Good things are happening at the Australian National University’s School of Music Voice department and it’s all due to Celina Lindsley.

   Celina is head of vocal studies and brings with her an impressive track record of performance spanning more than 20years in the premium opera houses of Europe and America.

   Last Saturday night Michelle der Kinderen, a final year voice student, delivered a spine tingling display of vocal virtuosity in her performance as the Queen of the Night in the ANU’s production of Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’.

Michelle der Kinderen gets some pre-performance tips from Celina Lindsley

   The Queen of the Night is an evil character entering the stage amidst thunder and lightening seeking to gain total control by trickery and attempting to have her daughter (Pamina) commit murder.

   It’s a role Celina has performed herself many times.

   It’s not a role for the feint hearted.

   Most singers are happy to make high ‘Cs’ however this role requires an additional 5 notes above that to a high ‘F’ and a rock solid technique to cope with the florid vocal gymnastics.

   The Queen of the Night may be an evil character but Celina in real life couldn’t be more different. A caring and nurturing person, she fusses around her charges encouraging them to attain the highest standards possible.

 
Celina Lindsley in one of her many performances as the Queen of the Night

Internationally renowned conductor Peter Leonard along with Hamburg based singer Mark Bruce (Sarastro), were recruited by Celina for this production giving the students an opportunity to work alongside professionals at the highest level.

   Peter’s meticulous reading of the score raised the bar even higher and Mark’s strong and steady realisation of the father figure Sarastro inspired the 35 strong orchestra and cast to produce an impressive show indeed.    

   Opera singing is an extremely difficult occupation requiring skills on many levels.

   Simply remembering lines is problematic enough for some but when they’re in a foreign language it presents yet another difficulty.

   The music, acting and keeping an eye on the conductor who is desperately trying to keep the whole cast and orchestra together makes for what I’d call multi tasking at the premium level.

   However despite all this the net result is one of immense satisfaction and enjoyment for performers musicians and audience alike.

   Congratulations Celina Lindsley.

   Anyone considering a career in singing should definitely enquire at the ANU by first visiting www.anu.edu.au/music areas of study/voice.    

   See past ART ZONES at www.pauldion.com Articles and News.