Tobias Cole, Chicago Opera Theater’s Death in Venice, 2004. Photo: Liz Lauren.
What is this ancient unusual voice coming out of a grown man?
Join us at Tuggeranong Arts Centre as we Trace the remarkable evolution of the countertenor, with singer extraordinaire Tobias Cole and pianist Linus Lee, in a musical journey spanning 1940s wartime England to Eurovision 2025.
From the groundbreaking moment when mid-twentieth-century composer Benjamin Britten introduced this new voice type to modern opera, to grand stages around the world, this entertaining and insightful program explores the evolution of the countertenor voice in opera since Britten’s innovation, asking: How successfully has this voice type been used, and what does its future hold?
About Tobias Cole
In his search for meaning in this increasingly technocratic world Tobias Cole uses his unique understanding of music and its resonant powers to create joyful, exhilarating and ultimately transcendental experiences with groups of people of all ages. He sees every rehearsal and every performance, whether as a conductor, singer, actor or MC, as an opportunity to remind people of their humanity and inspire them to tap their enormous potential.
Tobias is choirmaster of CSO Chorus and conducts three youth choirs, Canberra Children’s Choir (Music for Canberra), Vocal Fry (Community Music Centre) and ANU Chamber Choir. For the last five years he has directed ANU Chamber Singers in the Australian of the Year Awards, recently performing with Dami Im.
The Details
What: Saturday Salon: Tobias Cole & Linus Lee: The Countertenor
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North
When: Saturday 21 February 2026. Concert 1:30 pm / Afternoon tea 2:30 pm
Tickets: $40 / $35. Book now.
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