A Tale of Two Sopranos
How two AGC choristers became world renowned opera singers and have once again shared the stage, starring in Melbourne Opera’s production of La Bohème.
Early Days
Let’s wind the clock back to November 1995, when Helena Dix and Elena Xanthoudakis were both excited and nervous for the annual Performing Choir awards evening at AGC. It’s a night to recognise and celebrate all the graduating year twelve choristers, and when we also announce the Choir’s student leadership team for 1996.
AGC Alumni and Performing Choir choristers know all too well the feeling of excitement and anticipation that accompanies this evening! And unsurprisingly, for these two talented young women, this was a night when they were both celebrated, with both choristers being recognised for their achievements throughout the year.
With an Annual Concert around the corner, and a spectacular year of Choir in sight, one could only imagine what might lie ahead for the pair once the year’s AGC gigs, concert, carols, and rehearsals came to a bittersweet end. But as it turns out, this was just be the tip of the iceberg for both women, with illustrious performing arts careers on the horizon that, incredibly, has led to them sharing the stage together once more.
Just the (musical) beginning…
Despite an initial launch into studying astrophysics at University, Elena went on to pursue a career in the arts, graduating from The Victorian College of the Arts and setting her sights on the world of Opera. In the years since, she has performed with numerous internationally acclaimed artists and has held titular roles in performances such as Anna in Anna Bolena (Melbourne Opera), Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor (Melbourne Opera) and Pamina in The Magic Flute (English National Opera).
Performing alongside internationally acclaimed ensembles such as the Royal Philharmonic (London), BBC Concert Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra have without a doubt given Elena a place among the stars in the world of Opera. Yet, with all the experience of an international star, Elena has always recognised the musical education she gained as an AGC chorister.
“The choir was great for my confidence, my musicality and good performance experience to be up there in front of an audience” – Elena Xanthoudakis, AGC Alumni
With an equally strong passion for music fostered in her teen years, Helena finished with the AGC and was awarded a scholarship to study at the Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music, where her operatic journey began. An internationally beloved Soprano, her reputation speaks for itself. Helena has held the roles of Countess in Le Nozze Di Figaro (Seattle Opera), Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (Melbourne Opera) and as Norma in Norma (The Metropolitan Opera, New York).
With a long list of performance credits and experience with many mentors who have helped her grow as a performer, Helena is indeed a highly sought after operatic sensation. Yet, she notes it was the AGC’s training that was instrumental in building a foundation of good vocal technique, musicality and performance skills, preparing her well for an acclaimed career in Opera.
“Becoming a part of the AGC family was like finding my people. Surrounded by beautiful music, harmony and new friendships. I learnt to be disciplined, to work as part of a team.” – Helena Dix, AGC Alumni
Singing in harmony once more
This year, the two sopranos once again shared the stage, in Puccini’s La Bohème brought to life by The Melbourne Opera at the Athenaeum Theatre. And although they were not donning a seven-piece AGC costume (complete with a pink ribbon, of course) the pair appeared absolutely breathtaking on the stage in the elaborate attire reminiscent of the romantic period, and a display of vocal prowess has left audiences – including AGC’s founder, Judith Curphey – in awe and delight.
The reviews are in, raving about Elena’s “exquisite…delicate performance” in her portrayal of Mimi, and Helena’s “compassion with moving clarity” in the role of Musetta.
Having spent their formative years as choristers and friends in the AGC, seeing the pair take the stage once more in this classic production was nothing short of poetic. How fitting that both women were recipients of our prestigious June Bronhill Scholarship, awarded to a chorister who the AGC believes could, should she choose to, pursue a career in the performing arts.
A harmonious reunion, we’re sure that there were many heartwarming memories for the pair to reflect on, having shared many similar moments of joy and success on stage during their time in the AGC.
If you’re an AGC Alumni and would like to stay connected to the choir, or share your own stories about how your time in the AGC has shaped your journey, you can get in touch with us at alumni@aspagroup.com.au.
You can also sign up to our Alumni mailing list and follow our Alumni Facebook page.
