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 {…}
(Image provided by Victoria Opera) Victorian Opera will present “Baby Bilby Sings,” a program aimed at young children aged three and under and their families as an introduction to the world of opera. The showcase, which kicks off on Friday March 13 at 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Horti Hall at Hemstritch Studios in Melbourne, will showcase many musical {…}
(Credit: Marius Vepsta) Victorian Opera is set to present a new production of Richard Strauss’ “Salome” starting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the Palais Theatre, St. Kilda. The opera, which will feature additional showcases on Feb. 25 and 27, will star Lithuanian soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė in her role debut as the title heroine. She will be joined by Daniel Sumegi {…}
The Victorian Opera is set to present Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” in a new concert-stage version in Melbourne. Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Richard Mills is set to conduct the Orchestra Victoria with director Elizabeth Hill-Cooper helming the production. The production will star Argentine-Australian baritone Jose Carbo in the title role, Brenton Spiteri as Count Almaviva, and mezzo-soprano Chiara Amaru {…}
The Victorian Opera’s Youth Opera is set is set to present the world premiere of a new opera based on Oscar Wilde’s “The Selfish Giant.” The new work is written by librettist Emma Muir-Smith and composer/conductor Simon Bruckard who will return to the Victorian Opera where they were Young Artists and spent many years working with the state opera company {…}
Victorian Opera has announced its 2020 season. A new production of Richard Strauss’ “Salome,” directed by Cameron Menzies, will be staged at Palais Theatre, St. Kilda. The cast will include soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė, tenor Ian Storey, contralto Liane Keegan, bass-baritone Daniel Sumegi, and tenor James Egglestone. Artistic Director Richard Mills will conduct Orchestra Victoria. “‘Salome’ offers a theatrical experience which {…}
The Victorian Opera is introducing students to the world of opera through Access All Areas: Livestream Program for its Education production of “Alice Through The Opera Glass.” The program is set up as a series of 45-minute workshops that showcase different aspects of how the opera world works, including different voice types, characters and story, costumes and sets, languages in {…}
The Victorian Opera has announced that Elizabeth Hill-Cooper will be the company’s new CEO. She has been Acting CEO for the past six months, working with the Artistic Director, company staff, and the major stakeholder such as Creative Victoria and the Australia Council. She joined the organization as the Artistic Administrator in 2012 and was then promoted to Executive Producer {…}