victorian opera 2014 season

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2014 Season

TWOCHAPTERVictorian Opera

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Opera is the perfect marriage of words and music, a window on the marvellous. When Victorian Opera audiences look through this extraordinary window, they describe the experience as ‘inspiring, amazing, exhilarating and uplifting’.

CHAPTER TWOWelcome to

under Artistic Director Richard Mills

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Foreword 4

Our World 6

Games of Love and Chance 8

La traviata 10

Hansel and Gretel 12

Into the Woods 14

Norma 16

The Riders 18

The Play of Herod 20

VOyage: Under 30s 22

Behind the Curtain 25

Education 27

Our Partners 28

Support Us 29

Create Your Package 30

How To Subscribe 32

Subscription Form 33

2014 Calendar 35

Contents

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We aspire to be a company unconstrained by narrow definitions of what an opera program “should” be; we are dedicated to presenting work with points of difference in the unique quality of our productions, the nature of our repertoire, our commitment to new work and our re-examination of what is regarded as standard; but most of all, we aspire to create opera for all Victorians.

The repertoire this year finds its origins in significant works of literature; from La Dame aux Camélias by Dumas as the inspiration for La traviata to the operatic adaptation of The Riders by Tim Winton, and even a musical retelling of much-loved fairy tales in Into The Woods. The operatic form lends a unique perspective to literary sources, elevating the inner life and emotional reality in a way that only music can fully accomplish. We cannot put music into words, otherwise there would be no need for music, but opera is the perfect marriage of both, as demonstrated by Norma,

Foreword

2014 / From Artistic Director Richard Mills

which in many ways is the most perfect example of this expressive union.

New work is central to the mission of Victorian Opera, and this year we premiere The Riders, based on Tim Winton’s haunting and sombre novel of the same name, with a wonderful libretto by Alison Croggon and music by Iain Grandage, a Helpmann award-winning composer whose great experience in writing for the theatre bodes well for a fine new piece. We are excited about this collaboration with Malthouse Theatre and to have their artistic leader Marion Potts at the helm of the production as director.

We are proud to present a number of great singers in their Australian debuts. Jessica Pratt, a young Australian soprano now resident in Italy and singing at major opera houses including La Scala, joins us for her role debut as Violetta in La traviata. Jessica has recently been awarded La Siola d’Oro for her work in opera – the last Australian recipient was the late Dame Joan Sutherland. She appears with rising young Italian star tenor Alessandro Scotto di Luzio who is already well known for his performances at Teatro Comunale di Bologna, New Israeli Opera and who makes his La Scala debut next year.

For Norma we are delighted that the distinguished Spanish soprano Saoia Hernández joins us for her Australian debut and we welcome

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tenor Rosario La Spina, Nicole Car – a former Developing Artist with Victorian Opera now on the verge of an international career – and the inspiring Daniel Sumegi for his company debut.

Both La traviata and Norma are given a unique focus in our presentations. La traviata will be the magnificent Svoboda production from the Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini in Jesi, with the inclusion of material from the first version of La traviata originally written for Venice. Norma will be performed in line with the new edition by Riccardo Minasi and Maurizio Biondi – which restores Adalgisa as a soprano and contains, among other things, the extended and magnificent Act One finale Bellini originally wrote.

The literary provenance of our 2014 program finds an interesting and rich resonance in our second Sondheim musical for the Playhouse at Arts Centre Melbourne, Into the Woods, another of his collaborations with James Lapine. This work is a gem of musical theatre, particularly suitable for an opera company. The season will give some splendid opportunities for some of Melbourne’s notable musical theatre performers to appear alongside some of Victorian Opera's veteran singers and young artists. Our youth opera is the 12th century music drama, The Play of Herod, one of the earliest dramatic works of the Christian era. The story relates the traditional story of the journey of the Magi and the slaughter of the holy innocents at the hands of a vile, paranoid and power-crazed ruler.

Our opera for children is Hansel and Gretel, which will feature our emerging artists in a specially adapted production in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne. Then join us to experience Big Sing, an operatic “open house” for some of Melbourne’s unique choirs.

We open our year with Games of Love and Chance, our first venture with Monash University, an exploration of the enduring themes of opera which reflect the joys and sorrows of human life through the prism of poetry and music. We welcome back legendary soprano Lisa Gasteen, joined by special friends and emerging artists to make a memorable evening of operatic favourites.

Bringing our marvellous world to life is possible through the continued support of loyal subscribers and audience members, Arts Victoria, the Robert Salzer Foundation, RACV, our dedicated Board and staff and generous Patrons and partners.

Particular mention must be made of our Artistic Director's Circle for their visionary support; and our Syndicates, who directly contribute to our New Work and Education programs.

Once again we have something for everyone – so on behalf of my team here at Victorian Opera, and our performance partners – please join us in turning the page to a new year and the new adventures that go along with Chapter Two.

- Richard Mills, Artistic Director

From Artistic Director Richard Mills / 2014

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Sharing uplifting moments

OUR WORLD

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"Victorian Opera has a special commitment to enabling the joy of discovery for the community we serve." - Richard Mills

Here at Victorian Opera, our world is made of an art form which takes on many uplifting shapes and colours. A dramatic concert, a breathtaking fully-staged opera, a magical musical, an engaging youth opera...and it doesn’t have to cost the world. In addition to our 2014 Season, we are bringing more opera to Victorians in other exciting ways.

Why not hear some operatic favourites on Australia Day? On Sunday 26 January we give a free performance at the RACV Australia Day Picnic and Foundation Vehicle Display. Plans are also underway for a free performance during White Night Melbourne on Saturday 22 February. There’s even Games of Love & Chance, a special concert presentation on Saturday 29 March with the Monash Academy Orchestra and star soprano Lisa Gasteen.

In 2014 we begin an epic three year project in the western suburbs; a community-based work of opera and modern retelling of Jason and the Argonauts. We also invite young families to participate in a free workshop, in collaboration with ArtPlay (City of Melbourne) to help us create When Moon Dust Falls, a special opera for 3-8 year olds inspired by the magic of falling asleep. 2014 marks the creation of our new youth ensemble VOYCE, developing young singers in the art form, and our very first Big Sing, featuring some of Melbourne’s unique community choirs and Orchestra Victoria in a night of opera’s great choruses.

To be the first to hear more about these special performances and programs, visit victorianopera.com.au/contact and sign up to our mailing lists, or go to page 25 and find other exciting ways to connect with us.

Opera for the Community / OUR WORLD

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Victorian Opera at Monash

GAMES OFLOVE & CHANCE29 March 2014

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Love pushes people to extremes. Desperate lovers will risk everything but sometimes fate conspires against them and these games of love and chance end in tragedy. On the extraordinary stage of opera, the story of love and other great operatic themes take on moments of pure drama and breathtaking power.

Experience a glorious tribute to the operatic voice devised and conducted by Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Richard Mills, featuring the Australian great Lisa Gasteen. Having performed at the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Lisa returns to the company after her acclaimed performance in 2013 for Victorian Opera’s Opera on a White Night.

Lisa will be joined by the formidable voices of Roxane Hislop, Douglas McNicol and Carlos E. Bárcenas, and the Monash Academy Orchestra in their first performance with Victorian Opera.

This special performance is only available for sale from the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts Box Office from Monday 2 December 2013 (details on page 35).

Conductor Richard Mills

GUEST ARTISTS Lisa Gasteen Roxane Hislop Douglas McNicol Carlos E. Bárcenas

Monash Academy Orchestra

VEnUE Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University

DATE Saturday 29 March, 7.30pm

Games of Love and Chance is presented by Victorian Opera and Monash University Academy of Performing Arts.

"Lisa Gasteen is an artist who has performed at some of the most famous venues in the world… in the tradition of great Australian singers like Melba, Marjorie Lawrence and Sylvia Fisher." - Richard Mills

Concert Performance / GAMES OF LOVE AND CHANCE

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LA TRAVIATAA fallen woman, a doomed affair

Giuseppe Verdi

17-29 May 2014

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Victorian Opera is proud to present the Australian premiere and exclusive Melbourne season of this production of La traviata by Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini (Italy).

From legendary European designer Josef Svoboda, comes a towering vision of Verdi’s famous opera, dubbed the ‘Traviata of the mirrors’. At the heart of this iconic production is a giant mirror suspended above the stage, offering up a decadent reflection of 19th century Europe. Through this extraordinary window, the audience gazes into the life of the ‘fallen woman’.

Violetta Valéry is a celebrated courtesan, a free spirit floating through a world of endless parties and eternal adoration. But death is knocking at her door, and when the possibility of romance appears in the shape of young Alfredo, she must choose between her desire for high society and her longing for love.

Australian singing revelation Jessica Pratt brings to life the tragic figure of Violetta, a role often considered the pinnacle of soprano repertoire. Having won the coveted La Siola d’Oro award in 2012, an award previously won by Dame Joan Sutherland, she joins Victorian Opera for her highly anticipated Australian debut.

Conductor Richard Mills Director & Lighting Designer Henning Brockhaus Set Designer Josef Svoboda Costume Designer Giancarlo Colis Set Designer for New Adaption Benito Leonori Assistant Director/Choreographer Valentina Escobar

CAST Violetta Valéry Jessica Pratt Alfredo Germont Alessandro Scotto di Luzio Giorgi Germont José Carbó Flora Bervoix Dimity Shepherd Gastone de Letorières Carlos E. Bárcenas Baron Douphol Nathan Lay Marchese d’Obigny Jeremy Kleeman Doctor Grenvil Jerzy Kozlowski

Victorian Opera Chorus Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra

VEnUE Her Majesty’s Theatre

DATES Saturday 17 May, 7.30pm Tuesday 20 May, 7.30pm Thursday 22 May, 7.30pm Saturday 24 May, 7.30pm* Tuesday 27 May, 7.30pm Thursday 29 May, 7.30pm

Sung in Italian with English surtitles 2 hours and 10 minutes with one interval *Audio Described performance

La traviata is presented by Victorian Opera in association with Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini.

"A breathtaking production, designed by one of the most influential stage designers of the 20th century whose work has never been seen live in Australia until now." – Richard Mills

International Production - Australian Premiere / LA TRAVIATA

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A fairytale opera

HANSEL& GRETEL21 June 2014

Engelbert Humperdinck

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Filled with mischief, magic and beautiful music, this specially abridged version of Engelbert Humperdinck’s masterpiece Hansel and Gretel, is the perfect introduction for young audiences to an enchanting world of opera.

Hansel and Gretel, the mischievous children of a poor broom maker, are sent into the forest to pick berries. That night they lose their way, and encounter the mysterious Sandman and the magical Dew Fairy. The next morning they discover a gingerbread house and its unpleasant owner, a wicked witch who eats children.

From the hymn-like beauty of the Evening Prayer to the energetic Dance Duet, this operatic retelling of the iconic Brothers Grimm tale is vividly brought to life by Victorian Opera in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne. Following last year’s sell-out public performances of Puss in Boots on subscription, Victorian Opera subscribers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Featuring opera’s bright young things, the students of the Master of Music (Opera Performance), a collaboration between Victorian Opera and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne.

"This opera is magic, the work of a master composer. A story of good and evil, darkness and light, that will capture the imaginations of the young and young at heart." – Richard Mills

Conductor Fabian Russell

CAST Master of Music (Opera Performance) students

VEnUE Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio

DATES Saturday 21 June, 11.30am*, 2.30pm & 5.00pm

Sung in German with English surtitles 1 hour with no interval *Audio Described performance

Hansel and Gretel is presented by Victorian Opera and Arts Centre Melbourne.

Family Performance / HANSEL AND GRETEL

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INTO THE WOODS

19-26 July 2014

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine by arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY)

Music and lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by JAMES LAPINE

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From the creators of Sunday in the Park with George comes Into the Woods; a darkly enchanting story about life after the ‘happily ever after’. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine reimagine the magical world of fairy tales in this much-loved musical which explores the consequences of wishes and the inevitable questions of growing up.

The classic stories of Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel collide with the lives of a childless baker and his wife, who travel ‘into the woods’ to lift a witch's curse. But what appears to be a happy ending for each character soon unravels as a lady giant wronged by Jack wreaks havoc.

Into the Woods follows on from Victorian Opera’s acclaimed performance of Sunday in the Park with George, directed by Stuart Maunder, who returns to lead this brand new production. Join an exciting mix of opera and musical theatre talents as they bring new colour and voice to this unforgettable Tony award-winning musical.

"A gem of a fairy tale with a soundscape of soaring melodies, shimmering colours and extraordinarily witty and moving lyrics." – Richard Mills

Musical Director Benjamin Northey Associate Musical Director Phoebe Briggs Director Stuart Maunder Set Designer Adam Gardnir Costume Designer Harriet Oxley Lighting Designer Philip Lethlean Sound Designer Jim Atkins

CAST With an ensemble cast including Olivia Cranwell, Antoinette Halloran, Jeremy Kleeman, Noni McCallum, Matthew McFarlane, Lucy Maunder, Christina O’Neill

Orchestra Victoria

VEnUE Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

DATES Saturday 19 July, 7.30pm Tuesday 22 July, 7.30pm Wednesday 23 July, 1.00pm* & 7.30pm Thursday 24 July, 7.30pm Friday 25 July, 7.30pm Saturday 26 July, 1.00pm & 7.30pm

2 hours and 50 minutes including one interval *Audio Described performance

Musical Theatre / INTO THE WOODS

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NORMAA heart on fire

Vincenzo Bellini

23 August 2014

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The celebrated role of Norma demands a voice of extraordinary power and is a rare and unmissable operatic experience. Now Victorian Opera shines the spotlight on Bellini’s much loved work in a single concert performance filled with breathtaking artistry and legendary vocal fireworks.

In Roman occupied Gaul, the Roman governor Pollione has chosen the love of the young druid priestess Adalgisa, over the high priestess Norma with whom he has secretly fathered two children. Norma is torn between her love for her oppressed people and Pollione, but when she discovers her lover’s infidelity, her burning jealousy leads them down a path of no return.

Spanish soprano Saioa Hernández makes her Australian debut in a role that only the great sopranos dare approach, the tormented druid priestess. She is joined by a star-studded cast including tenor Rosario La Spina and exciting soprano Nicole Car, a former Developing Artist with Victorian Opera, who makes a role debut as Adalgisa.

Conductor Richard Mills

CAST Norma Saioa Hernández Adalgisa Nicole Car Pollione Rosario La Spina Oroveso Daniel Sumegi Flavio Carlos E. Bárcenas Clotilde Lee Abrahmsen

Orchestra Victoria

VEnUE Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre

DATE Saturday 23 August, 7.30pm

Sung in Italian with English surtitles 3 hours including one interval

"Norma is one of the greatest of all operas, a vocal tour de force. It is a remarkable piece on the fate of a female leader constrained by her society." – Richard Mills

Opera in Concert / NORMA

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THE RIDERSLove is a fierce beast

Iain Grandage & Alison Croggon, based on the novel by Tim Winton

23 September - 4 October 2014

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Award-winning composer Iain Grandage and librettist Alison Croggon breathe new life into Tim Winton’s gripping portrait about the panic and terror of someone suddenly bereft of love.

Scully is a decent-hearted Australian living in Ireland, patiently waiting for the arrival of his beautiful wife Jennifer and young daughter Billie. Then the unthinkable happens and six year old Billie arrives at the airport alone unable to explain her mother’s disappearance. With Billie in tow, Scully embarks on a race across Europe desperately trying to locate his missing wife, whilst constantly haunted by visions of a mysterious group of riders, mythical Celtic messengers of fate.

Victorian Opera continues to champion new Australian opera, with a bold reimagining of this acclaimed Australian novel. Scully’s wife is absent in the novel, but here she is given a major voice. As the action traverses Ireland, Greece and Paris, the locations are reflected musically in folk tunes and instruments – bouzoukis, piano accordions, fiddles and the sublime recorder playing of Genevieve Lacey; all combining to create a dramatic contemporary score.

Directed by Malthouse Theatre’s Artistic Director Marion Potts, The Riders stars Barry Ryan as Scully, returning to the Victorian Opera stage after receiving high praise for his portrayal of the title role of Nixon in China.

Composer Iain Grandage Librettist Alison Croggon Conductor Richard Mills Director Marion Potts Set & Costume Designer Dale Ferguson Lighting Designer Matt Scott

CAST Scully Barry Ryan Jennifer Jessica Aszodi Arthur Jerzy Kozlowski Marianne Dimity Shepherd Alex David Rogers-Smith

VEnUE Merlyn, Malthouse Theatre

DATES Tuesday 23 September, 7.30pm Thursday 25 September, 7.30pm Friday 26 September, 7.30pm Saturday 27 September, 7.30pm Tuesday 30 September, 7.30pm Wednesday 1 October, 7.30pm Friday 3 October, 7.30pm* Saturday 4 October, 7.30pm

90 minutes with no interval *Audio Described performance

The Riders is presented by Victorian Opera and Malthouse Theatre. Supported by Victorian Opera New Work Syndicate.

"A visceral and contemporary tale of a man being led away from a void of devastating personal emptiness by the innocent voice of a child." – Richard Mills

World Premiere - New Australian Work / THE RIDERS

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THE PLAY OF HERODDestiny's dark shadow2-5 October 2014

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Straight from the pages of the 12th century Fleury Playbook, comes this hauntingly beautiful medieval drama that combines the traditional Christmas story with the story of a power-hungry King and the infamous ‘massacre of the innocents’.

On their way to the prophesised birth of a new king, Three Wise Men visit the powerful King Herod. Their story of the miraculous birth makes the King fearful for his throne. When the Three Wise Men trick Herod to ensure the resting place of the baby Jesus remains a secret, the furious King orders that all young boys under the age of two be put to death.

Performed by the Victorian Youth Opera from a new arrangement by Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Richard Mills, The Play of Herod takes on a unique sound quality in the magnificent acoustics of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. The much-loved tradition of youth opera marks a continued commitment by Victorian Opera to inspire young performers through this special art form.

After the 2012 sold out season of Victorian Opera’s The Play of Daniel, and limited venue capacity, subscribers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Realised by Richard Mills Musical Direction Phoebe Briggs

Victorian Youth Opera

VEnUE Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Newman College

DATES Thursday 2 October, 6.30pm Friday 3 October, 6.30pm Saturday 4 October, 4.00pm & 6.30pm Sunday 5 October, 2.30pm

75 minutes with no interval

The Play of Herod is supported by Victorian Youth Opera Patron Miss Betty Amsden OAM and Victorian Opera Education Syndicate.

"The jealousy of Herod, the slaughter of the innocent and the return of the Magi are brought together in an intense drama, powerful in its restraint and memorable for its beauty." - Richard Mills

Youth Opera / THE PLAY OF HEROD

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VOYAGEFor 30 and under

The ride of your life

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Our VOyagers are a pretty special group of people. They are the next generation of opera-goers and they’re 30 years and under. Maybe it’s the massive savings of a $30 ticket to the epic experience of opera that attracts them, maybe it’s sharing that thrilling ride with a friend or maybe they just love the kind of music that shakes you up and sweeps you away. If you are 30 and under or know someone who is, then VOyage might be just the ticket.

In 2014, we invite our VOyagers to discover the kind of 19th century salon parties that would make even Gatsby jealous in La traviata; take a walk Into the Woods and find Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and Cinderella in a fairytale musical mash-up that stomps all over the happily ever after; meet the mad King whose murderous machinations are of biblical proportions in The Play of Herod; follow a man’s nightmarish European odyssey to find his missing love in The Riders; and witness the trials of a passionate leader of the people who is sleeping with the enemy in Norma.

"VOyage tickets are amazing and allow the next generation to experience great opera without breaking the bank." - VOyager

Become a member of the VOyage community and get exclusive sneak peeks and special offers. Go to victorianopera.com.au/voyage for more info.

Buy a VOyage package* and select these dates to meet up with your fellow VOyagers, the team from Victorian Opera and special guests before the performance:

La traviata Thursday 22 May Into the Woods Thursday 24 July The Riders Thursday 25 September

Mates Rates** Got a friend 35 years and under? You can grab an additional subscription for them at the VOyage rate. Shout them a ticket to the opera, and maybe they’ll return the favour at the pub!

*Documentation indicating proof of age must be included when booking.

**Mates Rates limited to one additional person 35 years and under per VOyage subscription. Documentation indicating additional person's age must be included when booking.

For 30 and Under / VOYAGE

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Go behind-the-scenes of Victorian Opera’s Chapter Two at victorianopera.com.au/2014. Discover the inspiration behind the 2014 Season from Artistic Director Richard Mills. Learn more about our exciting guest artists and the fascinating stories behind each operatic experience. Scroll through our 2014 Season Brochure online and view our suggestions on creating the perfect opera package!

Extend your opera experience with The Wall! Be a part of our online community throughout 2014. The Wall is your central hub for all things Victorian Opera. Each 2014 production including La traviata, Hansel and Gretel, Into the Woods, Norma, The Riders and The Play of Herod will feature a Wall that gives you behind-the-scenes access into all of our productions, including exclusive interviews, costume sneak peeks, press reviews, and more!

The Wall also links our online communities - share your thoughts with us on Facebook, join the conversations on Twitter, comment on our Behind the Curtain blog, view our programs online and get a glimpse into company life through Instagram and YouTube.

Behind the Curtain

Accessible Performances

In 2014, we will offer a range of initiatives to improve access to our work, including audio described performances, tactile tours, and tailored education activities for students with special needs. To find out more, please contact Melissa Stark, Education Manager, on (03) 9012 6652 or [email protected].

victorianopera.com.au

victorianopera.com.au/blog

facebook.com/vopera

twitter.com/victorianopera

instagram.com/victorianopera

youtube.com/victorianoperapage

Victorian Opera Horti Hall, 31 Victoria Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 PO Box 524, Carlton South VIC 3053 P: (03) 9001 6400 E: [email protected]

Victorian Opera / 2014

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"An extraordinary art form with the power to enchant all ages should be shared with as many

curious minds as possible."

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Opera to Inspire

‘For many of us this was our first experience of live theatre, and one that we will not forget any time soon. The cast and orchestra were brilliant, the costumes and staging outstanding, and the production as a whole was flawless.’ – High School Student

Here at Victorian Opera, we believe that opera is an extraordinary art form, with the power to enchant all ages, and it should be shared with as many curious minds as possible.

Our Education and Outreach Program transports opera to all corners of Victoria, in ways that will nurture the next generation of opera audiences, aspiring performers, teachers and singers who make up the heart and soul of this industry.

In 2014 we present a range of activities including:

•Special school performances of our family opera Hansel and Gretel in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne;

•The formation of VOYCE – the Victorian Opera Youth Chorus Ensemble - providing young singers the opportunity to work with opera specialists on a weekly basis;

•Further opportunities for young singers including our Victorian Youth Opera production, The Play of Herod, part of our annual auditioned program;

Education

•Workshop for When Moon Dust Falls - a contemporary immersive opera for 3-8 year olds and their significant adults about the magic of falling asleep. This exciting brand new commission is in collaboration with ArtPlay (City of Melbourne), with a creative team including Director/Librettist Naomi Edwards, Composer David Hobson and Designer Adam Gardnir;

•Tailored resource materials for schools to complement the Victorian Curriculum;

•Unique add-on opera experiences to complement performances and enhance student engagement;

•Professional development training opportunities for teachers and artists; and

•$25 tickets for school student groups.

‘We all enjoyed it immensely. The small venue allowed the children to better feel part of and appreciate the production. The quality of the performers and the staging was excellent.’ - Parent

Both The Play of Herod and Hansel and Gretel can be selected as part of a 2014 package. The Education Program will be available from late October 2013, and can be viewed at victorianopera.com.au/education.


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Our Partners

Victorian Opera is supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria. Victorian Opera would also like to acknowledge, with great appreciation, the contribution of the partners listed on this page.

Government Partners

Supporting Partners

Education, Regional & Access Partners

William Angliss Charitable FundSylvia Fisher

Foundation

Performance Partners

Foundation Partner

Discover Opera Across Victoria Partner

University Partner

Victorian Opera creates tailored partnerships to enable businesses to meet their strategic priorities. Partnerships are available at various levels and activity is adapted to align with each company’s objectives. For a discussion about how your business can benefit from a partnership with Victorian Opera, please contact Lynette Gillman, Development Manager on (03) 9001 6408 or [email protected].

2014 / Victorian Opera

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Help write the next chapter of Victorian Opera’s story

‘We enjoyed the behind-the-scenes session immensely last night; the talks and seeing and feeling the costumes contributed enormously to our appreciation of the actual show... we felt wonderfully privileged.’ - Victorian Opera new Work Syndicate Patron

You can play an active part in ensuring that Victorian Opera continues to push boundaries, present critically acclaimed productions and develop incredible artists. With your support, we will continue to:

•Share the magic of opera and musical theatre with the widest possible audience;

•Commission one new opera each year;

•Create a suite of engaging, relevant and innovative education activities for audiences of all ages, abilities and locations;

•Develop young artists through the best training and performance opportunities in Australia.

By becoming a Patron, you can enjoy a closer relationship with Victorian Opera through access to special events with artists and creative staff, exclusive Patrons Nights aligned with our mainstage productions, behind the scenes tours and talks, as well as a regular newsletter.

Call us today or visit our website at victorianopera.com.au/support to discover more about how you can:

•Make a donation

•Become a Patron

•Join the Artistic Director’s Circle

•Join a Syndicate

•Leave a gift beyond your lifetime

All donations are tax deductible and donations over $500 are recognised in Victorian Opera publications.

Please contact Catrionadh Dobson, Individual Giving Manager on (03) 9001 6405 or [email protected] to make a donation or for more information.

Support Us


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Create Your Package - Need Ideas?

In 2014, we invite you to write your own operatic journey, to choose what you want (minimum of three performances per package) and create your own package.

Having trouble deciding? Here are some ideas to get you started.

PRICE SAVER Choice of Into the Woods, La traviata or Norma + The Play of Herod + Hansel and Gretel

Prices from $99 $99 C Reserve $114 B Reserve $139 A Reserve $199 Premium

Select your choice of La traviata, Norma or Into the Woods, then add our youth opera and our family show from just $99.

THE BIG 3 La traviata + Into the Woods + The Riders


If you're new to what we do, why not experience an iconic opera, an enchanting musical and a compelling new Australian work, and make 2014 a memorable one.

THE WORkS La traviata + Into the Woods + Norma + The Riders + The Play of Herod + Hansel and Gretel


If you're a subscriber who loves to attend everything from an intimate youth opera in a church to a concert performance of a breathtaking classic, you can now experience 6 performances from $239.

ALL ABOUT OPERA La traviata + Norma + The Riders + Hansel and Gretel


4 Operas in 4 venues! A much loved classic, a rare concert performance, a world premiere of a new work and a fairytale family opera.

VOYAGE: 30 & UNDER La traviata + Into the Woods + The Riders + Norma + The Play of Herod

Prices from $90 $90 for 3 Shows $120 for 4 Shows $150 for 5 Shows

Know someone who is 30 years and under and loves opera? As part of our VOyage program, our young subscribers under the age of 30 can choose up to 5 operas for just $30 per opera!


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Make great savings Tailor your own operatic adventure and save up to 20%! You can also subscribe with a friend.

Discounted additional tickets available all year round Bring a friend or gather up the family with our exclusively priced additional tickets - a fantastic last minute gift available all year round!

Best seats in the house Get in ahead of the crowds and have first choice! Some productions, like Norma, are strictly limited. Secure a seat now and avoid missing out.

More payment options Want to ease the payment pressure? You can make payment for your subscription in two equal instalments; the first is due at time of application, the second is due on Monday 10 February 2014.

Flexibility Need to change dates? For those unpredictable moments – you can exchange your tickets to another performance time (subject to availability). Exchanges can be made after Monday 2 December 2013 in person at Arts Centre Melbourne Box Office or by posting the tickets (with your first and second date preferences) to Victorian Opera Subscriptions, PO Box 7585 St Kilda Road, VIC 8004.*

*An administration fee will apply. Exchanges can be made up to 3 working days prior to the performance.

Why Subscribe?


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HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Book your package in 6 easy steps online, via the phone or via form.

1. Provide your personal contact details (and co-subscriber details if applicable).

2. Select your subscription type (full, senior, concession, VOyage).

3. Tailor your opera package (choose from 3-6 performances) and select additional tickets.

4. Choose your seating preferences (stalls, circle, best available, aisle) and provide access requirements (if applicable).

5. Provide up to two date preferences (use our Calendar on page 35 as a guide).

6. Select your payment preference and provide your details.

Online victorianopera.com.au/subscribe

Phone Arts Centre Melbourne 1300 822 849

Post Victorian Opera Subscriptions PO Box 7585, St Kilda Road, VIC 8004

kEY DATES Packages on sale Thursday 29 August 2013 Packages closing date Wednesday 27 November 2013 Single tickets on sale Monday 2 December 2013 Single tickets on sale - The Riders Tuesday 7 January 2014

How to Subscribe


Victorian Opera supports green printing initiatives. This 2014 Season Brochure has been printed using vegetable based inks with alcohol free printing initiatives on carbon

neutral PEFC certified paper by Printgraphics under ISO 14001 Environmental certification.

EnvironmentISO 14001

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2014 Season Calendar

GAMES OF LOVE AND CHANCE Saturday 29 March, 7.30pm

Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University Tickets $20* (03) 9905 1111

LA TRAVIATA Saturday 17 May, 7.30pm Tuesday 20 May, 7.30pm Thursday 22 May, 7.30pm Saturday 24 May, 7.30pm Tuesday 27 May, 7.30pm Thursday 29 May, 7.30pm

Her Majesty's Theatre Tickets from $50* 1300 795 012

HANSEL AND GRETEL Saturday 21 June, 11.30am, 2.30pm & 5.00pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Tickets $19 1300 182 183

INTO THE WOODS Saturday 19 July, 7.30pm Tuesday 22 July, 7.30pm Wednesday 23 July, 1.00pm & 7.30pm Thursday 24 July, 7.30pm Friday 25 July, 7.30pm Saturday 26 July, 1.00pm & 7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse Tickets from $50* 1300 182 183

NORMA Saturday 23 August, 7.30pm

Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre Tickets from $50* (03) 9699 3333

THE RIDERS Tuesday 23 September, 7.30pm Thursday 25 September, 7.30pm Friday 26 September, 7.30pm Saturday 27 September, 7.30pm Tuesday 30 September, 7.30pm Wednesday 1 October, 7.30pm Friday 3 October, 7.30pm Saturday 4 October, 7.30pm

Merlyn, Malthouse Theatre Tickets from $60* (03) 9685 5111

THE PLAY OF HEROD Thursday 2 October, 6.30pm Friday 3 October, 6.30pm Saturday 4 October, 4.00pm & 6.30pm Sunday 5 October, 2.30pm

Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Newman College Tickets $35* 1300 182 183

Single tickets available from Monday 2 December 2013, except for The Riders available Tuesday 7 January 2014.

* Concessions available. Senior, Under 30 and Student prices may apply. Transaction fees may apply.

Information in Victorian Opera 2014 Season Brochure is correct at time of printing as of 20 August 2013 and may be subjected to change in the future.


1

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or s

eatin

g pl

ans,

ple

ase

refe

r to

victo

riano

pera

.com

.au/

2014

victorian opera 2014 season

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victorian opera audiences

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