Queensland-based lyric soprano Vanessa West brings a unique blend of classical prowess and contemporary creativity to the operatic stage. Following her international debut in Florence performing Liú (Turandot) and Flora (La Traviata) at the L'estate Fiesolana Opera Festival, she has graced prestigious venues across Italy and Asia, including Rome's Festival Euro Mediterraneo and the 51st Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago.

In Australia, her notable roles with Melbourne Opera include Gilda (Rigoletto), Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly), Fiordiligi (Cosi fan tutte), and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni). Most recently, she returned to the stage as Santuzza in Maleny's production of Cavalleria Rusticana.

Vanessa is the creator of 'The Puccini Effect', an innovative one-woman show that dramatically weaves together the composer's passionate love affairs with his immortal operatic heroines. This unique hybrid of drama and operatic recital has garnered critical acclaim, with Stage Whispers praising her "sheer power" and "impassioned delivery."

Her artistic innovation extends to pioneering '80s power ballad Popera' – a fusion of operatic intensity with beloved '80s classics, often arranged in Italian. This distinctive blend showcases her versatility as an artist who bridges the classical and contemporary worlds while honoring both traditions.

Associate Artist Denis Feletto
Creative Consultant & Dramaturg - Dr. Tarita Botsman
Production styled ByCeline.
Key Visual design - Dan Braithwaite
Design roll-out - Bevin Neil

In an era obsessed with celebrity lives and creative inspiration, 'The Puccini Effect' reveals the scandalous true stories behind opera's greatest love songs. This innovative fusion of theatre and operatic recital exposes Puccini - one of history's first international celebrities - through the lens of his passionate affairs and the iconic suffering heroines they inspired. Featuring his most beloved arias woven through real-life drama that rivals any modern soap opera, this accessible performance invites both opera enthusiasts and newcomers to discover how Puccini's complex love life became the foundation for some of the world's most beautiful music.

'The Puccini Effect' is supported by a comprehensive suite of professional marketing assets, designed by experienced creative professionals right here in Queensland. A complete brand kit has been developed and implemented in Canva, enabling quick customisation of marketing materials for different venues and regions. Collateral includes:

1. Show Program - 6pp trifold DL
2. Promo Flyer (A5 & DL)
3. Social media campaign (Facebook & Instagram) - static and video x 6 executions
4. Image library
5. 90sec sizzle reel
6. Booking engine branding (gutters/key visuals etc)
7. Archival video

“Letters & Arias”
Library Sessions & Aged Care Facilities (60mins)

• Interactive presentations at local libraries showcasing the actual letters and interviews that inspired the show
• Live performance of related arias
• Discussion of how historical documents were transformed into theatrical monologues
• Participants explore the connection between Puccini's real relationships and his music
  

“From History to Stage”
School Workshop Program (60mins)

• Designed for senior Drama/Music students
• Demonstration of how to craft dramatic monologues from historical sources
• Practical exercises in bringing historical characters to life
• Mini-masterclass component featuring student singers

COMMUNITY LEGACY & CULTURAL IMPACT

MAKING OPERA ACCESSIBLE:

• Breaking down barriers by presenting opera through relatable human stories
• Creating entry points for new audiences through theatrical storytelling
• Showing regional audiences that opera isn't just for capital cities
• Bringing professional opera performances to aged care facilities, ensuring elderly residents who can't attend theatre venues can still experience live classical music
  

QUEENSLAND CREATIVITY:

• Showcasing Queensland-created work that meets international standards
• Building connections between regional venues and professional artists
• Supporting the development of new Queensland works
  

ARTIST SUSTAINABILITY:

• Demonstrating how artists can blend traditional repertoire with contemporary storytelling
  

LONG-TERM IMPACT:

• Encouraging young audiences to explore classical music through contemporary perspectives
• Building future audiences for opera and classical music in regional Queensland