Melodies & Memories: Broadway’s Golden Age

Established in 2021, Richard Bonynge Ensemble was founded with the goal of enriching the community through the transformative power of music.

The ensemble performs a wide variety of repertoire, from beloved masterpieces to long-forgotten works deserving revival, as well as new compositions by emerging local composers. By embracing both tradition and innovation, the ensemble creates dynamic performances that resonate with diverse audiences.

At the heart of Richard Bonynge Ensemble is the fusion of seasoned musicians’ expertise with the vibrant energy and fresh perspectives of young instrumentalists. This collaboration cultivates a distinctive style and unique culture, all while nurturing the next generation of classical musicians and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the art form.

Comprising some of the finest young musical talents in Penrith, the ensemble provides early-career musicians with valuable opportunities to work alongside industry professionals. Through workshops, masterclasses, and mentoring sessions, they are given the chance to hone their craft and develop their performance skills. The ensemble also fosters collaboration with established chamber groups, offering a platform for young musicians to explore diverse repertoires, refine their technique, and grow as artists.

Dedicated to community engagement, Richard Bonynge Ensemble also aims to inspire audiences of all ages with its passionate performances, promoting a greater connection to music.

With over a decade of musical experience, Monique Rose is a classically trained soprano known for her dynamic stage presence and commitment to vocal excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Music – Performance from Central Queensland University (2022) and a Graduate Certificate in Opera Studies from the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University (2024).

Her earliest operatic milestone came at age 15, when she was awarded the Opera Australia Regional Scholarship; a formative experience that ignited her lifelong passion for opera and was completed the following year in 2019. In 2022, she was named the winner of the Mitchell Conservatorium Concerto/Aria Competition, affirming her growing reputation for expressive artistry and vocal skill. Monique’s stage experience spans both opera and musical theatre. Most recently, she performed the role of Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi (2024). Earlier roles include Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, performed with two separate musical theatre companies in 2017; one of which earned her a Canberra Area Theatre Award nomination for Best Youth Actress in a Leading Role. Other highlights include the Persian Queen in The Persian Queen (2020), Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods (2015), and the title role in Annie (2014). In addition to her performance work, Monique is committed to arts education. She currently leads a multi-tiered opera training program, OFAA (Opera for All Ages), at the Orange Conservatorium, mentoring emerging artists in vocal and stagecraft development.

Yasmin Arkinstall is a classical mezzo soprano, having graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2018 as a Vocal Performance major with a Bachelor of Music.
In 2025 she performed the English national anthem for the 2025 opening ceremony of the Australia vs. England Women’s Ashes ODI for Cricket Australia.

In 2023 she toured an original one-woman opera called OCDiva around NSW which received grant funding from Creative Australia in 2020 and 2023. OCDiva was composed by Dr. Eve Klein who also recorded Yasmin singing the show’s operaric arias, contemporary songs and ambient soundscapes at the University of Queensland alongside artistic director Dr. Sarah Penicka-Smith. OCDiva was featured in 2024 and 2025 on ABC Radio National and 2MBS Fine Music by presenters Julian Morrow, Sally Sara and Julie Simonds.

Yasmin also sang on Studio 10 and 7News as the 2023 Nepean Disability Expo ambassador, and in 2022 she sang with English comedian Bill Bailey as the operatic support act for his En Route to Normal tour at State Theatre. Alongside performing, Yasmin loves teaching classical and contemporary vocal styles with a passion for developing a healthy vocal technique in a safe and fun environment.

Eunbi is a Korean classical pianist based in Sydney, Australia. She began studying piano at the age of five and earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul in 2012.

Eunbi has performed extensively as an accompanist with choirs, vocalists, and instrumentalists. Notable appearances include Le nozze di Figaro with Dongduk Women’s University College of Arts, the 4th Piano Ensemble Night at Dongduk Recital Hall, and a Piano Duo Recital at Gwanglim Art Centre.

Since moving to Sydney, she has collaborated with River City Voices, the Sydney Intervarsity Choral Festival, Inspire Choir,and currently accompanies the Men’s Shed Chorale in Lidcombe.

She also teaches at the Penrith Conservatorium of Music and continues to perform across the Greater Sydney area.

Eitan is a guitarist and composer based in the Blue Mountains. He co-founded the jazz quintet Anoesis (2MBS Jazz Artists-in-Residence 2021; ‘Best Band’ at the 2019 Bucharest International Jazz Competition) and performs with Rich Fish, a jazz-rock trio, and a symmetrical improvising sextet.

His compositions have been performed by Suwitra Jaya Gamelan and the Satsuki Odamura Koto Ensemble in Australia and the Philippines. A University Medal recipient, Eitan holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours I) from UNSW and currently serves as Secretary of Suwitra Jaya Gamelan.

Timothy is a Western Sydney-based composer, music arranger, and guitarist. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Music, he has collaborated with the Richard Bonynge Ensemble on multiple occasions, reimagining music across genres—from pop and rock to film scores and classical chamber music.

In addition to performing and arranging, Timothy is active in orchestral production, working with Penrith Conservatorium of Music and Sydney Youth Orchestras. He has managed ensembles including the Penrith Youth Orchestra, Western Sydney Youth Orchestra, and the Peter Seymour Orchestra.

Western Sydney based drummer, Ethan Mestroni, known for his unyielding energy, brings groove and joy to every stage he graces. Ethan’s passion for drums and percussion can be felt across all genres from rock to jazz, funk to folk. Throughout a decade of professional drumming, his dynamic performances and electrifying precision have captivated audiences.

His technical ability has seen him place in the top 7 of Australia’s Best Up and Coming Drummer Competition in 2018. Since then, Ethan has gone on to share the stage at renowned festivals such as Tamworth Country Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival and Floriade alongside a diverse array of artists, showcasing his adaptability and versatility.

When Ethan is not playing live or recording, he is enthusiastic about music education. Ethan currently holds a tutoring position at Western Sydney University which brings him great fulfilment, as he passes on his knowledge to a new generation of local artists.