Brian Gilbertson was a late starter in his professional career as a performer. In his formative years he was brought up on a culture of sport and school which focused on reading, writing and arithmetic not the arts. In his travels around the world he has come to recognise that ignorance of the arts is a universal thing even in countries which seem to be recognised for thier artistic history.

Brian has helped to bring opera to schools in Metropolitan and country South Australia where he resides and is an advocate for the early education of children in classical arts forms as early as reception and kindergarten. He has attended kindergartens to give entertaining talks to children and continues to pursue avenues for reaching future audiences at this young age.

Brian, together with composer Timothy Sexton, own the rights to a new and reduced version of the Humperdink opera "Hansel and Gretel" with libretto by children's writer Ian Bone. This production has already played to thousands of children in Victoria, Australia and is currently (2000) being performed by Opera Australia in New South Wales. Hansel & Gretel is available for hire. Enquiries through Quality Performers Management: jsloan@qpm.com.au