STAR soprano Mirusia Louwerse will headline a panel of local women celebrating women’s achievements in business and professional life at the Soroptimist International Women’s Voices 20 event.
Ms Louwerse will join Redland Chamber of Commerce president Lynne Sturgess and Redland City Bulletin journalist Linda Muller who will speak at the Voices 20 dinner on Monday, October 23.
Soroptimist spokeswoman Isabel Myburgh said the event would be a celebration of women’s contributions to local culture and community while enjoying dinner, wine, good company and great stories.
“This year, we will hear from three women excelling in very different fields,” she said.
Linda Muller has been a journalist and columnist with the Redland City Bulletin (formerly Bayside Bulletin) for the past 28 years.
She also holds qualifications in music having taught piano at Churchie and Ormiston College.
Linda has been an accompanist for various school choirs and soloists.
Lynne Sturgess has managed and owned a finance broking business at Victoria Point for the past 10 years.
She has been a volunteer at Meals on Wheels for the past three years and at Crimestoppers for the past six years.
Mirusia is an Ormiston girl who graduated in 2006 from the Queensland Conservatorium.
Ms Myburgh said that in the same year, Mirusia became the youngest winner of the Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award.
“Her aunt, who lives in the Netherlands, contacted Andre Rieu to tell him about her niece’s talent,” she said.
“He listened to her voice and, two days later, she was standing before him in his studio ready to sing.
“She has been touring with the Dutch violinist and conductor since 2007 as his star soprano.”
Mirusia spoke at Women’s Voices 10 years ago.
“Come and hear about her journey since then,” Ms Myburgh said. “It will be a night of inspiration and appreciation.”
Redlands Rhapsody Chorus will sing and local business women will have trade tables and displays.
The event is at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club, 92 Wondall Rd, Manly West on October 23, at 6pm for 6.30pm start.
It will cost $45 ($40 concession) including a two-course meal.
To find out more visit SoroptimistInternationalBaysideInc or book tickets online by visiting trybooking.com/book/event?eid=301423.
To inquire about trade tables go to sibayside@siswp.org
Soroptimist International is the world’s largest community service organisation for working women.