Who is Robert Ray?
An Australian choreographer and opera director, who has several works in the repertoire of The Australian Ballet. I have also choreographed operas for Opera Australia and have worked closely with such stars as Dame Joan Sutherland among many. I have also worked internationally with opera companies and have had my Ballets staged in such places as the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg and Covent Garden in London.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I am a passionate animal lover and I possibly would have gone into veterinary care or something that helped and aided our animal friends.
Who inspires you and why?
My main inspiration comes from music followed by poetry and drama. I believe these forms to be the highest pinnacle of man’s achievement and I admire the work of so many composers from Mozart to Arthur Sullivan and I have a love for the Golden Age of American musical comedy.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would love to see the divisions such as race, colour, religion and ethnicity between us to be taken down entirely. I deplore the way the human race has carved itself up with such divisions.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Without a doubt, I would love to spend more holiday time in Europe. Especially in the British Isles and in Ireland – it’s where I come from so many years ago – so many generations ago and yet I feel strongly the pull back to that land and culture.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I take them to Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens and then perhaps onto the gardens around Ripponlea Estate. I also like to show them how we still have theatres like the Princess Theatre, the Regent and Her Majesty’s. I like to show them as much of Victorian Melbourne as I can.
What are you currently reading?
The Diaries of Chips Channon by Henry Channon.
What are you currently listening to?
The new recordings of My Fair Lady and Carousel.
Happiness is?
With my family of three Cavaliers King Charles Spaniels, Henry, Riley and Pip. They give me so much love and literally give me reason for keep going. They snuggle up to me in bed every night and I couldn’t wish for better company.
What does the future hold for you?
Unsure, of course, as we all are. I would like to have more time to myself and spare time, spend more time pursuing my interests such as gardening and painting with water colours. I hope also that I can continue to travel abroad and go to some of my bucket list destinations.
Robert is the Director and Choreographer of Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria’s production of Patience – which will be presented at the Alexander Theatre – Monash University (Clayton) from 10 – 12 July, before being presented at Queenscliff Town Hall on 18 & 19 July 2026.
Image: Robert Ray – photo by Robin Halls