The Maestro’s Cosí from a motorized wheelchair brought the house down – and that’s before a note was played. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Picketers claim the victory as Gergiev and Netrebko are heckled at gala performance. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Just like buses, you wait for years and then all three operatic legends get honoured at once. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Inside the brilliant but often misunderstood Jacqueline du Pré; plus pianists Willems, Hough and Hewitt and our Aussie Festivals Guide. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Sydney Symphony Orchestra's potted Ring cycle is essential viewing for newbies and veterans alike.

Australian maestro receives first honorary doctorate at the grand old age of 82. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

A dose of La Traviata turns out to double the life expectancy of heart transplant mice. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Opera Queensland to perform Philip Glass’ latest at next year’s Brisbane Festival. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Mezzo chooses Judy Garland classic to add her voice to the rising chorus of protest within the arts. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

One of the highest male voices in the world hails from down under. David Hansen talks about vanquishing his rivals and his new CD. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Paving the way for the triumph of home-grown music over continental, Saul was presented in 1739 as part of a London season notable for the complete absence of Italian opera. It was a revolutionary work in many ways. It was the first English oratorio with a male lead; it was the longest English music theatre work to date; and it required larger forces than any theatre work previously performed in England. Harry Christophers delivers a highly charged, dramatic reading of the score, from the grand, ceremonial opening choruses, through the more intimate court settings, right up to the spooky scene where the Witch of Endor raises the spirit of Samuel. Listen to the sonorous use of three trombones (a German import in their day) in the battle music. Military kettledrums (which Handel borrowed from the Tower of London) enhance the famous Dead March. David’s ravishing harp solos and a specially commissioned carillon complete the novel line up and Christophers gives each its moment in the spotlight. Christopher Purves is Saul, a fine baritone and an even finer singing actor. His kingly descent through jealousy, fury and despair is meticulously mapped out with singing of enormous bite and panache. Although the…

Australian soprano awarded top prize in one of the world’s most prestigious singing competitions. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in