VICTORIAN OPERA LAUNCHES SEASON 2018 ENCOUNTERS

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2 VICTORIAN OPERA LAUNCHES SEASON 2018 ENCOUNTERS From roaring adventure to seductive siren songs, family classics to never-ending fun, Victorian Opera s Season 2018 Encounters boasts epic Australian premieres and new unlimited Season Passes for audiences aged 30 years and under. Victorian Opera s Season 2018 brings together sublime music with stories of destiny and desire. Celebrating his sixth season at the helm of the company, Victorian Opera s Artistic Director Richard Mills AM reflects on Season 2018: The theatre is a special meeting place where not only audiences and performers but also past and present meet through the rendering of a masterwork. I want to offer audiences a point of difference, the joy of discovery and a chance to encounter something marvellous. One hundred and eighty-nine years after its Paris Opera debut, Rossini s final opera William Tell (Guillaume Tell), famed for its iconic overture, receives its Australian premiere season from July at Palais Theatre, St Kilda. Director Rodula Gaitanou (Royal Opera House, Opera Holland Park) tackles Tell with grit and grandeur in a thrilling new production. Canadian baritone Jean-François Lapointe brings his legendary interpretation of the title role to Melbourne. He is joined by Italian bass Paolo Pecchioli and audience favourites Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Carlos E. Bárcenas, Liane Keegan and Jeremy Kleeman. Victorian Opera is thrilled to present the Australian premiere of Rossini s epic his finest opera. This is a logical extension of Victorian Opera s expertise in and involvement with bel canto repertoire that has been established through our performances of Bellini and Donizetti, said Mills.

3 Following Norma, I Puritani and La Sonnambula, The Capulets and the Montagues (I Capuleti e i Montecchi) marks the finale of Victorian Opera s Bellini concert series on 14 September at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall. The rarely-heard masterpiece draws two of Australia s finest singers home as Romeo and Juliet; internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Caitlin Hulcup and superstar soprano Jessica Pratt. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra travels to Melbourne for the concert conducted by Richard Mills. Mills continued: We re excited by the opportunity to work with mezzo-soprano Caitlin Hulcup and welcome the return of our dear friend Jessica Pratt, a European superstar, for this performance with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Claude Debussy s hauntingly beautiful Pelleas and Melisande (Pelléas et Mélisande) returns to Melbourne after a long absence from the city s stages. The opera will have two performances only on 11 and 13 October at Palais Theatre, St Kilda. Victorian Opera s Artistic Associate and Executive Producer Elizabeth Hill directs the opera with set and costume design by current Victorian Opera Developing Artist Candice MacAllister. Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg makes her role debut as Melisande alongside celebrated tenor, and veteran Pelleas, Angus Wood is the 100 th anniversary of Debussy s death and this, his only major opera, is a unique gem. It is not often performed and unlike any other opera in the repertoire. It is the perfect vehicle to bring home Siobhan Stagg and Angus Wood; both absolutely ideal for their roles, said Mills. Victorian Opera celebrates its 20 th new work with the world premiere of Lorelei from 3-10 November at Merlyn Theatre, The Coopers Malthouse. Ancient myth meets modern woman in the new production directed by Sarah Giles and composed by Julian Langdon, Casey Bennetto and Gillian Cosgriff. Our commitment to new work is highlighted with the premiere of this opera/cabaret by Julian Langdon, Casey Bennetto and Gillian Cosgriff. It promises to be a hypnotic production bolstered by our enchanting cast of sirens, Mills noted. Adored Australian divas Ali McGregor, Antoinette Halloran and Dimity Shepherd await audiences at the rock for an intoxicating encounter. Children and families will delight in the return of two beloved productions, The Magic Pudding The Opera and Hansel and Gretel. Norman Lindsay s classic storybook The Magic Pudding celebrates its 100 th birthday in 2018, the perfect opportunity to restage Calvin Bowman and Anna Goldsworthy s much-loved adaptation. It will be performed at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse from March before a regional Victorian tour. Engelbert Humperdinck s timeless fairy tale opera Hansel and Gretel will be performed as part of Victorian Opera s Education Program and staged at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse on Saturday 9 June.

4 In 2018, Victorian Opera launches a new initiative for opera diehards aged 30 years and under. The company is releasing an unlimited Season Pass for $100. Season Pass holders will receive unlimited access to the entire 2018 season (Terms and Conditions apply). With only 25 Season Passes available for purchase, eligible audiences are encouraged to be quick! Victorian Opera s Season 2018 subscriptions are on sale from 7:30pm on Wednesday 27 September and offer significant savings. Single tickets go on sale from Monday 30 October. For more details on all productions and packages, visit victorianopera.com.au or phone Victorian Opera s Season 2018 Calendar The Magic Pudding The Opera 15, 16 March, 6:30pm 17 March, 1pm and 5pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse Hansel and Gretel 9 June, 11am, 2pm and 5pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse William Tell 14, 17, 19 July, 7:30pm Palais Theatre, St Kilda The Capulets and the Montagues 14 September, 7:30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Pelleas and Melisande 11, 13 October, 7:30pm Palais Theatre, St Kilda Lorelei 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 November, 7:30pm 10 November, 1pm and 7:30pm Merlyn Theatre, The Coopers Malthouse

5 WILLIAM TELL One hundred and eighty-nine years after its Paris Opera debut, Rossini s final opera William Tell (Guillaume Tell), famed for its iconic overture, receives its Australian premiere season from July at Palais Theatre, St Kilda. Director Rodula Gaitanou (Royal Opera House, Opera Holland Park) tackles Tell with grit and grandeur in a thrilling new production. Canadian baritone Jean-François Lapointe brings his renowned interpretation of the title role to Melbourne. He is joined by Italian bass Paolo Pecchioli and audience favourites Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Carlos E. Bárcenas, Liane Keegan and Jeremy Kleeman. The legendary tale of the sharp-shooting hero on a quest for freedom makes for grand opera: a struggle for liberty against oppression, and the courage that victory demands. Be part of history and join Victorian Opera for the Australian premiere of Rossini s William Tell! Composer Librettists Conductor Director Set & Lighting Design Costume Design Guillaume Tell: Arnold Melcthal: Walter Furst: Melcthal: Jemmy: Gesler: Rodolphe: Ruodi: Mathilde: Hedwige: Orchestra Victoria Gioachino Rossini V.J. Etienne de Jouy and H.L.F. Bis Richard Mills Rodula Gaitanou Simon Corder Esther Marie Hayes Jean-François Lapointe Carlos E. Bárcenas Jeremy Kleeman Teddy Tahu Rhodes Alexandra Flood Paolo Pecchioli Paul Biencourt Timothy Reynolds Gisela Stille Liane Keegan Victorian Opera is thrilled to present the Australian premiere of Rossini s epic his finest opera. This is a logical extension of Victorian Opera s expertise in and involvement with bel canto repertoire that has been established through our performances of Bellini and Donizetti. Richard Mills, Artistic Director Season Dates 14, 17, 19 July, 7:30pm Palais Theatre, St Kilda

6 THE CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES Following Norma, I Puritani and La Sonnambula, The Capulets and the Montagues (I Capuleti e i Montecchi) marks the finale of Victorian Opera s Bellini concert series on 14 September at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall. The rarely-heard masterpiece draws two of Australia s finest singers home as Romeo and Juliet; internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Caitlin Hulcup (Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerisches Staatsoper) and superstar soprano Jessica Pratt (The Met, La Scala). A cast of Australia s finest singers join both women on stage, including Teddy Tahu Rhodes, David Parkin and Carlos E. Bárcenas. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) travels to Melbourne for the concert conducted by Richard Mills. Experience the exhilaration as pure electricity fills Hamer Hall for one night only. Composer Librettist Conductor Tebaldo Capellio Lorenzo Romeo Giulietta Vincenzo Bellini Felice Romani Richard Mills Carlos E. Bárcenas David Parkin Teddy Tahu Rhodes Caitlin Hulcup Jessica Pratt Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Season Dates 14 September, 7:30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall We re excited by the opportunity to work with mezzo-soprano Caitlin Hulcup and welcome the return of our dear friend Jessica Pratt, a European superstar, for this performance with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. - Richard Mills, Artistic Director

7 PELLEAS AND MELISANDE Claude Debussy s hauntingly beautiful Pelleas and Melisande (Pelléas et Mélisande) returns to Melbourne after a long absence from the city s stages. The opera will have two performances only on 11 and 13 October at Palais Theatre, St Kilda. When Golaud finds Melisande in the woods, alone and with a mysterious past, he claims her as his wife. After she meets his brother Pelleas, however, a secret love simmers between them while Golaud s suspicions deepen. A family slowly corrodes as their tragic fates inevitably take hold. Following her recent successes in Europe, Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg (Royal Opera House, Deutsche Oper Berlin) makes her role debut as Melisande alongside celebrated tenor, and veteran Pelleas, Angus Wood. Victorian Opera s Artistic Associate and Executive Producer Elizabeth Hill directs the opera with set and costume design by current Victorian Opera Developing Artist Candice MacAllister. Composer Librettist Conductor Director Set & Costume Design Lighting Design Golaud Pelleas Arkel Melisande Genevieve Doctor Yniold Shepherd ANAM Orchestra Claude Debussy Maurice Maeterlinck Richard Mills Elizabeth Hill Candice MacAllister Joseph Mercurio Samuel Dundas Angus Wood David Parkin Siobhan Stagg Liane Keegan Timothy Newton Sophia Wasley Stephen Marsh 2018 is the 100 th anniversary of Debussy s death and this, his only major opera, is a unique gem. It is not often performed and unlike any other opera in the repertoire. It is the perfect vehicle to bring home Siobhan Stagg and Angus Wood; both absolutely ideal for their roles. - Richard Mills, Artistic Director Season Dates 11 & 13 October, 7:30pm Palais Theatre, St Kilda

8 LORELEI Victorian Opera celebrates its 20 th new work with the world premiere season of Lorelei from 3-10 November at Merlyn Theatre, The Coopers Malthouse. Lorelei is a take-no-prisoners, smash-them-on-the-rocks wild woman; a romantic, compassionate, trusting woman; a sensible, rational woman. A present-day enchantress, her past is heartbreak and future promises haunting self-discovery. Ancient myth meets modern woman in the new production directed by Sarah Giles and composed by Julian Langdon, Casey Bennetto (Keating!) and Gillian Cosgriff. This siren song finds strength in numbers with a trio of talent so alluring, it s impossible to resist. Ali McGregor, Antoinette Halloran and Dimity Shepherd await you at the rock for an intoxicating encounter with love and death: part cabaret, part opera, all seduction. Our commitment to new work is highlighted with the premiere of this opera/cabaret by Julian Langdon, Casey Bennetto and Gillian Cosgriff. It promises to be a hypnotic production bolstered by our enchanting cast of sirens. - Richard Mills, Artistic Director Composers Librettists Conductor Director Set & Costume Design Lighting Design Lorelei 1 Lorelei 2 Lorelei 3 Julian Langdon, Casey Bennetto and Gillian Cosgriff Casey Bennetto and Gillian Cosgriff Phoebe Briggs Sarah Giles Marg Horwell Paul Jackson Ali McGregor Dimity Shepherd Antoinette Halloran Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra Season Dates 3, 7, 8, 9 Nov, 7:30pm 10 Nov, 1pm & 7:30pm Merlyn Theatre, The Coopers Malthouse

9 THE MAGIC PUDDING THE OPERA Norman Lindsay s classic storybook The Magic Pudding celebrates its 100 th birthday in 2018, the perfect opportunity to restage Calvin Bowman and Anna Goldsworthy s much-loved adaptation. The Magic Pudding The Opera will be performed from March at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse before embarking on a regional Victorian tour. Directed by Cameron Menzies (Seven Deadly Sins, Lucia di Lammermoor), Victorian Opera s 2018 production unites much of the original cast; winners of the 2014 Green Room Award for Best Ensemble (Opera). The cast will be supported by youth artists and a community chorus in each regional centre. Composer Librettist Conductor Director Set & Costume Design Lighting Design Bunyip Bluegum Bill Barnacle Sam Sawnoff Albert the Pudding Judge Calvin Bowman Anna Goldsworthy Fabian Russell Cameron Menzies Chloe Greaves Peter Darby Nathan Lay Timothy Reynolds Brenton Spiteri Jeremy Kleeman Carlos E. Bárcenas Featuring deliciously playful costumes and a measure of musical magic, discover the perfect recipe for a delightful family opera. Join Victorian Opera in 2018 to celebrate this true-blue Australian classic! 2018 marks the centenary of this Australian classic. Reimagined for the stage by Anna Goldsworthy and Calvin Bowman, this medium admirably suits the zany improbabilities of the story. The adventures of Albert the pudding, Bunyip, Bill and Sam is the stuff of legend with an enduring capacity to delight the young and also the young at heart. Richard Mills, Artistic Director Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra Season Dates 15, 16 March, 6:30pm 17 March, 1pm and 5pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

10 HANSEL AND GRETEL Victorian Opera s beloved production of timeless fairy tale opera Hansel and Gretel will be performed on Saturday 9 June at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse. Presented as part of the company s Education Program, both schoolchildren and families will experience the wonder and excitement of Victorian Opera's production, though must beware when entering the woods where the Evil One lurks. The familiarity of the fairy tale in this greatly entertaining production makes it perfect for young people to discover opera for the first time. Staged with enchanting sets and costumes, this treasured story is lifted from the page to the stage in a beloved operatic rendition by composer Engelbert Humperdinck. The 50-minute production will be sung in its original German language with English scene descriptors. A fairy tale opera that is much more than a fairy tale. Humperdinck s music has passed the collective imagination of Europe it evokes the absolutes of childhood with a special power. Richard Mills, Artistic Director Composer Librettist Director Set & Costume Design Lighting Design Hansel Gretel The Witch Father/Angel/Child Dew Fairy Engelbert Humperdinck Adelheld Wette Elizabeth Hill Ross Hall Peter Darby Shakira Dugan Cleo Lee-McGowan Tomas Dalton Stephen Marsh Michelle McCarthy Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra Season Dates 9 June, 11am, 2pm, 5pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

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