BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20241219T033900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113146Z UID:60810-1742405400-1742409000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Change in Ballarat's Car Industry DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarats-car-industry/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ballarats-car-industry.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250210T224700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074547Z UID:61877-1742410800-1742416200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-19-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250323T220000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250131T042444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T091428Z UID:61594-1742410800-1742767200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Broadway to Ballarat: The Haunted Theatre DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/broadway-to-ballarat-the-haunted-theatre/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/broadway-to-ballarat-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Reuben Morgan":MAILTO:reuben.i.morgan@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250324T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250324T193000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250213T025304Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T051403Z UID:62065-1742839200-1742844600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Charlotte McConaghy DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/charlotte-mcconaghy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/charlotte-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20241219T034349Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113143Z UID:60812-1743010200-1743013800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Changes to the Canadian Corridor DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/canadian-corridor/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-canadian.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250210T231615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074545Z UID:61884-1743015600-1743021000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-26-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250330T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250330T173000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20241126T231156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161603Z UID:60217-1743343200-1743355800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:70th Anniversary Minerva Social | Scottish Country Dancing DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/scottish-country-dancing-2025/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ballarat-scottish-square-promo-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat Country Scottish Dancing":MAILTO:heathermross2021@outlook.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250401T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250401T193000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250218T050634Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T044951Z UID:62217-1743530400-1743535800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mark-smith/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sq-promo-mark-smith.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20241219T035224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113140Z UID:60820-1743615000-1743618600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Dr Hardy DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/dr-hardy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dr-hard-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250210T232440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074541Z UID:61890-1743620400-1743625800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-2-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250404T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250404T220000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250403T233030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T040042Z UID:64276-1743793200-1743804000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:This is the Way the World Ends\, a Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/this-is-the-way-the-world-ends/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TWWE-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250405T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250405T230000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250217T004441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T042123Z UID:62137-1743881400-1743894000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Zak Plays Zach: The Ultimate Zach Bryan Tribute Show DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/zak-plays-zach/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ZPZ-Ballarat-Mechanics-Institute-Poster-April-2025-5-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250406T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250406T170000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250404T035555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T035937Z UID:64297-1743948000-1743958800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:This is the Way the World Ends\, a Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/this-is-the-way-the-world-ends-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TWWE-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20241219T040512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113137Z UID:60826-1744219800-1744223400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: War Grieving - Doctor's Perspective DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/war-grieving-doctors-perspective/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-war-grieving-doctors.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250318T005938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013240Z UID:62939-1744225200-1744228800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ali-lowe-vanessa-mccausland/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/promo-ali-vanessa.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250210T232508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074539Z UID:61891-1744225200-1744230600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-9-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250410T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250410T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250212T020827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T052500Z UID:61956-1744313400-1744318800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Red Rocket DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-red-rocket/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-red-rocket-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250106T033654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T230249Z UID:60933-1744725600-1744729200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-jan-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20241219T044531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113132Z UID:60832-1744824600-1744828200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Medals and Memorabilia DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/medals-and-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-medals-memoribilia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250210T232526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T234242Z UID:61892-1744830000-1744833600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-16-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250513T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250113T045602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T015148Z UID:61150-1745330400-1747148400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Australian Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-aust-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20241219T044445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113134Z UID:60830-1745429400-1745433000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Feeling the Battlefield Spirits DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stories-of-the-somme/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-spirits.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250211T000334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T234710Z UID:61899-1745434800-1745438400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-23-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250120T002601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003154Z UID:61331-1745609400-1745613000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, This Tour is now Fully Booked DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T223000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250120T004138Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003145Z UID:61339-1745616600-1745620200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250426T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250426T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250417T051337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T052656Z UID:64617-1745690400-1745697600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Beyond Limits | An Evening with Mick Marshall DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mick-marshall/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-mick-marshall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250427T160000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250427T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20241129T225635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T162923Z UID:60381-1745769600-1745784000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ash Grunwald at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ash-grunwald/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ash-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250429T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250429T193000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250218T012450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T045401Z UID:62175-1745949600-1745955000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Shelley Burr DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/shelley-burr/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo-shelley-burr.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250108T020658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113126Z UID:60981-1746034200-1746037800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2\, Special Event | The Life of Walter Withers DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-life-of-walter-withers/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-david-rathgen-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T022313 CREATED:20250211T001230Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T235148Z UID:61901-1746039600-1746043200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION:Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$20 – $35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Before Melba\, there was Anna Bishop. The darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. From scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. Whether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. One woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. Don’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Sarahlouise Owens \n \n Sarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \n \n About Kathleen Loh \n \n Kathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-30-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR