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Two operatic masterpieces announced for State Opera 2021 finale

Following an incredibly popular run of Sweeney Todd, the State Opera has announced their full program for the final part of their 2021 season, including popular favourite The Barber of Seville.

Image: State Opera South Australia.

Following an incredibly popular run of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the State Opera has announced the final performances of its 2021 program, sure to delight and entertain audiences, both opera-lovers and those new to the medium. 

State Opera South Australia has announced that The Turn of Screw, The Barber of Seville and Teddy Tahu Rhodes in Concert will join Voss to complete their 2021 season. 

Audiences can prepare to embark on a chilling and horrifying decent into madness with Turn of the Screw, as internationally acclaimed Australian soprano Rachelle Durkin stars as The Governess in Benjamin Britten’s ghostly opera this September. Based on the Henry James gothic novel, it is considered one of the pillars of 20th century opera. 

The Governess and her two young wards are overcome by the terrible and terrifying secrets of a manor house in the English countryside.  Durkin portrays the naïve and principled young woman brought undone by mysterious forces hellbent on her destruction. 

Kanen Breen, one of opera’s most commanding dramatic forces is Peter Quint, her nemesis. The leads are supported by an all-Australian cast including Elizabeth Campbell and Fiona McArdle, under the baton of Anthony Hunt. 

Directed by Maunder, this is a once in a generation experience not to be missed. 

Contrastingly, Rossini’s comic masterpiece The Barber of Seville provides a giddy romp along the path to true love, by way of serenades, ridiculous disguises, and trickery for a light hearted performance that is sure to delight audiences in November. 

Imprisoned by her ghastly guardian, the savvy Rosina is no match for lock and key, especially when the fast-talking, flashy Figaro turns up and promises to help her find the man of her dreams.

This vivid and vivacious production features a dazzling collection of Australia’s opera stars, including Morgan Pearse as Figaro, John Longmuir as the Count, and introducing Natasha Wilson as Rosina. 

Australia’s favourite leading man of the operatic and concert stage, Teddy Tahu Rhodes is set to dazzle audiences in November with his extraordinary voice and presence, performing a selection of favourite arias and songs from shows like; The Barber of Seville to an enchanted evening in the South Pacific, Schubert Lieder to the swagger of Clancy of The Overflow. 

The award-winning baritone will be joined by pianist and conductor Guy Noble culminating in a glorious evening with two of music’s most charming and talented men. 

These three productions are joined by the highly anticipated revival of the celebrated Australian opera, Voss. 

Based on Patrick White’s novel of the same name, this much lauded work is a passion project between State Opera and Victorian Opera and has been many years in the making and is showing for one night only in September. 

Artistic Director Stuart Maunder said his job, first and foremost, was to respond to the world we now find ourselves in and do the best by our audiences and our industry. 

“Isn’t it great that in spite of all the challenges our industry currently faces in this COVID-world, we are able to deliver these absolute masterpieces to South Australian audiences – operas that utilise the very best Australian singers, craftspeople, designers, choruses and orchestras. 

“We are here to put on work. To support and employ talented Australians, and to bring the very best opera possible to South Australia,” Maunder said. 

All four seasons are showing at Her Majesties Theatre and tickets to the first three performances are available now, with Teddy Tahu Rhodes in Concert going on sale next week from Monday 19 July. 

To book your tickets and to find out more visit the State Opera’s website here.

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