Opera Queensland Recital Xenia Puskarz Thomas and David Belkovski: Desire and Longing

Opera Queensland Studio, Griffith University Conservatorium

14th March 2026

Dr Gemma Regan

Avoid FOMO Fear of Missing Opera with Opera Queensland’s Studio Series

Ignore the ignorant comments of Timothée Chalamet on opera and ballet that ‘no one cares … anymore. Opera Queensland have kicked off their acclaimed 2026 Studio Series, and it’s a MUST SEE!

Opera Queensland opened its 2026 Studio Series with a poignant concert of Desire and Longing, masterfully and delicately delivered by husband and wife, Xenia Puskarz Thomas and David Belkovski on piano.

Puskarz Thomas’ voice chimed like newly sliced quartz through the darkened Opera Queensland studio whilst Belkovski caressed the keys as if they were his wife, singing only meters away whilst leaning seductively on the piano. Tables are arranged in a cosy jazz setting with flickering candles and a chill vibe, offering an experience distinct from Chalamet’s reductive impression of opera.

Each of the five Studio Series recitals has been carefully sculpted with a new cast of opera’s movers and shakers, each reinventing how opera can and should be enjoyed.

Brisbane mezzo-soprano, graduate of the Juilliard School and former Opera Queensland Young Artist, Thomas was delightful singing alongside her Macedonian husband, presenting a captivating recital combining a Baroque and French repertoire with Schumann’s masterful Liederkreis sandwiched in the centre.

Thomas’s desire was immediately evident in I Burn from Thomas Eccles’ Don Quixote, with the ardour continuing through the haunting excerpts of Liederkreis. The very deliberate Auf Einer Burg, of a knight protecting a castle, was magical and an obvious favourite of the two performers.

Each piece was interwoven with the next, with even Bach’s Sinfonia in G Minor was hidden within the emotive tapestry. Belkovski seemed slightly reserved until finally releasing his passion during the Henry Purcell and Claude Debussy montage, beginning with Purcell’s "Sweeter Than Roses," which sounded Gregorian with Thomas’s gorgeous tones and deliberate enunciation.

Her bassoon-like tone was well-suited to the romantic medley, and the intensity between the couple was obvious throughout. It was an unusual and powerfully romantic program which emphasised their romantic synergy.

The second upcoming recital on Saturday 28 March showcases the ‘Undead’ album of another symbiotic pair, Aussies Jessica O’Donoghue and Jack Symonds, the creatives of Australia’s contemporary operatic landscape. They will be premiering their unique arias tailored to O’Donohue’s unique musical and theatrical abilities, with a bonus wild portrait of Tennessee Williams’ one-night stand as seen through the vocals of Billie Holiday.