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
Hunding’s misbehaving trousers fail to scupper a new ship launched on Sydney’s operatic waters. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
On the eve of her Australian Brandenburg concerts the firebrand coloratura reveals the parts that other singers are afraid to show. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
Richard Mills announces a new opera from Iain Grandage, a legendary Traviata and another Sondheim musical. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
Brett Dean and George Dreyfus head the list of winners in a diverse cross-section of Australian arts talent. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
The Polish-born Met Opera star is very much flavour of the month but beware of his famous black-list. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
A torturous text but there’s much to admire in the telling of this torrid tale of the Argentinian underworld. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
With Kaufmann, Sir David McVicar and Kasper Holten, Lyndon Terracini pulls out the big guns for Opera Australia’s 2014 season. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
Opera Australia will give Puccini’s classic a contemporary makeover for 2014’s Handa Opera season. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
Veteran bass Richard Angas, made famous as Jonathan Miller’s Mikado, has passed away at 71. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
