Maria Stuarda in Concert
OK, first things first. For those of us who are not operatic doyens, “In Concert” means performed as a recital rather than a play. So no Tudor sets. No wigs, crowns or cod-pieces. No banners, scaffold or axe. Rather than…
Tag: Opera Australia
Otello Review
A young woman lies dead at the hands of her new husband in a shocking murder-suicide. Jealousy and domestic violence were issues in Shakespeare’s day, 400 years ago, still present in Verdi’s day, 150 years ago, and are sadly as…
The Marriage of Figaro
My plus one at the opening night of Opera Australia’s current production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro was my husband. He had been wanting to see this particular opera for years. His favourite movie of all time, The Shawshank…
Aida – Operatic Overdrive
If it were at all possible to add more horsepower and octane to Verdi’s tour d’force Aida, Opera Australia’s rendition now playing at the Sydney Opera House has found a way. Director Davide Livermore and Conductor Lorenzo Passerini have risen…
La Traviata on Sydney Harbour – Finally Here!
We were looking forward to it a full year ago. Now, after more anticipation than we could ever have imagined in a pre-Covid world, La Traviata has finally arrived to Sydney Harbour and does not disappoint. It is a spectacle…
Tosca – Best. Opera. Ever.
Best. Opera. Ever. As a reviewer, I’ve seen my fair share of operas. Many of them several times over. So this is a big call. I declare Opera Australia’s new production of Tosca to be the most engaging and powerful…
Psychological Thriller, Opera Style
When invited to attend the opening night of Opera Australia’s latest production, Bluebeard’s Castle, I knew to expect something different and interesting. Even without reading a summary of the story, “early 20th century Hungarian composer” already signals dark and dread….
Review of Verdi’s ‘Ernani’
After nearly a year of forced abstinence, Sydney’s performing arts lovers are enjoying the treat of getting dressed up, meeting friends and going out for a night at the opera more than ever before. Knowing this, Opera Australia have made…
The Merry Widow welcomes you back to the Opera.
After an uncomfortably tranquil year for opera (if you don’t include the singing from balconies), Opera Australia has kindly eased us back into the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House with their light-hearted production of Lehár’s The Merry Widow. …
Review of Attila
We’ve all heard of Attila the Hun, but few even amongst regular opera goers and classical music buffs know that there is an opera bearing his name. I for one am ready to admit that I hadn’t heard of Attila…