In Conversation with Opera Legends - Cheryl Barker AO and Peter Coleman-Wright AO

𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗔𝗢 Australian Peter Coleman-Wright AO is celebrated as one of the most versatile singers in the world today. His illustrious career has led him to perform in the most prestigious opera houses and concert halls globally, including the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, English National Opera, La Scala in Milan and venues in Paris. Throughout his journey, he has collaborated with renowned conductors and directors, further enhancing his reputation in the world of classical music. Peter has performed over 60 roles, showcasing his talent as Figaro, The Forester, Michele, Scarpia, Marcello, Sharpless, Don Giovanni, the Count, Onegin, Dandini, Billy Budd, Gunther, Golaud, Germont, Chorèbe, Wolfram, Pizarro, and Sweeney Todd. His impressive accolades include Helpman Awards for his performances in Todd and The Traveller (Death in Venice), as well as Green Room awards for his roles in Billy Budd, Orestes, and Harry Joy (Brett Dean). In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Melbourne University in 2009. Peter Coleman-Wright received the Order of Australia in 2015. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗢 Australian Cheryl Barker is a celebrated operatic soprano renowned for her remarkable career spanning the UK, Europe, the USA, and Australasia. Her performances have graced some of the most prestigious opera houses across the globe, showcasing her exceptional talent and artistry. Cheryl has gained international acclaim for her exceptional performances as Madama Butterfly, showcasing this role with prestigious companies such as English National Opera, De Vlaamse Opera, Hamburg State Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Netherlands Opera, and Houston Grand Opera. For Houston Grand Opera, she also premiered the role of Sarah in Jake Heggie’s The End of the Affair. Among her other notable international appearances, Barker portrayed Jenifer in A Midsummer Marriage at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; Tatyana in Eugene Onegin and Adina in L’elisir d’amore for Scottish Opera; and Oksana in _Christmas Eve_. She has brought to life characters such as the Foreign Princess in Rusalka, Governess/Miss Jessel in The Turn of the Screw_, Musetta in _La Bohème_, Donna Elvira, Tosca, Salome, and Emilia Marty in _The Makropoulos Affair for English National Opera. Additionally, she performed the title role in Maria Stuarda for ReisOpera and Violetta at Hamburg State Opera and Deutsche Oper Berlin. Her repertoire further includes roles such as Suor Angelica, Giorgetta, Mimi, Desdemona and Liù with De Vlaamse Opera, as well as Katya Kabanova for Welsh National Opera and Geneva. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, she received an Honorary Doctorate from Melbourne University in 2009. Cheryl Barker received the Order of Australia in 2015. 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 David is a distinguished educator and arts enthusiast, having served as the Director of Studies at Sydney Church of England Grammar School until his retirement in 2018. His dedication to education and the arts has paved the way for a vibrant post-retirement career. He currently holds the position of President of the Northside Opera Study Group. Renowned for his contributions to the Sydney arts community, David is a respected friend and valued member of the Sydney Opera Society, where his passion for opera and commitment to cultural enrichment continue to inspire those around him. Sydney Opera Society Since its founding in 1982, the Sydney Opera Society (SOS) has opened the world of opera to generations of music lovers. For more than four decades, it has nurtured a deeper understanding and appreciation of this richly expressive art form. Through an engaging program of talks, concerts, and discussions, SOS brings together seasoned opera enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Each event offers a fresh perspective on opera’s history, music, and enduring traditions—making every gathering an invitation to listen, learn, and discover. Join us for our monthly lectures or concerts, where we explore classical and contemporary operas, delve into the music, and enjoy introductions to upcoming performances. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just beginning your opera journey, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to share the passion and keep this remarkable art form thriving. Visit: www.sydneyoperasociety.com Recorded by the Sydney Opera Society on 7th March 2026 at the Uniting Church Auditorium, Willoughby NSW. #CherylBarker #PeterColemanWright #OperaLegends #Opera #Soprano #Baritone #OperaSingers #InConversation #ClassicalMusic #OperaLovers #SyneyOperaSociety