South Australian company Co-Opera will present Eugene Onegin, the work of Russian maestro Tchaikovsky, in Elmore on March 19. 

Populated by the upper-class social set of Russia in the 1820s, the opera’s three acts tell the story of country girl Tatyana, who turns the eye of the title character, party boy Onegin.  

Tchaikovsky called the opera “the best thing [he] ever wrote”, remarkable given his oeuvre also contains Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. 

Elmore Memorial Hall treasurer Jenny Campbell said the event was an opportunity for her community to come together. 

“To think we can put on some beautiful music from an orchestra and let people experience that for themselves, it gives them a lift,” Ms Campbell said. 

“It also builds a sense of pride in living in a small town in regional Victoria.”

The mobile troupe of performers also provided an important cultural fix for ageing residents unable to travel to nighttime shows elsewhere.   

For nearly three decades, Co-Opera have aimed to make opera accessible and affordable to people living in regional Australia.

The performers are no hacks, either; many of the company’s singers, musicians and production team have gone on to work in major opera houses around the world.

Co-Opera has also taken its shows overseas, with performances staged in southeast Asia and Europe.

Performer Bronwyn Douglass, who plays the role of Olga, will make her Co-Opera debut in Eugene Onegin and described the production as “full of colour”.  

“She is a beautiful young character who is full of life, not common for mezzo-sopranos who are used to performing as young boys or old witches,” she said.

"As an emerging artist it can be very difficult to find opportunities for stage experience, and this is something that is crucial for development."

While the opera is set 200 years in the past, Elmore audiences will this year enjoy more mod-cons: their hall is now air conditioned.

Supper will also be served at the end of the performance, which Ms Campbell said also created a buzz.  

“Anything you can do to bring people together is really good because it breaks down barriers.”

It is the second time Co-Opera has come to Elmore; they performed the Gilbert and Sullivan comedy classic The Mikado last year. 

For tickets, phone 0428 224 308.

Adults pay $33 while children can attend for $10.