Opera houses every music lover should visit in the States
Read on to learn more about the best opera houses across America, guaranteed to please any music lover.
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Opera Australia Unveils Majestic 2024 Season
Opera Australia, the nation’s flagship opera company, has revealed a truly captivating programme for its 2024 season. The line-up is a sublime blend of timeless classics and avant-garde performances, poised to offer an opera experience like never before. The season opens grandly with the timeless spectacle of La Traviata, transported into a breathtaking realm with cutting-edge digital staging. This seamless fusion of traditional opera with modern innovation is a testament to Opera Australia’s commitment to bringing opera into the 21st century. The company continues to charm the audience with Puccini’s poignant ‘La Bohème,’ a beloved classic that has been captivating audiences worldwide for more than a century. Mozart’s evergreen masterpiece ‘The Magic Flute’ also makes a glorious return, immersing audiences in a fantastical world filled with enchanting music and whimsical charm. In a bold move, Opera Australia introduces a groundbreaking contemporary piece to the stage. This daring inclusion showcases the company’s continual endeavour to push the boundaries of opera, creating a diverse portfolio that caters to all tastes. Opera Australia’s 2024 season promises a thrilling journey, filled with exquisite performances and daring new productions. It is, without a doubt, a must-attend event for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Secure your tickets now and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of Opera Australia. More info at the Discover 2024 page Image: Samantha Clarke as Violetta in Opera Australia’s 2024 production of La Traviata at the Sydney Opera HousePhoto Credit: Georges Antoni
What to see at Sydney Opera House: the harp played right
Step into the ethereal world of Mary Lattimore, the acclaimed American harpist and composer, as she prepares to grace the iconic Sydney Opera House with her mesmerising debut performance on December 4. Lattimore, a virtuoso of the 47-string Lyon & Healy harp, has been enchanting global audiences for over a decade with her captivating narratives set to music. Her sonic tales, woven with emotional resonance and vivid imagery, are set to come alive in the intimate setting of the Utzon Room. Not just a solo act, this special performance will also feature the talents of guitarist Paul Sukeena, adding another layer of intrigue to an already spellbinding evening. Lattimore’s latest solo album, “Goodbye, Hotel Arkada” (2023), is a testament to her evolving musical journey. This expansive soundscape incorporates not just the harp, but also guitar, keyboard, Theremin, and more. The album features collaborations with Lol Tolhurst of The Cure, Meg Baird, and Rachel Goswell from Slowdive, further broadening its auditory horizons. Beyond her solo work, Lattimore is a sought-after session musician, having collaborated with a diverse range of indie rock and experimental musicians, including Thurston Moore, Sharon Van Etten, Jarvis Cocker, Kurt Vile, and Jeff Zeigler. Her 2020 album, “Silver Ladders,” created in collaboration with Slowdive’s Neil Halstead, saw her ambient harp paired with richly textured arrangements. Ever since embarking on her solo career in 2012, Lattimore has been crafting intricate stories through her music, inviting listeners to embark on an immersive journey with her. This intimate connection between artist and audience is so captivating… Read More
Ludovico Einaudi: Classical Brilliance Echoing in the Sydney Opera House
Italian maestro Ludovico Einaudi, renowned globally for his signature blend of neo-classical, pop, ambient, and experimental music, is set to grace the stage of the Sydney Opera House from 2 – 5 February. The Concert Hall, now boasting revitalised sonic surroundings, will hear the exquisite notes of Einaudi’s piano, a decade after he made his Australian debut on the same stage. Audiences can expect an immersive experience as Einaudi, the world’s most streamed classical music artist, presents music from his 2022 album, ‘Underwater’, alongside timeless classics from his extensive 40-year career. The performances will feature Einaudi’s distinguished blend of piano, violin, viola, cello, electronics, and percussion, weaving a rich tapestry of sound that is an exploration of genre and form. The composer’s affinity with the Sydney Opera House is palpable, with Einaudi stating, “It is my great pleasure to return to the Sydney Opera House for four concerts. It is one of my favourite iconic places where I love to perform. Its last passionate and warm audience response still resonates in my heart.” Einaudi’s extraordinary career, spanning multi-million-selling albums; critically acclaimed film and television scores including the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning films, The Intouchables, Nomadland and The Father; and a haunting iceberg performance in the Arctic Ocean for Greenpeace, testifies to his versatility as a composer. His recent success on TikTok, where his 2013 track ‘Experience’ gained over 15 billion views and inspired 7 million video creations, has introduced a new generation to his moving compositions. Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall,… Read More
Best Sydney cakes: celebrate Sydney opera House’s birthday
From the heart of France, known globally for its patisserie wonders, a culinary maestro named Vincent Gadan made his mark on the world. A tale of passion, perfection, and unparalleled craftsmanship, his 35-year culinary journey started in France, where he bagged major culinary prizes and admiration. His skilful handling of the intricacies of pastry-making while working in prestigious Michelin-starred and hatted restaurants quickly established him as the crème de la crème in the realm of pastry. In 1993, a new chapter beckoned in Vincent’s illustrious career. Driven by an insatiable desire to further his craft and explore new horizons, he ventured to Australia, an arrival that proved to be a boon to the Australian gastronomic scene. His presence, felt in iconic establishments such as Bennelong at the Opera House and Pâtisse, raised the bar for pastries, setting a new gold standard. The Australian media were quick to broadcast Chef Vincent’s impeccable skills nationwide, with appearances on hit shows like Masterchef Australia, Sunrise Channel 7, Mornings with Kerry Anne, ‘Fresh’ Channel 9, and French Food Safari on SBS. His culinary wisdom also found its way to the bookshelves, with a range of well-received cookbooks that have become a staple for budding chefs and dessert enthusiasts. Today, the magic continues at Bottega Coco, where Vincent’s pastries take centre stage amongst a myriad of culinary delights. As the Head Pastry Chef, Vincent brings his illustrious legacy to the table, including the mastery he exhibited as the former Head Pastry Chef at Bistro Moncur and the genius behind Rami… Read More
Get a taste of Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle without committing to the whole thing
In an exciting turn of events, Opera Australia has started selling individual tickets for each opera in the Brisbane Ring Cycle. This gives audiences a chance to experience the magic of Wagner’s epic masterpiece without the necessity of committing to the full 15-hour performance. You can now purchase tickets for each of the individual operas that collectively make up Der Ring des Nibelungen or the Ring Cycle. This new production is exclusive to Brisbane and will premiere at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on Friday, December 1, 2023. Previously, tickets were only available as complete packages of all four operas. This new ticketing approach allows you to attend one or more performances, rather than requiring a week-long commitment for the entire Cycle. Each of the four operas – Gods, Giants, Dragons, and Dwarves – are extraordinary works in their own right, filled with fantastical tales and mystical forces. They each stand as pinnacles of the artform, but when combined, they create one of the greatest artistic masterpieces of all time. The Ring Cycle is presented in partnership with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, and in collaboration with Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Queensland and Dancenorth. This event features the best of Queensland’s brilliant musical and performing talent. Die-hard Ring fans from around the world are set to converge on Brisbane to experience this brand-new, fully digital production. The availability of single tickets will now offer new audiences easier access to this cutting-edge version of one of the most significant… Read More
Why choose a career in security operations?
People choose to work in security for a variety of reasons. Security officers contribute to preserving the safety and security of people, property, and equipment. You may determine if this profession fits your abilities, experience, and career objectives by considering the advantages and motivations of being a security guard. Here are the top five justifications for choosing a career as a security guard. Flexibility Numerous security guard occupations allow for working multiple shifts, on weekends, and part-time. You can find jobs in this way that fit your ambitions and current way of life. Your ability to adjust your schedule can aid in maintaining a positive work-life balance. Career diversity For those interested in working as security guards, numerous job options are available, including roles in both indoor and outdoor settings, such as amusement parks and workplaces. For instance, the knowledge and abilities from Certificate II Security Operations enable you to work in the following areas: · Major events · Hotels · Casinos · Aviation · Nightclubs · Monitoring · Guarding · Cash-in-transit etc. There is a security guard position to suit practically every personality type because they come in various sizes and shapes. Do you enjoy working at a desk the most? Several security positions’ primary responsibilities involve monitoring security cameras or managing access to specific sites. Or are you a social person who enjoys interacting with others? If so, there are security guard positions that will regularly put you in contact with the general population. Employment is sustainable Over the next few decades, new… Read More
Opera Australia hits the road with razor sharp production of The Barber of Seville
Opera Australia is taking one of the most beloved operas of all time, The Barber of Seville, on tour once again for the 27th annual National Tour. This year’s production, directed by award-winning director Priscilla Jackman, boasts a fresh new take on the classic masterpiece, featuring updated characters and set in the Victorian town of Seville and the nearby Yarra Valley wine region. The cast is composed of some of Opera Australia’s finest musicians and singers, including the talented sopranos Esther Song and Cathy-Di Zhang who will share the role of Rosina, and tenor Shanul Sharma, who recently dazzled audiences as Gandhi in Philip Glass’ Satyagraha at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. Christian Haotian Qi and Andrew Williams will share the iconic role of Figaro, The Barber of Seville. The two-month tour will travel over 14,000 kilometres across five states and territories, visiting 15 metropolitan and regional theatres in New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Victoria. For the first time, the tour will visit the towns of Goulburn (NSW) and Cleveland (QLD), while making a welcome return to Cairns, Katherine, Alice Springs, Kalgoorlie, and Albany. Opera Australia continues its commitment to take opera out of major cities and into regional areas, with Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, stating that this is an essential part of the company’s annual program. The Regional Children’s Chorus program, under the direction of Children’s Chorus Master Jonathon Bam, is one of the many outreach programs that Opera Australia engages in with local communities at each location the tour… Read More
What to expect from the new season by Opera Australia
Mark your calendars for Opera Australia’s much-awaited 2024 Sydney Summer Season, brought to you by the talented guest Creative Director Lindy Hume. Get ready to experience five Sydney Opera House premieres that will leave you awestruck! This season will showcase the virtuosity of Australian talent both on and off the stage, featuring a premier selection of international guest artists. Opera Australia celebrates the potency of opera in contemporary storytelling through this carefully curated selection of operas. Inspired by the European Enlightenment Era, this season features four operas written in the 18th century. Lindy Hume, the mastermind behind this program, says the season is filled with extraordinary music, deep contemplation, and brimming with optimism for the future. With an emphasis on collaboration, this season includes milestone partnerships with Victorian Opera, Pinchgut Opera, Circa, and Opera Queensland, plus a welcome return to the Sydney Festival program. This celebratory season captures how versatile and dynamic the artform can be. Opera Australia’s CEO, Fiona Allan, explained that Lindy Hume was the perfect choice to create an interim Sydney Summer program for OA. Her season is tremendously refreshing, filled with exciting works showcasing a great breadth of artistic talent from all across Australia and around the world. Audiences will be presented with some of Australia’s brightest local and returning talent, including directors Sarah Giles and Yaron Lifschitz, conductor Jessica Cottis, and singers Samantha Clarke, Caitlin Hulcup, Michael Smallwood, Helen Sherman, and New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes. Join us for the debut of Kate Gaul’s fantastical and eclectic new production of… Read More
Verdi’s Rigoletto is back at Sydney Opera House
Opera Australia is proud to present Verdi’s beloved opera, Rigoletto, at the Joan Sutherland Theatre from June 13-26, 2023. Regarded by the composer himself as his finest work, Rigoletto features captivating melodies, a gripping plot, and complex characters that explore themes that remain relevant today. The story follows a tale of love and revenge, examining the corrupt nature of power and wealth within society. Verdi’s score includes some of the most renowned operatic tunes, such as “La donna è mobile” and “Bella figlia dell’ amore”, which have achieved worldwide recognition, appearing in popular culture from pasta adverts to blockbuster movies. Leading the cast is rising Italian baritone, Ernesto Petti, making his Australian and role debut as the vengeful Rigoletto, alongside Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume, who will sing the role of Gilda. Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan will reprise his role as the Duke of Mantua, while Roberto Scandiuzzi, one of the world’s most prominent basses, will portray the ruthless Sparafucile, as well as performing in Aida this winter. Renowned Italian maestro Renato Palumbo will conduct the Opera Australia Orchestra, and Elijah Moshinsky’s glamorous production is inspired by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, featuring a revolving two-storey dollhouse set, 1950s-inspired costumes, and a charming Fiat 500. Rigoletto is one of Opera Australia’s most popular and enduring productions, featuring magnificent sets, exciting performances, and Verdi’s sensational score that continues to captivate audiences.