A group of friends. A housing shortage. A homeless crisis. Corrupt, over-paid officials. Sounds familiar? Welcome to the world of Brisbane Cheryomushki.

Originally performed as Moscow Cheryomushki, Dmitri Shostakovich’s delightful operetta, named after an actual Moscow suburb, takes a biting and satirical look at the housing crisis in post-World War II Russia, which he matches with musical pastiches and parodies, often associated with the operetta style — the waltz, the polka, choral music and traditional Russian folk songs.

Conducted by esteemed Australian composer Richard Mills AO, and directing is Queensland Conservatorium favourite Constantine Costi (2025’s Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria, & the award-winning documentary The Golden Spurtle), with costumes and set design by Brisbane’s own Peter Keavy, don’t miss your chance to enjoy this rare musical gem

Performed by Conservatorium Classical Voice Students and Orchestra.

Composed by Dmitri Shostakovich, orchestra version by Gerard McBurney, with additional arrangements by Jim Holmes by arrangement with Origin Theatrical on behalf of Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Ltd. English translation by David Pountney.