BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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:20250510T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250320T034846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042629Z UID:63030-1746887400-1746892800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - Session 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/the-amazing-lucas-girls-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250320T035214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042820Z UID:63032-1746905400-1746910800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - Session 3 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/the-amazing-lucas-girls-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T193000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250304T015324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T024750Z UID:62426-1747245600-1747251000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Darcy Tindale 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/darcy-tindale/ 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/darcy-tindale-sq-promp.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250211T002910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022228Z UID:61905-1747249200-1747252800@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-14-may-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:20250516T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250210T002600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222312Z UID:61825-1747423800-1747427400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - 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-bhf-16-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat 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:20250516T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T223000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250210T001340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222405Z UID:61817-1747431000-1747434600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - 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-bhf-16-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat 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:20250517T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T230000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250114T223422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T064422Z UID:61199-1747506600-1747522800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Dinner - This event has now been CANCELLED. 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/melba-opera-trust-dinner/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/about-dame-nellie-melba.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250114T215837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T060728Z UID:61189-1747576800-1747584000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Celebration Performance 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/melba-opera-trust/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Classical Music,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mot-performance-promo-sq.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250210T002829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T223444Z UID:61827-1747596600-1747600200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat 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:20250518T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T223000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250210T012647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003042Z UID:61846-1747603800-1747607400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat 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:20250520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T120000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250317T030244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070405Z UID:62929-1747738800-1747742400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 1 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-ballarat-heritage-fest-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat 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:20250520T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250113T050453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070422Z UID:61152-1747749600-1747753200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat 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/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat 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:20250521T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T120000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250317T031650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070359Z UID:62934-1747825200-1747828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 3 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-ballarat-heritage-fest-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat 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:20250521T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250408T020418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022213Z UID:64321-1747854000-1747857600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind 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-21-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T201500 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250409T021703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060122Z UID:64409-1748025000-1748031300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Blazing Saddles 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/vegas-70-blazing-saddles/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/blazing-saddles-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T203000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T224500 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250417T020931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060211Z UID:64570-1748032200-1748040300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Chinatown 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/vegas-70-chinatown/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-chinatown2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T110000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250520T051053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T034211Z UID:65020-1748080800-1748084400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whispers from the Garden | In Partnership with Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens Inc. 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/whispers-from-the-garden/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T122000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250417T024436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T035052Z UID:64583-1748080800-1748089200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Mary Poppins 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/vegas-70-mary-poppins/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-mary-poppins.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T163000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250424T001228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T040455Z UID:64688-1748098800-1748104200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open House Melbourne Presents\, Heritage Conversations: A Life in photos - John Gollings 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/a-life-in-photos-john-gollings/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/john-gollings.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Open House Melbourne":MAILTO:info@ohm.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250423T040828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T060001Z UID:64663-1748116800-1748120400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Wizard Oil and Wonders: Frank Weston the Wizard Oil Prince 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/wizard-oil-and-wonders/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250525T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250525T173000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250422T011809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T034922Z UID:64638-1748181600-1748194200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sweet Sounds for the Otways 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/sweet-sounds-of-the-otways/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sq-promo-otways.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T193000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250313T021402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013932Z UID:62648-1748455200-1748460600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Nicole Alexander 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/nicole-alexander/ 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/sq-promo-nicole-alexander.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250408T022323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022528Z UID:64331-1748458800-1748462400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind 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-28-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250529T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250529T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250506T005821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T012923Z UID:64894-1748545200-1748548800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ivan Aristeguieta: All Bangers No Mash 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/ivan-aristeguieta/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BANG_BALL_SQUARE.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T140000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250409T000912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T012549Z UID:64380-1748685600-1748786400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Winter Book Sale | Stockpile your winter reading 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/book-sale-june-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/book-sale-winter-sq-promo-pexels-clem-onojeghuo-375892-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T214500 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250512T012032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T005051Z UID:64934-1748718000-1748727900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sweet Mona's Choir | On Tour: Let the Good Times Roll CD Launch 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/sweet-monas-choir/ 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/2025/05/SMC-LTGTR-BMI-SquareImage.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250526T015210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T003449Z UID:65124-1748771100-1748790000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Pride Market 2025 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/ballarat-pride-market-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ballarat-pride-month-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250603T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250701T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250113T050930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T053004Z UID:61155-1748959200-1751382000@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-may-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:20250604T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T193000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250307T025149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T051907Z UID:62519-1749060000-1749065400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gail Holmes 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/gail-holmes/ 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/sq-promo-gail-holmes-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T032550 CREATED:20250408T022550Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T030106Z UID:64333-1749063600-1749067200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind 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-4-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR