French romance in song: top talent returns to Maleny stage

The recital will feature, from left, Venezuelan baritone Camilo Lopez, soprano Katie Stenzel and pianist Alex Raineri

Maleny Arts Council will present Chanson D'Amour, an afternoon of sublime French music, on Sunday, May 11 at the Maleny Community Centre.

The recital will feature soprano Katie Stenzel, Venezuelan baritone Camilo Lopez, and pianist Alex Raineri in a program specially curated for the Maleny audience.

Maleny Arts Council President Claire Booth said the concert was a major highlight of the year’s program.

“It is quite the coup for Maleny Arts Council to attract three high-quality artists to Maleny for one very special afternoon,” she said.

Katie Stenzel, who last performed in Maleny several years ago, has since gone on to a stellar career with major companies including Opera Australia, Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia, and international festivals in Taiwan and Adelaide.

“We warmly welcome her back,” Ms Booth said.

“Meanwhile, Camilo Lopez is a rising operatic baritone with a growing national profile.”

In 2023, Mr Lopez made his solo debut at the Queensland Art Song Festival and joined Opera Australia and Opera Queensland’s ensemble for the Wagner Ring Cycle.

He is also Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Voxalis Opera. Accompanying the vocalists will be acclaimed pianist Alex Raineri, a Maleny favourite who has carefully selected the program to suit the local audience.

Chanson D’Amour will take place at 2pm on Sunday, May 11.

Tickets are available via www.trybooking.com.