Christelise de Graaf | Public figure

Christelise de Graaf

Phone: +61 437 081 171

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25.01.2022 The arts provide something special in the light of a disaster, which is why I have started to organise a musical event (or maybe multiple) which will be held in towns which have been torn apart by fire. I, and some friends of mine, desperately want to bring a little light and laughter to the places and people who have suffered so much. If you’d like to be involved - send me a message.... Or, if you, or someone you know, are in a town that would have us, please get in touch with me. I’ve got a few connections, but the more the merrier! Sending love and prayers.

24.01.2022 I just like to sing... It makes me feel confident. What’s beautiful story on the power of singing and how it can develop confidence, a sense of belonging and create joy for all!

24.01.2022 November is a big month for me! Here’s a fun little gig I’m putting on with some incredible musicians. ... Tickets are $11. So, what are you waiting for?!

24.01.2022 Joan Baez, Johnny and June, Bob Dylan. Take your pick. What a tune. With all the heartbreaker feels. Happy dreary Tuesday from my neck of the woods.... #isolationsongs

24.01.2022 Thrilled to be leading the band at these Christmas Carols, tomorrow night! ...There might also be a sneaky solo number featuring yours truly.

23.01.2022 The moment you realise your best friend is dying... on stage! Flashback to La Boheme, last year. What an opera. I’ll be singing Musetta’s famous aria this Friday night - come along for a wonderful night of favourites from musical theatre, Gilbert & Sullivan and opera!... Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/live-notes-no-1-tickets-546 See more

23.01.2022 Back to 2007. A tune that breaks and makes my heart all at once. All in the beautiful key of C Major (which used to be my least favourite key! I’m coming back around to her, though...) Have a listen, let me know your thoughts below and if you have any requests, send them through! I am but your humble jukebox ... Have a lovely week, everyone. x

23.01.2022 I’ve been pondering how supported and encouraged I feel by all those who have followed my journey in this crazy world of music. I’m beyond grateful for you. Thank you thank you thank you. Most days, I contemplate my purpose in this industry - am I really doing my bit to make the world a better place? should I have gone into humanitarian law? etc etc - but I’m still kicking on, and I’m beyond glad that I’ve decided to stay. Because when we, as artists, create something; I ...know that we are fighting for something that nourishes souls, that asks important questions, that promotes the vulnerable truth and that brings joy, escape, meaning and refreshment to a world that thirsts for it. So thank you for going to see live music, opera, art exhibitions, theatre, comedy and dance. You don’t have to come and see me, but go and watch something, somewhere. Small or big or expensive or free - it’s so important that we keep the arts alive. Thank you to those who came out last night to watch my first ever cabaret. (!!!)(sidenote - photo is not from last night!) Also, next time I ask you if I should go get a real job, can you just point me to this post. Cheers. See more

22.01.2022 Absolutely loving fighting over the possibility of a throne and having a good sing with my stage sister Esther Gresswell- Mezzo-Soprano. Gondoliers is shaping up to be a fun-filled show! Looking forward to performing in May! x

22.01.2022 Hello, friends! I decided it was high time that I created a facebook page to keep you all up to date with my various creative endeavours. I'm very excited to share that I will be playing Gianetta with some extremely talented folk over at Savoy Opera Company Incorporated.... I'm looking forward to getting in to the G&S spirit, once more, and singing out some nice Tra-la-la's! Hope to see you there. x

22.01.2022 online teaching life - it’s a ride! today, i feel extra thankful for coffee, nbn (!!!) and my indoor plants which are pumping me full of fresh oxygen. ps. isn’t it amazing how things are always so much easier the second time around??? wow. iso 1.0, you taught me so much. #gowiththeflow

22.01.2022 His Eye is on the Sparrow Time for a little gospel music, I think. Here’s one of my all time faves. I get my jazz-er face on towards the end, too... Enjoy!... May there be joy in glimpses or broad strokes for you, during this time - and singing amidst it all. Sending love on this moody Saturday from the Hills of Melbourne. #isolationsongs

22.01.2022 That’s a wrap! My job as music director, part time make-up artist and cheerleader for these kids has come to an end. The past three-ish months has been an incredible experience. What a joy to work with such talented young people and a great production team. Here’s to Agrabah; the place where everybody sings! @ Fab Nobs Theatre

21.01.2022 Current situation. Also, limited tickets are left for tomorrow night’s concert! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/live-notes-concert-no-2-tic

19.01.2022 Here’s to hope and future that might not be the same, but is bound to be filled with good things all the same. This one’s for you all, friends. #isolationsongs... Ben Platt thanks for creating an incredible tune that puts in to feelings what many of us have been feeling.

19.01.2022 Near and far, closer together. The great classic I love you always forever by Donna Summer. Looks like I’m gonna keep things casual with these #isolationsongs. So enjoy my gardening top knot and sweaty clothes.... Also, just a note that I’m practicing not overthinking things and hardly rehearsing these songs. I just want to sing, because Lord knows, it’s what I need. Always, forever. #stayhome and keep the music flowing, friends.

19.01.2022 The best gang. Sometimes you stumble into a team that are dedicated and talented and an absolute bundle of laughs. So here’s a belated thank you to my Gondoliers earthlings. You were a dream and I look forward to creating more fine music with you all in the future! Also, a tremendous thank you to all who came and supported us on and off stage! There’s no point to theatre without the audience - so grazie mille for being lovely! .... ps. There’s two more regional shows left - 2nd June in Buninyong & 9th June in Dunolly. . . . . . #theatre #theatrelife #music #melbournetheatre #savoyopera #gilbertandsullivan #gondoliers #earthlings #soprano #sopranolife #highnotes #singer #operasinger #opera #operetta #classicalmusic #classicalmusician See more

19.01.2022 I’m premiering something fresh this Thursday - a Cabaret! I’ll be singing, playing keys and confiding a secret to complete strangers! (Unless you come along... )

19.01.2022 Last Friday, these divas, the incredible Dean and I gathered together to bring some opera to a little cafe in Kew as part of MusiKfest Kew. What a delight music can be! What I didn’t know was that all of my future gigs were about to be cancelled. I’m finding myself in a weird funk - and I bet I’m not alone. This pandemic is teaching us a whole lot: about ourselves, our communities, and all that is important to us.... Stay safe out there, especially to my fellow arts kids. Things are hard. And it’s gonna be a journey to get back. But breathe in and cultivate that creativity. And, who knows - maybe we can all do little online living room concerts for each other... See more

18.01.2022 Around the World in 20 Songs Come along to Stonnington Library in South Yarra, this Friday at 7pm. Great tunes guaranteed! performed by Julia Hastings and myself. Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/live-notes-concert-no-2-tic

18.01.2022 Photo by MG Studio at Club Voltaire

17.01.2022 A relaxed voice = a better voice. This is the principle that I constantly teach with and apply to my own singing! No matter the genre, your true voice will be so stronger and more confident when you sing with freedom. I’ll be taking bookings for some limited spaces, soon - get in touch, to secure your spot!... Beginners to advanced; jazz, contemporary, music theatre and classical genres.

17.01.2022 new rep has got my opera hands working in overdrive and my argh! game nice and strong. . . . .... #sopranolife #britten #myrehearsalroom #opera #currentlylearning #practicemakesbetter See more

17.01.2022 Debuting the role of Musetta on Saturday! Safe to say, she’s one of my all time favourite characters (and, also, not an easy role to learn!) Come out to Bunyip for a country trip on Saturday, to hear some glorious singing in this concert version of La Boheme. You won’t regret it!

17.01.2022 Speaking of weddings... I was thrilled to, once more, team up with good friends (and a dear family member!) at Delna and Brett’s wedding. Here’s a little clip of the glorious Four Seasons String Quartet playing some Mendelssohn.

16.01.2022 Happy International Jazz Day! I thought I’d cover one of my favourites for the special day that is today. I always say jazz is my first love... not sure if that’s true in terms of age, but it definitely is true in terms of connection. What a genre.... Hope I did it some justice, today. Give jazz a chance - have a listen on this wintery night! As always: stay home, much love, and please ignore my weird piano playing face. [I don’t know... it’s a face I pull when I concentrate.]

16.01.2022 Covered a Vance Joy number, tonight. As always, minimal practice. My form of therapy. However, this was take 2. I messed up take 1 in an un-coverable way... oops!... Enjoy! #isolationsongs

15.01.2022 Thrilled to announce that I am the Music Director of Aladdin Jnr - with auditions happening next week! 8-18 year olds - come on down and get One Jump Ahead at Fab Nobs!

15.01.2022 Thank you, thank you to all who came out to support Geoff and I, last night. It was a thrill to perform two beautiful works to such an encouraging and delightful audience! We’re already planning and brainstorming for the next concert - so keep your eyes peeled for it! ... Art song is definitely not dead.

15.01.2022 The Logical Song - Supertramp. Apologies for the lack of a sax solo. I don’t have one in the house. And can’t play it. You’d have to ask my dad to brush up on his skills for that...... But, I did wash my hair and do some fun improv towards the end. Enjoy! Stay home! Have a sing for yourself or play some music nice and loud and dance around. Guaranteed to make you feel better. #isolationsongs

14.01.2022 Tomorrow night! We can’t wait to perform it for you all.

14.01.2022 Flashback to this little time lapse of my show makeup routine! Gotta be honest and say my skin does not miss these layers... But I sure can’t wait to step out onto the boards, again. Watch this space! #november

13.01.2022 Heading off to the library, next Friday!

13.01.2022 Heavenly song by the absolutely breathtaking Kacey Musgraves . It’s back to lockdown here in Melbourne, and I needed a song to remind me that it’ll all be okay. Here’s to staying safe at home for the next six weeks, wearing a mask in public, walking in the shade of your neighbourhood eucalypts, and singing, dancing, cooking all the way through the rest of winter.... The rain sure sounds pretty, tonight. I love you, Melbourne. Wish I could hug you. But, maybe this song will help. #isolationsongs

13.01.2022 Find your voice! I have a limited amount of spots open for students - if you've always wanted to learn, or are looking to get back in to singing - chat with me! Christelise teaches classical, music theatre, jazz and contemporary singing. She has great experience teaching ALL ages and has successfully coached many students in preparation for auditions and shows, as well as AMEB and VCE exams. Christelise aims to bring out the best and most natural voice of each individual student; ensuring a healthy technique is employed to create a voice which sounds and feels beautiful, confident and free.

12.01.2022 Two Worlds of Desire on Saturday night. Thank you to all who came, all who helped me get there, and to all who continue to support and encourage me. It was an absolute delight to perform two incredibly beautiful Song Cycles. ... How wonderful is Art Song?! See more

12.01.2022 Premiering How to survive a Christmas party: the cabaret at Club Voltaire on Thursday night! Might see you there!

11.01.2022 Happy Good Friday! = Here’s an unaccompanied version of a classical song I adore. Enjoy and have a lovely Easter... #isolationsongs See more

11.01.2022 Thrilled to be performing at Toorak/South Yarra Library, next week! $10 tickets, and a guaranteed great night of opera, musical theatre and operetta favourites! Now to decide what to wear... Ball gown, or not?

10.01.2022 La Vie en Rose Excuse my non-native French - but isn’t this song just the greatest of all time? Edith Piaf, you superstar.... Rediscovering it after time away feels like being thrown into the heart of Paris. So naturally, I put in some effort and put some lipstick AND a fancy top on. Watch out, #selfisolationstyle Happy Wednesday to you, wherever you are. Hope you can find la vie en rose in little moments, today. #isolationsongs ps. Points to you, if you can pick my little word stumble at the end #onetakewonder

10.01.2022 Based on the Eva Cassidy cover of the Fleetwood Mac classic. What a tune. It always surprises me - with this piece, especially - how much talent you can feel in the spirit of one perfectly written song. It’s always an experience to sing this one, always will be.... This one’s for my Dad. #isolationsongs

10.01.2022 Isolation is loosening up, but I don’t think there’ll be gigs for a while. (gentle reminder to go slow with this new freedom, dear ones) So for now, I’ll keep posting songs as I feel them. Hope that’s alright by you.... #isolationsongs

10.01.2022 A little Whitney snippet on a Monday... whilst trying to get in the mode to organise 2019!

10.01.2022 Yesterday, I debuted in one of my dream roles as Musetta in La Boheme. To say it was terrifying is an understatement - but it was an absolute joy to produce some art on stage with such a talented bunch of musicians. Unexpectedly, I’ll be performing again on Thursday - so please come along if you’re free! withps://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=362975&

09.01.2022 Here’s a How-de-do! Almost two years ago, now - and still, this has got to be one of my favourite shots! Mikado 2016

09.01.2022 New year, new songs! Get in touch to book a lesson!

08.01.2022 I’ve been busy learning and practicing a whole lot of music over the last month or two... For now, here’s an old rehearsal picture of me Looking forward to sharing more about some very exciting performances in the very near future!... Stay tuned! See more

08.01.2022 A little song from an emotional, sunny afternoon (sorry for the filter - the sun wanted to feature in the video, today) I keep on waiting pretty much sums up the general mood - but hey, you can’t hurry love (or beating a pandemic) Be kind. Take a breath. Reach out. Enjoy the music. ... #isolationsongs

06.01.2022 Look! A photo of my face! You’ll all think I’m lying about my age, because these shots don’t feature my fancy new strands of grey hair (#ageing). But the truth is, I forgot to post my new headshots when they were *new*. Oops. Music news coming. I’ve been busy teaching and gardening and juggling life - but I’m excited to throw some new tunes in your lovely faces, soon! ... ps. If you want to prep your voice for the impending Christmas carols season - get in touch! I have a few spaces for special students See more

06.01.2022 Sad songs make me feel better. So here’s a cover of one of my current favourites by Billie Eilish (ambient background noise provided by my dream man doing the dishes. what a guy)... #isolationsongs

05.01.2022 Losing my Mind: a bit of Sondheim for my fellow extroverts in this time. Want me to sing a particular song? Let me know in the comments!... Or if you fancy an online lesson to process emotions and keep creativity blooming - get in touch! I’m here to help! #isolationsongs

05.01.2022 Here’s a weird acoustic, non-reverb-ed version of Alaska by Maggie Rogers. It’s weird to sing. And made me stressed, but I’m posting it anyway. Because music is good... even when it isn’t perfect! Sing along with the ooh oohs, please.... As always, give me your song requests - I am your personal jukebox. #isolationsongs

05.01.2022 Currently reading and nerding out over this incredible book. As a singer and singing teacher, it never ceases to amaze me how intricately tuned the body is. When you speak or sing - the entire body is involved! #anatomynerd

05.01.2022 Took a moment away from the scores and welcomed autumn in with a song.

05.01.2022 It’s been a whirlwind of a time working as Musical Director on this fabulous production of Aladdin. Come along and check out the next generation of musical stars!

03.01.2022 The pressure to cover a Taylor Swift song has been too high, but you know what? I just want to sing Taylor songs, tonight, so here’s one for you all. My (and hopefully your) new favourite pop song. With a throwback vibe. Happy Sunday night.... Be well and thinking of you, especially if you’re in Melbourne and Victoria. We’ll get through. I love you. #badnewsday #isolationsongs

02.01.2022 It’s show week - come along and join in the hilarity that is ‘Gondoliers’! Opening night is Friday! Hope to see you there Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=337637

02.01.2022 What’s a Song Cycle? Great question! Come and find out! I’ll be performing two very different cycles with Geoff Urquhart, in under a month.

02.01.2022 Happy Saturday, friends! I’ve posted a quick little warm up video for singers on my youtube channel. All you need is 10 minutes to get that singing voice going!... These are exercises that I use for myself and my students - and they’re a perfect addition to your day - to get your voice feeling warm and flexible. If you’re looking to get some lessons, I’m taking bookings for zoom lessons, at the moment. (which means you can be anywhere in the world!) Or if online isn’t you’re thing and you’re in Melbourne, feel free to get in touch, and I’ll notify you of my availability once we’re back out of lockdown. Hope this video can help inspire you to get singing, today! Christelise

02.01.2022 Dressing up as Mozart has got to be a big career highlight... The Magic Flute with Gertrude Opera, 2017.

02.01.2022 Next Thursday! Come along to hear me sing and play my cabaret! I have a secret to share... Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/835070846855852/?ti=icl Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=477226... See you at Club Voltaire!