The Victorian Opera is set to present “Lorelei” at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne from June 29 to July 2. The production will star Ali McGregor, Antoinette Halloran, and Dimity Shepherd in the opera which made its world premiere in 2018 and received critical acclaim. The work also received two Green Room Awards for Best New Australian Work and Best {…}
Victorian Opera in Australia has announced that it will be world premiering “Parrwang Lifts the Sky” this June. The opera, which was commissioned by Victorian Opera and was written by composer Yorta Yorta and soprano Deborah Cheetham AO, tells the creation story of the sunrise based on a traditional story that hails from Wadawurrung Country. “’Parrwang Lifts the Sky’ is {…}
On April 27, 2021, Victorian Opera will present Georges Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers,” held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Maestro Richard Mills conducts the Orchestra Victoria, and a cast comprised of soprano Kathryn Radcliffe as Leila, bass-baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes as Nourabad, tenor Carlos E. Barcenas as Nadir, and baritone Stephen Marsh as Zurga. This semi-staged concert production is {…}
Victorian Opera has announced that it will premiere two operas commissioned by the company, “Echo and Narcissus”/ “Cassandra” on March 19, 2021. “Echo and Narcissus” is the result of a collaboration between composer Kevin March and librettist Jane Montgomery Griffiths, while “Cassandra” was created by Simon Bruckard and Constantine Costi. Conductor Sam Strong leads a cast that includes soprano Kathryn {…}
(Credit: Charlie Kinross) The Victorian Opera is set to open its new season with a staging of “Sleeping Beauty,” featuring 27 life-size puppets at the Palais Theater between Feb. 20-26. Ottorino Respighi’s opera will be directed by Nancy Black, who features marionettes replaced by life-size marionettes. Phoebe Briggs conducts the orchestra and a cast of singers including Georgia Wlkinson, Dimity {…}
(Credit: Pia Johnson) The Victorian Opera has announced its 2021 season celebrating local talent and Australian opera. Among the 10 productions set to be showcased, the company is set to world premiere four new operas by local composers. The season opens with “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda. The work, composed by Ottorino Respighi, will be conducted {…}
The Victorian Opera is celebrating its 15th anniversary by announcing a new Australian opera for 2021, a major opera prize for emerging talent, as well as a digital book and web series reflecting on its rich history of past commissions. As one of four new operas being staged as part of its yet-to-be-revealed 2021 season, the Victorian Opera will present {…}
As companies explore new forms of presenting opera digitally, Victorian Opera has adapted an interactive opera book for babies and toddlers, titled “Baby Bilby Sings.” The book follows the titular animal as he travels to different countries and meets with operatic characters throughout his journey. “Baby Bilby Sings” will draw from works such as “The Barber of Seville” and “Lakme,” {…}
Victorian Opera will present three chamber operas online starting on June 27, 2020. The work, entitled “Trois Contes,” is based on Gustave Flaubert’s short stories. It is written by composers Zac Hurren, Dermot Tutty, and Stefan Cassemenos. All three works, which have been in development since 2017, are adapted by playwright Daniel Keene and feature Katie Noonan. “Commissioning, developing and {…}
Australian company Victorian Opera has announced that it will be showcasing a series of recitals from local singers on its online platform. The series of recitals will start on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at 7 p.m. local time with such artists as Simon Meadows, Rebecca Rashleigh, Douglas Kelly, Juel Flemming, Stephen Marsh, Kathryn Radcliffe, and Shakira Dugan. “It is our {…}
Victorian Opera has announced the cast for its upcoming production of “The Who’s Tommy.” The company revealed that the role of Pete Townshend will be played by Mat Verevis with other cast members in leading roles including Amy Lehpamer, Chris Ryan, Paul Capsis, Kanen Breen, and Vincent Hooper. The ensemble cast is comprised of Sheridan Anderson, Jared Bryan, Monique Dawes, Mark Doggett, Darcey Eagle, Courtney {…}