Set in 16th Century Nuremburg, the story explores the annual song competition and rivalries of the Guilds that controlled the city. Pogner, the goldsmith, will give his daughter’s hand in marriage to the winner of the song contest, Walther von Stolzing wishes to take part but fails to understand the archaic rules and regulations that surround the entrants. He is, of course, already in love with Eva. Hans Sachs, the shoemaker, schools him in the requirements and encourages the newcomer to share his ideas. This brings us to Wagner’s main theme, what is art and how do we define it?
The Pearl Fishers is a remarkable opera. Written by Georges Bizet when he was 24 years old, it has freshness and a feel of other worldliness.
From 1 to 5 July 2015, the Accompanists’ Guild of SA will welcome back Malcolm Martineau to Adelaide.
This modernised interpretation of Otello, composed by Giuseppe Verdi & librettist Arrigo Boito, mimics, but does not strictly follow the Shakespearean tragedy on which it’s based.
The innovative theatre company, Slingsby, has joined forces with State Opera to create a “family opera”, based on the nonsense poetry of Edward Lear.
This is definitely a work that should be in every opera lover’s diary this week. This production is filled with superb performances, from the principals through to every member of the chorus.
State Opera have found a winning approach to Offenbach’s operetta that is sure to win friends and influence people, but be prepared for aching ribs, because this production will have you laughing your head off. You might just want to see it twice.
This is another in the highly successful Broadway Junior series, featuring a large cast of up and coming young performers. This is definitely a top flight family show.
This was another very fine night of opera from our State Opera company, but you might need to be very quick if you still want to get tickets, if opening night’s full house was anything to judge by.
Cherie Boogaart becomes a host of different women in many different situations. This was a master class for singers, and a magical hour for all in attendance.
A very important thing to be emphasised about this production is that it is perfect for everybody, no matter whether very young or the very opposite. There is something here for everybody, so do yourself a favour and get a ticket before they all go.
Ms Elizabeth Raupach OAM, Chair of The State Opera, today announced the appointment of Timothy Sexton as the new Head of the State Opera of SA. The role encompasses the responsibilities of both Artistic Director and CEO.
Patrick Lim, his cast, his production team and his crew have worked very hard and creatively and thoroughly deserve all of the success that they have had with this excellent production.
This was a concert that had something for everybody with music from the heavyweights of opera, such as Verdi, Puccini and Wagner, through the darkness and complexity of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, to the fun of The Mikado and on to the jazz influenced works of Gershwin and Bernstein.
This is an excellent effort from all concerned and deserves full houses, but it only has a few performances, so book quickly.