Take the journey from Opera to the Outback  

Bethlehem, Pa., February 8, 2016— Moravian College’s own artists-in-residence, Suzanne Kompass and Sean O’Boyle AM, will present an evening of music inspired by the term “antipodes” [the direct opposite of something] as well as O’Boyle’s native Australia. on Sunday, February 14, at 4:00 p.m. in the Foy Concert Hall. This talented and energetic couple promise an evening of beautiful, entertaining, and fun music. Guest Australian artists includes the newest member of the Moravian College music faculty, Catherine Gregory, flute. Also featuring the voice talents of Tanya O'Brien, Megan Durham, Justen Blackstone, and Graeme Burgan on piano, and well as some surprise guests.

Awarded the Order of Australia (AM) in 2015, New York and Bethlehem based Australian composer, conductor & master orchestrator, O’Boyle, has conducted recordings and concerts with many leading Australian and international orchestras, including the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Barrier Reef Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra, Queensland Pops Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Dortmund Konzert, Lexington Philharmonic, Auckland Philharmonia, Malaysian Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Moravian College Artist-in-Residence & platinum recording artist, Kompass, is an extraordinarily versatile performer whose talent encompasses all genres of music with equal facility, whether Opera, Operetta, Art-Song or the classics of Broadway. Kompass is the 2013 Moravian College Music Department recipient of the T. Edgar Shields Prize for "excellence in studio teaching.” Kompass is a master voice teacher with students on 3 continents, many who are working professionally in Opera, Broadway and Theatre.

The couple will preform a concert paying tribute to music of Australia and Australian Artists. Kompass will be singing a tribute to Dame Joan Sutherland, while O’Boyle will trace his early musical jazz career channeling Mozart, Mario Lanza, Benny Goodman and George Gershwin. The event will include excerpts from the O'Boyle Opera Space Encounters.

The evening is inspired by the term “antipodes” meaning the direct opposite of something or people who dwell on the opposite sides of the globe. In the Northern Hemisphere, “the Antipodes” may be used to refer to Australia and New Zealand, meaning the inhabitants are “Antipodean.”  

The night will feature artists Kompass – soprano, Sean O'Boyle – didgeridoo, synths, clarinet, Graeme Burgan – piano, Catherine Gregory – flute, Tanya O’Brien – soprano, Megan Durham – mezzo-soprano, and Justen Blackstone – baritone.  

General admission is $15 or $10 for senior citizens and students with I.D. For more information on this event, please visit the Moravian Music Department web page www.moravian.edu/music.

Foy Concert Hall is located on Moravian College’s Priscilla Payne Hurd Campus in historic downtown Bethlehem. Moravian College encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Anyone who anticipates needing any type accommodation or who has questions about the physical access provided should contact Bill Bauman of the Music Department at (610) 861-1650 or email music@moravian.edu.