Jessica O’Donoghue and Jack Symonds’s undead. is a virtuosic celebration of Australian musical and literary talent.

Opera’s greatest stories are still being written, here and now.  Jessica’s performances are known to be a “tour de force of dramatic range held together with brilliant vocal precision and control” (Sydney Morning Herald) which “deftly juggle vocal virtuosity and searing energy” (Limelight).

The arias in undead. have all been especially composed for and tailored to Jessica’s unique musical and theatrical abilities, mostly premiered within productions of Sydney Chamber Opera, where Jack is Artistic Director. 
 
This recital not only showcases Jessica’s deep commitment to representing modern, complex female characters but also includes premieres and original works by both Jessica and Jack, offering a compelling cross-section of Australia’s contemporary operatic landscape. As a spectacular finale, Thomas Ades’s Life Story, a wild portrait of a Tennessee Williams one-night stand as seen through the vocalism of late-period Billie Holiday receives a scorching interpretation by these two artists who have “redefined operatic performance in Australia” (Australian Book Review).

Jessica O’Donoghue & Jack Symonds perform their album ‘undead.’

Opera Queensland

The Epic of Gilgamesh is humanity’s oldest written epic poem. Emerging from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, it tells of a restless young king who, through experiences of love and loss, becomes a better person. His unexpected love for a half-man, half-animal leads him wide-eyed into mysterious realms.

Jack Symonds

Events

Past events

Mar 28, 2026

Jessica O’Donoghue & Jack Symonds perform their album ‘undead.’ · Opera Queensland

Sep 26 - Oct 5, 2024

Gilgamesh · Opera Australia

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