Pinchgut Opera brings Alessandro Scarlatti’s (1660-1725) simmering artistry to the stage in this brilliantly conceived production of his opera The First Murder (Il primo omicidio).

Described on its cover as an oratorio for six voices, The First Murder premiered as a trattenimento sacro (sacred entertainment) in 1707 Venice, in place of operatic entertainment, most likely in private, as theatres were closed for Lent. Despite the esteem in which he was held, Scarlatti fretted about his reception by Venetian audiences whom he regarded as insigne ed erudite (distinguished and erudite). Two of his other operas were criticised, but nothing is known of the response to Il primo omicidio.

The cast of Pinchgut Opera’s The First Murder. Photo © Anna Kučera

More recently, Il primo omicidio has enjoyed a renaissance with Romeo Castellucci’s vision at the Paris Opera in 2019, reprised in Berlin. Philippe Jaroussky conducted a concert version for TV in Montpelier in 2021. Bilbao (2023) and the Salzburg (2021) and Beaune (2025) Festivals have also hosted seasons. René Jacobs’ 1998 recording remains a landmark.

Pinchgut Opera is keeping Sydney in good company with this presentation. Director Dean Bryant not only sets this...