Crowds flock to Songs at the Silos

By Emily Donohoe

Mar 10, 2025

Rochester's own Evie Scoble, singers Alex Lapina, Adam Miller, Karen Van Spall, Eleanor Blythman, Mikey Lapina and Michael Lapina. Photos: Emily Donohoe Photo by Emily Donohoe

Hundreds of people made their way to Rochester’s GrainCorp Silos on Saturday, March 8, enjoying the singing sensations of Opera Australia stars and home-grown talent Evie Scoble.

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Organised by the Rotary Club of Rochester’s Heather Watson, the event featured Adam Miller, Eleanor Blythman, Michael Lapina, Alex Lapina, Mikey Lapina and Karen Van Spall, who sang a range of ensemble, duet and solo pieces.

Rotary Club of Rochester's Heather Watson organised the event. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Ms Watson was very impressed with the turnout, clocking 500 guests and blowing her 200-person goal out of the water.

She is also looking to host the event again next year, with support from Rotary.

Her idea for the event came during a conversation with Michael Lapina, tenor and Rotary district 9800 governor, when he asked what the district could do for Rochester.

Soprano Eleanor Blythman sings aria Soave sia il vento from Mozart's Così fan tutte. Photo by Emily Donohoe

The concert was split into two acts, opera and musical theatre, with Rochester Secondary College Year 11 student Evie Scoble performing in the break.

Evie sang Imagine, Over the Rainbow, On My Own and What a Wonderful World.

Evie Scoble after her performance at the silos Photo by Emily Donohoe

Many of the most recognisable opera pieces were performed by the singers, including Largo al factotum from The Barber of Seville and Flowers Duet from Lakmé.

The event was supported by the Rotary Club of Rochester, Campaspe Shire Council, Rochester Business Network and Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester.