Tag: puccini

A rare Puccini opera production of Il Trittico in Sydney

Puccini il Trittico

Opera Australia is poised to make operatic history next month with the world premiere of a groundbreaking new production of Puccini’s renowned but seldom performed trilogy, Il Trittico. This remarkable staging, commissioned by OA’s Artistic Director Jo Davies, will feature three of Australia’s most promising young directors – Constantine Costi, Imara Savage, and Shaun Rennie – each bringing their unique vision to one of the operas in the triptych. Il Trittico, a powerful collection of one-act verismo operas, offers a diverse experience that ranges from heart-wrenching tragedy to uproarious comedy, all within a single evening. This event marks the first occasion globally where a main stage production of Il Trittico is crafted by three individual directors, underlining the inventive spirit of this production. “We are incredibly excited to have these three extraordinary Australian directors animating Puccini’s magnum opus,” said Ms Davies. “This production tackles significant themes with resonant contemporary relevance, from the deep sorrow of losing a loved one to the intricacies of familial and financial entanglements. The genius of Puccini’s storytelling remains as poignant today as it was a century ago, reflecting our enduring human experiences and inspiring audiences to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope.” Constantine Costi will helm Il tabarro, a tale of tense love set on a gritty barge, brought to life by Australian baritone Simon Meadows, soprano Olivia Cranwell, and tenor Viktor Antipenko in his Australian debut. Imara Savage directs the melancholic Suor Angelica, featuring soprano Lauren Fagan as the grieving nun in a convent garden, with OA chorister… Read More

Opera Australia presents a thrilling tribute to Puccini’s legacy

Puccini Tosca Opera Australia

Embark on a musical odyssey as Opera Australia honours the 100th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s legacy with a spectacular production of Tosca at the iconic Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. From the 25th of June to the 16th of August 2024, immerse yourself in the timeless allure of this Italian masterpiece reimagined for modern audiences. Prepare to be captivated by the enthralling tale of Tosca, a riveting opera that weaves a tapestry of love, passion, jealousy, and betrayal over a heart-pounding 24-hour timeline. Directed by the acclaimed Edward Dick, this five-star production promises an electrifying experience, blending classical elegance with contemporary flair to create a visual and auditory feast for the senses. Step into a world where Renaissance grandeur meets avant-garde sophistication, as set designer Tom Scutt transforms the stage into a mesmerising spectacle beneath a suspended gilded dome adorned with a stunning Renaissance fresco. The performers, dressed in glamorous modern attire by BAFTA-winning costume designer Fotini Dimou, are illuminated by Lee Curran’s stadium-style lighting, creating a mesmerising visual symphony. The talented cast includes the Northern Irish soprano Giselle Allen making her OA debut in the titular role, alongside the brilliant Karah Son, captivating audiences with her rendition of Tosca’s iconic aria ‘Vissi d’arte’. Korean tenor Young Woo Kim and Armenian dramatic baritone Gevorg Hakobyan bring the characters of Cavaradossi and Scarpia to life, with award-winning local baritone Warwick Fyfe adding his exceptional talent to the mix. Guiding the orchestra with finesse and passion, acclaimed maestro Johannes Fritzsch and OA’s Head of Music Tahu… Read More