2010 Season: Opera Queensland Interview
Written by Johanna Shriver
Opera In Preview
Now that we’ve said good-bye to 2009, it’s time to look ahead to the happenings of 2010. For we opera lovers, it’s time to take a peek at what Opera Queensland is sending our way this season.
First up will be the ever-popular 'L'elisir d'amore' (The Elixir of Love) by Gaetano Donizetti. This comical opera tells the story of a shy young man who is too afraid to tell the local heiress he loves her. Enter a cocky military sergeant and a crazy travelling doctor and you've got all the makings of comic opera at its best. Featuring local tenor Virgilio Marino as the timid man Nemorino, this production will also bring back Brisbane favourites Hye Seoung Kwon as heiress Adina and José Carbó as Sergeant Belacore. Rounding out the cast is John Bolton Wood as the traveling Dr. Dulcamara. It should be an absolute blast!
The second of our operatic trifecta is Franz Lehar's 'The Merry Widow'. This charming operetta tells the story of a young woman widowed by her wealthy husband. The problem is, she is basically the bank that keeps the small country of Pontevedro afloat. The only way the country can stay in the black is to marry her off to a local. Shenanigans ensue when a former suitor arrives, intent on winning the merry widow over. This production will feature popular baritone Jason Barry-Smith as Count Danilo and Antoinette Halloran as the merry widow Hanna Glawari.
Last of the threesome is Verdi's showstopper 'Aida'. This opera tells the story of a enslaved African princess and her love for her Egyptian captor. Life doesn't stop for love though and Aida must answer the age old question - is blood really thicker than water? While there sadly will be no elephant, this opera is a must see for everybody and features Zara Barrett as Princess Aida and Julian Gavin as her captor Radamès.
Opera Queensland has set a nicely balanced programme for the 2010 season and they will be featuring ample Brisbane local talent along the way. There's no better time to introduce yourself to the wide world of opera, and you can support your hometown heroes while doing it! While that doesn't mean your local footy team will be at the opera, you never know who might show up! So grab a mate and head off to QPAC to enjoy.
For more details, head to www.operaqld.org.au
