Two lunchtime performances by USC’s first Director of Vocal Arts Suzanne Kompass are set to provide a taste of what is to come when the University introduces a major in Music at the start of next year.

Ms Kompass, accompanied by pianist Fay Baker, will present a selection of songs called ‘From Opera to Broadway’ at the USC Art Gallery from 12.15pm on Thursday 26 October and again on Thursday 9 November.

Both events are free and are open to USC students and staff and the general community.

Ms Kompass is a platinum recording artist who specialises in opera, operetta, art-song and Broadway. She is a master voice teacher and many of her students across three continents are working professionally in opera, Broadway and theatre.

Her engagements as a vocalist in North America have included performances with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Westminster Festival Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, Vancouver Symphony and the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra.

She spent a year in Australia in 2009/2010, making her Sydney Opera House debut and performing with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Australian Pops Orchestra, Queensland Pops Orchestra, Barrier Reef Orchestra and the Australian Shakespeare Festival.

Fay Baker was previously the senior repetiteur for Opera Queensland and is now the artistic director and accompanist of the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir. She is also the accompanist of the recently formed USC Singers.

Details about the new major in Music and about starting study in 2018 can be viewed at USC's website.

— Terry Walsh