It’s that time of year again. Opera Australia has announced its 2013 season. There’s a press release freshly landed in my email inbox and from the opening paragraphs, you’d be forgiven for thinking this might be a controversial season. Opera Australia, it says, will “re-position itself as Australia’s international role… taking a leading role as a pioneer of the artform”. “The question of ‘what is opera to contemporary Australia’”, we’re told, “now underpins every artistic decision” and reference is made to the “controversial” dialogue between Lyndon Terracini and “the wider public”. (Limelight‘s coverage yesterday included comments from an interview with Terracini.) Yet in the ensuing list of new production and revivals, I can’t say I see much controversy brewing – except maybe over the return (already!) of South Pacific, since I know the question of opera companies staging musicals is always a contentious one. There’s also a visit by avant-garde theatre group La Fura dels Baus, who will stage Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera as part of both the Sydney Festival and OA’s celebration of the composer’s bicentenary; but I’d hazard a guess that most savvy operagoers will be more intrigued and excited by that prospect than appalled…. Continue reading Get…
August 23, 2012
Lyndon Terracini presents a tale of two operatic titans in two cities. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
August 22, 2012
A Gilbert & Sullivan junkie’s take on how the Savoy Operas became part of Australia’s theatrical DNA. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
July 13, 2012
Is the Golden Age of the voice coming to an end as the barihunks and high-fashion divas take over? Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
June 19, 2012
Yesterday afternoon, I strolled down to the Sydney Opera House for Great Opera Hits – a concert performance featuring four of Opera Australia’s finest young singers. While I’m not here to review the concert, I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and gladly recommend it. I experienced those sought-after “chills” on more than one occasion – and, if you read my Valentine’s Day blog, you’ll understand the kind of forces that must be engaged for that to occur. All performers were great. I was particularly amused by baritone Andrew Jones’ super-hammy presence. While I’m no expert, I expect he’ll do quite well for himself. As I say, I’m no opera expert (I feel I’m cutting Sarah’s grass a little with this blog). I’m not even a huge fan, but that may be gradually changing. Yesterday’s concert was essentially an operatic highlights reel. My short attention span was grateful. The most powerful moments from the most popular operas delivered in succession and, while there was no storyline with which to engage, the music was beautiful and entertainment enough. As always, I was amazed by the talent and physical strength possessed by opera singers. It is, therefore, a shame that I…
May 31, 2012
The opera powerhouse gets back in the black in 2011. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
May 14, 2012
Not even wet weather fears can dampen the excitement surrounding Opera on Sydney Harbour.
March 22, 2012
Richard Bonynge gives his personal account of the struggles and triumphs of his late wife, La Stupenda.
January 31, 2012
My personal selection of the hottest tickets for opera-lovers around Australia.
January 13, 2012
Mozart’s most popular work for the stage may also be his most misunderstood. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
January 9, 2012
The artistic director of Opera Australia on why the artform needs to adapt and reach out to survive.
November 3, 2011
The soprano on her "trauma" in The Love of the Nightingale.
October 18, 2011