ready for a spectacular year of drama, romance, wit and passion at Rockdale Opera Company — Australia’s oldest continuing opera company!
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THE MONK
A gothic chamber opera — and a World Premiere Workshop Performance! Music by Steven Stanke Libretto by Matthew Gregory Lewis An eerie, atmospheric new Australian work you won’t want to miss! Saturday 28 February 2026, 8pm Rockdale Town Hall |
PATIENCE
or, Bunthorne’s Bride By Sir W. S. Gilbert & Sir Arthur Sullivan A sparkling satire of art, love, and vanity — brimming with laughter and classic G&S charm! June 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2026 Rockdale Town Hall |
SING WITH ROC
Back by popular demand! Join us for a joyful afternoon of community singing and musical celebration. Saturday 26 September 2026, 2pm Rockdale Town Hall |
FAUST
By Charles Gounod A timeless story of temptation, love, and redemption — with glorious music that will stir your soul. December 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2026 Rockdale Town Hall |
Rockdale Opera Company Patrons Daniel Sumegi and José Carbó
A message from Daniel Sumegi“As Australia’s oldest opera company, Rockdale Opera Company has provided a much needed platform for young aspiring professionals to ‘tread the boards’ alongside the people that make up the bulk of the company - the true opera lovers. I made my solo debut at Rockdale 31 years ago as Fiorello in The Barber of Seville alongside the beautiful Deborah Riedel. Having then sung in four other productions with ROC in my early days, I moved out into the wider vocal world - where I have proudly been singing professionally since 1988.
Rockdale Opera Company is very much a community organisation and has been generously supported by the Rockdale City Council for many generations.The word ‘Rockdale’ resonates so powerfully throughout the operatic family and I sincerely hope this invaluable cornerstone of our culture continues to flourish”. |
A message from José Carbó"As an up and coming singer, I was fortunate to have performed five roles with the company. Since establishing my professional career, I now consider it an honour and a responsibility to ensure there continues to be a platform which will enable the company to further prosper and adapt to the requirements and demands of present day live operatic entertainment. It is vital we succeed so future generations of singers can continue to have the opportunity and a platform where they can learn their trade and ply their craft and gain much needed and valuable performance experience, as I and all that came before me have had."
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Proudly supported by Bayside Council
(Formerly Botany Bay & Rockdale City Councils) Find out how you can become a sponsor or advertise with us here |
