Picture
Xenia & Wis
PictureXenia & David
L’ENFANT? – PLUS JAMAIS, MAURICE!
by Wis Jablonski, President
We, “Friends of Opera Inc.” Gold Coast have followed Xenia Puskarz Thomas career from the early years with anticipation and excitement. From Maurice Ravel to Paul Dean, her performances have EVERY indicator of the budding great opera singer. We were NOT wrong. 
After 6 years overseas, Xenia Puskarz Thomas has graced our audience on Friday the13th of March 2026 with the recital “Desire and Longing”. After a brief introduction from Opera Queensland’s CEO, Patrick Nolan, we had the privilege of experiencing an exceptional and refined mezzo-soprano performance. Ann Jurrjens and I, crowded together in OQ Studio, experienced something rare even for seasoned opera enthusiasts like us: an epiphany!
 Starting with an “explosive”, “I burn” from Don Quixote, Xenia lead us through four composers (Eccles, Schumann, Purcell and Debussy) and fluent in three languages (English, German and French). Her glissando from mid-soprano to contralto was very impressive.  And in a middle of that, “Sinfonia in G minor” by J.S. Bach, performed by handsome David Belkovski, wearing three hats: concert pianist, accompanist and the husband of beautiful Xenia. What a very pleasant surprise.
After the performance, a long line of admirers formed. Your President was first to present on behalf of “FRIENDS,” an antique “1953 Callas and Di Stefano” recording.  Hugs and kisses (we are old friends), followed! Ann has been introduced as well and spent some time with Xenia, making other people green with envy!  Not to feel neglected we spent some time with charming Mr Belkovski, great talk and smile! Wis took opportunity to make a few photos of those young, talented artists, for the “FRIENDS” pleasure!  It was an exciting evening, witnessing Xenia reaching the STARS! Not so long NOW, not so long! Happy travelling and good luck, Xenia from ALL opera lovers!
Picture
David & Xenia
Picture
Xenia
Picture
     
​        Palace Barracks Cinema
      61 Petrie Street, Brisbane
      screens productions from
        The Royal Opera House
                      La Scala
                            and
         Opera National de Paris 


   https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/cinemas/palace-barracks