SEASON 2021 - Victorian Opera

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SEASON 2021

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Victorian Opera’s 2021 marks a year of rebirth and rediscovery. After the dark days of 2020, our company is a little like an emerging butterfly; ready to fly at the end of a sombre time tunnel, yet, in some senses, wary of the unforeseen challenges. Any crisis can also present opportunities, and while the company’s focus has always been on Australian creativity and performers, there is a special urgency in these times to treasure the talent on our doorstep. We shall enable its full potential to flower and to engage our loyal and supportive audience.

The choice of Ottorino Respighi’s The Sleeping Beauty to open the Season is indicative on many levels: the piece was written in 1921 as part of the ‘awakening’ of Europe after the 1918-1920 Spanish flu and the unbelievable horror of World War I. Its gentle optimism in the face of fate resonates with Victorian Opera’s wish to assert and re-establish the magic of opera. A timeless story of the triumph of loving humanity and family against the forces of darkness, The Sleeping Beauty celebrates the power of community and mutual support to ease the hardships that are the consequence of uncontrollable circumstances.

The power of our own creative community is reflected in the emphasis we have placed on work by Australian artists in every discipline of our complex art. Four new commissions explore both the miracle of life and its essential fragility.

We encounter the spirit of our land through a new opera by Deborah Cheetham AO. Parrwang Lifts the Sky is a creation story that unites the richness of opera’s heritage with the revelatory energy of Wadawurrung culture, story and lore.

Myth finds further incarnations in Echo and Narcissus (Kevin March and Jane Montgomery Griffiths) and Cassandra (Simon Bruckard and Constantine Costi); operas that explore the uncharted territories of human interaction that have recently emerged in our lives. These pieces, although based on timeless stories, make available the thrill of recognition of our

own contemporary dilemmas through the work of two very talented Australian creative teams.

Voss, Lorelei and The Butterfly Lovers also find their origins in the rich provenance of mythic story. Voss, through its complex perspectives on the experience of Australia, complements the lyrical purity of Parrwang Lifts the Sky. This revival of a national classic is timely and will enable a new encounter with our greatest composer, Richard Meale, and two of our greatest writers, Patrick White and David Malouf. Lorelei, our Green Room Award-winning new opera which sold out its premiere season in 2018, returns to Melbourne and debuts in Queensland. The Butterfly Lovers is the result of a collaboration with leading Singaporean arts company Wild Rice and its Artistic Director Ivan Heng, one of the great theatre makers of Asia.

Pack a picnic and join Victorian Opera for our first outing at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with Georges Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers – a timeless story of friendship, betrayal, and what we’ll do for love.

Two productions that didn’t reach the stage in 2020 are given a second chance to shine, both having their

Australian premiere: rock musical The Who’s Tommy and Franz Schubert’s charming singspiel The Friends of Salamanca as our annual Youth Opera.

In our duty to nurture the next generation of artists, we partner with the Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program for Otto Nicolai’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Our season creates pathways for our artists to bring great and contemporary pieces to life, to collaborate with the energy of other Victorian companies, and our valued orchestral partners, Orchestra Victoria, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM).

Victorian Opera is committed to opening windows on the marvellous; we place a special value on the joy of discovery and seek to inspire and nourish the diverse communities we serve, both artists and audiences.

We look forward to sharing our work with you in 2021.

Richard Mills AM Artistic Director, Victorian Opera

Many Roads Meet Here

Our Season 2021

20-26 Feb The Sleeping Beauty

17-20 Mar Echo and Narcissus /Cassandra

23 Apr The Pearl Fishers

12 Jun Parrwang Lifts the Sky

29 Jun - 2 Jul Lorelei

4 Aug Voss

13-21 Aug The Who’s Tommy

13-16 Nov The Butterfly Lovers

19-20 Nov The Friends of Salamanca

3-4 Dec The Merry Wives of Windsor

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COMPOSER Ottorino Respighi

LIBRETTIST Gian Bistolfi

CONDUCTOR Phoebe Briggs

DIRECTOR Nancy Black

SET DESIGNER Morwenna Schenck

LIGHTING DESIGNER Philip Lethlean

ORIGINAL PUPPET DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Joe Blanck

ORCHESTRA Orchestra Victoria

CAST The Nightingale Rebecca RashleighThe Cuckoo Shakira DuganThe Frog / The Spindle Kirilie BlythmanThe Ambassador Michael LampardThe Blue Fairy Kathryn RadcliffeThe Jester / Mister Dollar Cheques Timothy ReynoldsThe Green Fairy Juel RiggallThe King Raphael WongThe Queen / The Cat Dimity ShepherdThe Old Lady / The Duchess Liane KeeganThe Princess Georgia WilkinsonThe Woodcutter Stephen MarshThe Prince Carlos E. BárcenasA Villager Douglas Kelly

The classic fairy tale you know and love. It’s the one about the princess who pricks her finger on a spindle and falls into a deep sleep. For centuries, the kingdom slumbers. The only one who can save them is a handsome prince and his revitalising kiss.

Composed in the aftermath of World War I and the Spanish flu pandemic, Respighi’s opera was a tale for a world on its knees. It’s the call for resilience and celebration that we all need right now.

Victorian Opera presents this opera as it was intended. Magical larger-than-life puppets and charming music draw you into a wondrous dreamscape in this revival of our acclaimed 2017 production.

Embrace the child within and join a resilient community emerging out of dark times with hope. It’s time for reawakening.

OPERA WITH PUPPETRY REVIVAL

FEBRUARYSat 20, 7.30 pmTue 23, 7.30 pmThu 25, 7.30 pmFri 26, 7.30 pm

PALAIS THEATRE, ST KILDA

TheSleepingBeautyLa bella dormente nel bosco

IN-THEATRE TICKETS$39-$125

Subscribe and save 20% See p. 26 for details

1 h 20, no interval

Sung in Italian with English surtitles

SUPPORTED BY

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Echo and NarcissusCOMPOSER Kevin March

LIBRETTIST Jane Montgomery Griffiths

CAST Echo Kathryn Radcliffe

Narcissus Nathan Lay

Female Ensemble

CassandraCOMPOSER Simon Bruckard

LIBRETTIST Constantine Costi

CAST Priam Simon Meadows

Apollo Samuel Sakker

Cassandra Shakira Dugan

CONDUCTOR Simon Bruckard

DIRECTOR Sam Strong

SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER Anna Cordingley

LIGHTING DESIGNER Paul Jackson

ORCHESTRA Victorian Opera Chamber Ensemble

Ancient myths for modern times. Echo, a talkative nymph of the forest, is in love with Narcissus, who only loves himself. After she is rejected, Echo retreats to the caves, doomed to forever repeat the words she hears. Narcissus is unable to tear himself away from his own reflection and turns into a flower on the riverbank.

The gift of prophecy becomes a curse when no one believes you. Cassandra foresees that the Trojan horse will lead to the downfall of her people, but her warnings go unheeded. The gods show mortals who’s boss.

Two Melbourne-based writing teams reimagine these timeless stories in a double bill of new works commissioned as a direct response to the coronavirus crisis.

Whether watching in the theatre or livestreamed, these prescient myths will foretell and entertain. Heed their moral lessons.

DOUBLE BILL NEW WORKS

MARCHWed 17, 7.30 pmFri 19, 7.30 pm Sat 20, 1.00 pm

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, PLAYHOUSE

Echo and Narcissus / Cassandra


DIGITAL ACCESS$30


1 h 40, plus one interval

Sung in English with surtitles

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Balmy sea breezes carry the perfume of French romanticism. Old friends Zurga and Nadir are reunited and vow to never again let love for a woman threaten their brotherhood. When a mysterious priestess arrives in the fishing village, their bonds of friendship are tested.

Exoticism was all the rage in 19th century Europe. Bizet tapped into this trend, transporting his audiences to the island of Ceylon. This opera established his reputation in the Parisian music world at only 24. Ten years later would come Carmen.

The famous ‘The Pearl Fishers’ Duet’ (‘Au fond du temple saint’) is one of opera’s greatest hits. It was even used in the film Gallipoli. But there’s more to this opera. A treasure trove of music and lyricism awaits to be uncovered.

Pack your picnic and dive into a soul-stirring night in the tropics.

OPERA IN THREE ACTS SEMI-STAGED CONCERT

APRILFri 23, 7.30 pm

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL



2 h, plus one interval

Sung in French with English surtitles

SUPPORTED BY

COMPOSER Georges Bizet

LIBRETTISTS Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré

CONDUCTOR Richard Mills

DIRECTOR Elizabeth Hill-Cooper

ORCHESTRA Orchestra Victoria

CAST Leïla Kathryn RadcliffeNadir Carlos E. BárcenasZurga Stephen MarshNourabad Teddy Tahu RhodesVictorian Opera Chorus

ThePearl FishersLes pêcheurs de perles

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A4 final version.indd 1 19/10/20 1:24 pm

COMPOSER AND LIBRETTIST Deborah Cheetham


DIRECTOR Cameron Menzies, assisted by Deborah Cheetham

CULTURAL SET DESIGN BJ O’Toole

CULTURAL COSTUME DESIGN Deanne Gilson

SET AND COSTUME CONSTRUCTION DESIGNER Mel Serjeant


CAST Parrwang Georgina Hall

Gorngany Deborah Cheetham

Bunjil / Father Don Bemrose

Mr Waa Kiran Rajasingam

Mrs Waa / Mother Shauntai Batzke

Tjatjarrang Jess Hitchcock

Koki Michael Petruccelli

Did you know that magpies created the first dawn?*

A long time ago…

The sky was a blanket on the land. The earth was in darkness and the people were afraid. It was a very sad state of affairs and would have stayed that way except for the courage of Parrwang the Magpie.

Tjatjarrang (Big Sister) and Koki (Brother) are young, adventurous and tired of living in the dark. When they manage to climb to the highest branches of an ancient gum tree, they discover an exciting new world and a steadfast friend in Parrwang, who decides to help the young humans lift the blanket of darkness from the ground.

A plan is devised, but can Parrwang convince the Great Council of Birds to agree?

*Based on an original story from Wadawurrung Country told to the children of the Wadawurrung by community Elder, the late Uncle David Tournier.

FAMILY OPERA NEW WORK

JUNESat 12, 11.00 am, 2.00 pm & 5.00 pm


Parrwang Lifts the Sky

IN-THEATRE TICKETS$38

DIGITAL ACCESS$30


50 min, no interval

Sung in English and Wadawurrung language with scene descriptors

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SUPPORTED BY

Jane Hemstritch

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MUSIC Julian Langdon, Casey Bennetto and Gillian Cosgriff

LYRICS Casey Bennetto and Gillian Cosgriff

ORCHESTRATION Julian Langdon

CONCEPT Ali McGregor

MUSICAL DIRECTOR Phoebe Briggs

DIRECTOR AND DRAMATURG Sarah Giles

SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER Marg Horwell

LIGHTING DESIGNER Paul Jackson


CAST Lorelei A Dimity Shepherd

Lorelei B Ali McGregor

Lorelei C Antoinette Halloran

An alluring operatic cabaret for a woke world. Dressed to impress, the Lorelei are poised on their rock. Their songs are so beguiling that they cause ships to crash. But today our Lorelei are having a crisis of conscience. Must they keep doing things the way they always have?

The three fashionista sirens who seduced Melbourne in 2018 return to sing sailors to their doom once again. Questioning patriarchal norms and the stories we’re used to telling, it’s the show that redefined modern opera.

A Green Room Award-winning work created by some of Australia’s most ingenious musical minds and performed by a trio of divas to die for.

Don’t miss the boat, these modern sirens sung to packed houses last time. Simply irresistible.

OPERATIC CABARET REVIVAL

JUNETue 29, 7.30 pmWed 30, 7.30 pm

JULYThu 1, 7.30 pmFri 2, 7.30 pm


Lorelei



1 h 15, no interval


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COMPOSER Richard Meale

LIBRETTIST David Malouf, based on the original work by Patrick White


DIRECTOR Stuart Maunder

ORCHESTRA ANAM Orchestra

CAST Voss Samuel Dundas

Laura Emma Pearson

Judd Simon Meadows

Harry Samuel Sakker

Le Mesurier Michael Petruccelli

Palfreyman Michael Lampard

Belle Rebecca Rashleigh

Tom Daniel Todd

Mrs Judd Dimity Shepherd

Topp Douglas Kelly

Reporter Timothy Reynolds

Rose Shakira Dugan

The obsessive explorer, the Australian outback and the lover he leaves behind. Voss dreams of exploring this vast and ancient continent. But these lands are unfamiliar to European settlers. As Voss and his men suffer from exhaustion and exposure, he seeks strength from his connection with Laura.

Our nation’s history is filled with ill-fated tales of men pursuing their destiny in the harsh Australian outback. One of those was a German explorer called Ludwig Leichhardt, immortalised as Voss in Patrick White’s novel.

From the famed Australian novel came ‘the great Australian opera’, only to fade into obscurity in the 1990s. Now, Victorian Opera revives this watershed piece of Australiana in a one-night-only event.

Follow Voss’ love story with the outback and a young woman in colonial Sydney. Let’s celebrate our music and heritage.

OPERA IN TWO ACTS SEMI-STAGED CONCERT

AUGUSTWed 4, 7.30 pm


Voss


DIGITAL ACCESS$30


2 h 10, plus one interval


IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SUPPORTED BY

Richard Meale administered by Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd

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MUSICAL DIRECTOR To be announced

DIRECTOR Roger Hodgman

SET DESIGNER Christina Smith

COSTUME DESIGNER Isaac Lummis

LIGHTING DESIGNER Matt Scott

CHOREOGRAPHER Dana Jolly

SOUND DESIGNER Peter Grubb

CAST Narrator / Tommy Mat Verevis

Mrs Walker Amy Lehpamer

Cousin Kevin Vincent Hooper

Uncle Ernie Kanen Breen

The Gypsy (Acid Queen) Paul Capsis

ENSEMBLE Sheridan Anderson, Jared Bryan, Monique Dawes, Mark Doggett, Darcey Eagle, Matt Hamilton, David Hammond, Bree Langridge, Savannah Lind, Louis Lucente, Rubin Matters, John O’Hara, Matthew Predny, Emma Russell, Dean Schulz, David Sirianni, Darren Tyler, Jessica Vellucci, Stephanie Wall

Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll are back with a vengeance. He may be deaf, dumb and blind but he sure plays a mean pinball. Following a traumatic childhood, Tommy’s extraordinary talents catapult him to cult status.

The Who’s 1969 rock opera Tommy was revolutionary. From it came this one-of-a-kind musical that scooped up five Tony Awards.

This story of hope and triumph over adversity will shake your soul with its unforgettable soundtrack. Smash hits like ‘Pinball Wizard’, ‘I’m Free’ and ‘Acid Queen’ take you back to the hard rock days of the psychedelic Sixties.

All you rockers may have had to wait an extra year but this electrifying, high-octane musical finally hits Melbourne in 2021. Use the vibrations to feel your way.

MUSICAL NEW PRODUCTION

AUGUSTFri 13, 7.30 pm Sat 14, 7.30 pm Tue 17, 7.30 pm Wed 18, 1.00 pm & 7.30 pm Thu 19, 7.30 pm Fri 20, 7.30 pm Sat 21, 1.00 pm


The Who’s Tommy



Suitable for audiences 15+

2 h 30, plus interval

Sung in English

Music and Lyrics by PETE TOWNSHENDBook by PETE TOWNSHEND & DES MCANUFFAdditional Music and Lyrics by JOHN ENTWISTLE & KEITH MOONOriginally Produced on Broadway by Pace Theatrical Group and Dodger Productions with Kardana ProductionsLicenced exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia)

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COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR Richard Mills

LIBRETTIST Joel Tan

DIRECTOR Ivan Heng

COSTUME DESIGNERS Saksit Pisalasupongs and Phisit Jong

ORCHESTRA Victorian Opera Chamber Ensemble, featuring traditional Chinese instruments

CAST Father / Zhu Simon Meadows

Liang Shanbo Max Riebl

Zhu Yingtai To be announced

East meets west in a celebration of the universal language of music. In this famous Chinese legend, doomed lovers find freedom when they transform into butterfly spirits.

Yingtai disguises herself as a boy to pursue an education. On the way, she meets Shanbo and they become friends. Confused by their growing attraction, they eventually succumb to their love. But Yingtai is destined for an arranged marriage. Only as butterflies can they be together forever.

Victorian Opera’s Richard Mills joins forces with one of Asia’s greatest theatre makers, Wild Rice’s Ivan Heng, for a world premiere.

Expect the colour and sound of Chinese culture fused with Western traditions of opera. Explore sexual identity, societal oppression and, above all, the power of love.

OPERA IN ONE ACT NEW WORK

NOVEMBERSat 13, 7.30 pm Mon 15, 6.30 pm Tue 16, 7.30 pm


The Butterfly Lovers



1 h 15, no interval


IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SUPPORTED BY

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COMPOSER Franz Schubert

LIBRETTIST Johann Mayrhofer

CONDUCTOR Fabian Russell

DIRECTOR Elizabeth Hill-Cooper

SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER Mel Serjeant

LIGHTING DESIGNER Eduard Inglés

ORCHESTRA Victorian Opera Youth Orchestra

CAST

Featuring Victorian Opera Youth Chorus Ensemble (VOYCE) and youth artists

It could be the script of a Hollywood rom-com: friends fall in love with each other’s friends. Welcome to Salamanca, Spain. The weather is warm, the architecture is golden, and love is in the air.

Between castle parties and grape harvests, our hot-blooded Spaniards are out to woo their loves. But can they outwit the conceited Count Tormes? Never fear, there are only happy endings in this feel-good singspiel.

What better work for our annual Youth Opera than a carefree story of love and friendship between young people? In this rare opera from Schubert, the master songwriter, his humanity shines through every note. Sometimes all we need is a little help from our friends.

Come along for some fun in the Spanish sun. Tapas and tempranillo not included.

SINGSPIEL IN TWO ACTS YOUTH OPERA

NOVEMBERFri 19, 7.30 pmSat 20, 1.00 pm & 5.00 pm


The Friends of SalamancaDie Freunde von Salamanka



1 h 30, no interval

Sung in German with English surtitles

SUPPORTED BY

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COMPOSER Otto Nicolai

LIBRETTIST Salomon Hermann Mosenthal

CONDUCTOR Johannes Fritzsch

DIRECTOR AND ADAPTOR Heather Fairbairn

ORCHESTRA Ensemble Q

The Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program, in association with Victorian Opera, presents Otto Nicolai’s The Merry Wives of Windsor (Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor), a hilarious romp based on Shakespeare’s Falstaff (Henry IV - Parts 1 & 2).

This collaboration is designed to further expand opportunities for Australia’s emerging professional artists.

OPERA IN THREE ACTS SEMI-STAGED CONCERT

DECEMBERFri 3, 7.30 pmSat 4, 1.00 pm

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE, ELISABETH MURDOCH HALL

The Merry Wives of Windsor Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor

IN-THEATRE TICKETS $39-$75


1 h 30, no interval

Sung in German with English surtitles

MORE INFORMATION lisagasteennationaloperaprogram.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Calendar

Patrons’ Pre-Show Reception

Livestream Available

Matinee Performance

Venue InformationVictorian Opera encourages the use of public transport. Visit victorianopera.com.au/venue-information for options available for each venue.

Palais Theatre, St Kilda palaistheatre.com.au Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182 136 100

Arts Centre Melbourne artscentremelbourne.com.au 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 1300 182 183

Sidney Myer Music Bowl ticketek.com.au Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3000 132 849

Melbourne Recital Centre melbournerecital.com.au 31 Sturt Street, Southbank VIC 3006 (03) 9699 3333

Virtual Victorian Opera performances will be available for purchase directly through victorianopera.com.au.

Quarter 1Single Tickets on sale 10 December 2020

The Sleeping Beauty Palais Theatre, St Kilda

In-Theatre Tickets $39-$125

Saturday 20 FEB 7.30 pm

Tuesday 23 FEB 7.30 pm

Thursday 25 FEB 7.30 pm

Friday 26 FEB 7.30 pm

Echo and Narcissus / Cassandra Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

In-Theatre Tickets $39-$95 | Digital Access $30

Wednesday 17 MAR 7.30 pm

Friday 19 MAR 7.30 pm

Saturday 20 MAR 1.00 pm

Quarter 2Single Tickets on sale 25 February 2021

The Pearl Fishers Arts Centre Melbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl


Friday 23 APR 7.30 pm

Parrwang Lifts the Sky Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

In-Theatre Tickets $38 | Digital Access $30

Saturday 12 JUN 11.00 am

Saturday 12 JUN 2.00 pm

Saturday 12 JUN 5.00 pm

Lorelei Palais Theatre, St Kilda


Tuesday 29 JUN 7.30 pm

Wednesday 30 JUN 7.30 pm

Thursday 1 JUL 7.30 pm

Friday 2 JUL 7.30 pm

Quarter 4Single Tickets on sale 16 September 2021

The Butterfly Lovers Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse


Saturday 13 NOV 7.30 pm

Monday 15 NOV 6.30 pm

Tuesday 16 NOV 7.30 pm

The Friends of Salamanca Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse


Friday 19 NOV 7.30 pm



The Merry Wives of Windsor Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall


Friday 3 DEC 7.30 pm

Saturday 4 DEC 1.00 pm

Quarter 3Single Tickets on sale 3 June 2021

Voss Palais Theatre, St Kilda

In-Theatre Tickets $39-$159 | Digital Access $30

Wednesday 4 AUG 7.30 pm

The Who’s Tommy Palais Theatre, St Kilda


Friday 13 AUG 7.30 pm

Saturday 14 AUG 7.30 pm

Tuesday 17 AUG 7.30 pm



Thursday 19 AUG 7.30 pm

Friday 20 AUG 7.30 pm

Saturday 21 AUG 1.00 pm

2021 Concession prices include: Pension and Health Care Card holders, Full-time Students, MEAA Members.

Other Discount prices available: Senior, 30 Years and Under, Child (14 years and under) for select performances. Companion Card ticketing available.

Victorian Opera Company Limited (Victorian Opera) is committed to complying with the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice.

Visit victorianopera.com.au for more information.

Book your tickets online or by phone. For subscription pricing and on-sale dates, see p. 29.

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Subscriptions 2021 Subscriber Benefits

Priority TicketingEnjoy first access for all performances during the subscriptions-only priority period. This is the best way to secure your tickets for your favourite shows. Book a subscription to guarantee you don’t miss out in case safe-distancing restrictions reduce capacity.

Flexibility and ConvenienceSubscribers have the exclusive advantage of fee-free ticket exchanges to suit any change in circumstances. Buy your tickets in advance – if your plans change, simply choose another date.

Prices GuaranteedSubscription prices will not change throughout the season. Single Ticket prices may vary.

Dedicated Customer ServiceFor in-theatre subscription assistance, call 1300 822 849 to speak to our team at Arts Centre Melbourne. (Monday – Friday, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm)

For Virtual Victorian Opera subscription assistance, call (03) 9001 6400. (Monday – Friday, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Save on Virtual Victorian OperaAll subscribers save 20% on live and on-demand streaming in 2021.

In-Theatre SubscriptionsIn 2021, we have transformed our subscriptions to provide the best possible experience under changing conditions. Our new quarterly subscription packages allow audiences to buy with confidence under the most up-to-date circumstances.

Season 2021 is structured into quarters with performances grouped according to date. Buy two or more shows in a quarter and save 20%.

• Subscriptions: On sale 10 weeks prior to the first opening night for a limited two-week period.

• Single Tickets: On sale 8 weeks prior to the first opening night.

Exclusive subscription benefits include a 20% discount, priority booking periods, dedicated customer service and flexibility.

The full range of benefits apply to all subscription packages. There is a price level to suit all budgets including Adult, Concession, Senior and 30 Years and Under.

Subscription savings are based on Single Ticket prices for 2021. Tickets must be purchased as a package in one transaction per quarter.

30 Years and UnderIn Season 2021, our 30 Years and Under audience save up to 70% on full-priced tickets. All tickets in this dedicated subscription package are only $30 in A, B, C or D-Reserve.

COVID-Safe PerformancesThe safety of our audience and team is vital. COVID-safe procedures will be adhered to throughout our season. Details will be shared on our website and in pre-show communications.

Virtual Victorian OperaIn Season 2021, you have the option of viewing select performances online as part of our Virtual Victorian Opera program, including:

• Echo and Narcissus / Cassandra

• Parrwang Lifts the Sky

• Voss

Digital access for these productions can be purchased directly from Victorian Opera as a subscription or individually, with both live and on-demand streaming options available.

Ticket ConciergeTickets go on sale quarterly in 2021. If you are excited to see a performance and want to be first in line, our new Ticket Concierge is here to help.

Register your interest and select the performances and dates that suit you. Tell us how and when to send you a reminder and we will take care of the rest. Visit victorianopera.com.au/ticketconcierge to register.

Get the Most From Your SubscriptionJoin Victorian Opera’s mailing list to keep up to date on new content, company updates, upcoming events, special offers and behind-the-scenes peeks. Indicate your wish to join while buying your subscription or visit victorianopera.com.au.

Refunds and ExchangesVictorian Opera is committed to complying with the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice. Visit victorianopera.com.au/privacy for more information.

All performances cancelled due to COVID-19 or a related reason will be eligible for refund or donation of tickets according to the ticket holder’s preference.

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How to Subscribe Subscription PricingIn-Theatre SubscriptionsOnline victorianopera.com.au/subscriptions

Phone 1300 822 849

Book by phone and our friendly subscriptions team will assist you with all your ticketing needs (via Arts Centre Melbourne).

Post During Season 2021, there will be no paper subscription forms. This change will help avoid postal delays and ensure the safety of our ticketing staff. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

If you require assistance, please phone 1300 822 849 or email [email protected].

In Person Due to community health and safety restrictions, subscriptions cannot be processed in person at Arts Centre Melbourne during Season 2021.

Payments Credit card (Mastercard, VISA, AMEX)

Subscription Processing Fee All in-theatre subscriptions attract an $8.95 processing fee. Save on fees by submitting a combined order for yourself and your co-subscribers.

Purchasing a subscription for more than one person

Paying together Provide the contact details for each person when booking, including relevant Concession or Senior card numbers and dates of birth. Indicate whether your co-subscribers would like to opt-in to our mailing list. Due to privacy legislation, the confirmation of booking will only be sent to the Primary Subscriber for each booking.

Paying Separately Complete separate subscriptions. Indicate the subscribers you wish to be seated with when booking and ask the other subscriber to do the same. Bookings made at approximately the same time are more likely to be seated together.

Virtual Victorian Opera SubscriptionsBook directly with Victorian Opera for all livestream or digital events.

Online victorianopera.com.au/subscriptions

Phone (03) 9001 6400

Payments Credit card (Mastercard, VISA, AMEX)

Subscription Processing Fee All Virtual Victorian Opera subscriptions attract a $2.50 processing fee per order.

Each quarter, there will be a two-week subscriptions priority booking period. Buy two or more shows in a quarter to save 20%. Virtual Victorian Opera subscriptions are available for $24 per show. Pricing displayed below is for full-priced subscription tickets. Subscription discounts are calculated on full-priced Single Tickets.

Wide range of prices to suit every budget

2021 Concession prices include: Pension and Health Care Card holders, Full-time Students, MEAA Members.

Other Discount prices available: Senior, 30 Years and Under, Child (14 years and under) for select performances. Companion Card ticketing available. Visit victorianopera.com.au for more information.

Quarter 1Subscriptions on sale 26 November 2020 | Single Tickets on sale 10 December 2020

Premium A-Reserve B-Reserve C-Reserve D-Reserve One Reserve

The Sleeping Beauty $100 $84 $64 $47 $35

Echo and Narcissus / Cassandra $76 $52 $35

Quarter 2Subscriptions on sale 11 February 2021 | Single Tickets on sale 25 February 2021


The Pearl Fishers $103 $79 $55 $35

Parrwang Lifts the Sky $30

Lorelei $80 $68 $52 $44 $35

Quarter 3Subscriptions on sale 20 May 2021 | Single Tickets on sale 3 June 2021


Voss $127 $103 $71 $47 $35

The Who’s Tommy $127 $103 $79 $35

Quarter 4Subscriptions on sale 2 September 2021 | Single Tickets on sale 16 September 2021


The Butterfly Lovers $76 $52 $35

The Friends of Salamanca $52 $44 $35

The Merry Wives of Windsor $60 $44 $35

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VOYCE: Victorian Opera Youth Chorus Ensemble

Victorian Opera’s innovative Access All Areas: Livestream Program returns in 2021 with Yorta Yorta soprano and composer Deborah Cheetham’s Parrwang Lifts the Sky.

Across a series of interactive workshops livestreamed direct to classrooms, students will meet the cast and creative team creating this new opera, discover the many components involved in staging a production, and explore Wadawurrung culture.

The five-week program concludes with a performance of Parrwang Lifts the Sky from Arts Centre Melbourne.

For the first time in 2021, Victorian Opera extends this program beyond its focus on primary school students to now include secondary school students in Years 7-9.

The program aligns with Australian Curriculum General Capabilities and Learning Areas and is supported by a downloadable Education Resource.

MORE INFORMATION

victorianopera.com.au/primary-schools Ioanna Salmanidis, Education Manager (03) 9012 6659 [email protected]

ACCESS ALL AREAS IS SUPPORTED BY

Gailey Lazarus Foundation

RELAXED PERFORMANCE IS SUPPORTED BY

The Marian & E.H. Flack Trust

VOYCE brings together like-minded, passionate young people to rehearse a range of operatic repertoire and develop skills essential to being part of an opera chorus.

Held weekly throughout the school year, the program provides training for secondary school and tertiary students between the ages of 13-20. Focusing on classical singing, heavy emphasis is applied to the delivery of text, expression of dramatic intent and movement.

Directed by opera singer, composer and music educator Angus Grant, members of VOYCE have regular access to professional singers, directors and repetiteurs.

Ensemble members also have opportunities to perform in Victorian Opera’s annual Youth Opera and mainstage productions, as well as occasional large-scale events like the Australian Open and Green Room Awards.

In 2021, members of VOYCE will perform in the Australian premiere of Schubert’s The Friends of Salamanca at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse.

MORE INFORMATION

victorianopera.com.au/youth Ioanna Salmanidis, Education Manager (03) 9012 6659 [email protected]

The Michael Stubbs and Malcolm Roberts Opera Prize

The Michael Stubbs and Malcolm Roberts Opera Prize will be awarded in 2021 to emerging artists to assist them in developing their operatic careers through specialised coaching, mentoring and performance.

The $50,000 opera prize will enable recipients to work in residence with Victorian Opera. This will include opportunities to perform in productions and recitals, receive private coaching from Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Richard Mills and the company’s music staff, and mentoring from an Australian singer with an international career.

Recipients are due to be announced in December 2020.

Schools’ Performances


JUNE Thu 10, 10.30 am Thu 10, 1.00 pm Fri 11, 10.30 am Fri 11, 1.00 pm (Relaxed Performance)


EducationAccess All Areas: Livestream Program

32 33

Your Patronage: The Oxygen that Helps us Sing

Thank YouPatron-in-ChiefThe Hon. Linda Dessau, AC, Governor of Victoria

Founding BenefactorsThe late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC Lady Potter AC

Leadership Syndicate ($40,000+)Hans & Petra HenkellJane HemstritchDr Michael Stubbs & Malcolm Roberts

Artistic Director’s Circle ($10,000+)Carolyn & Stephen CoffeyJohn & Diana FrewGreig Gailey & the late Geraldine LazarusElizabeth Hill-CooperSuzanne KirkhamPeter & Anne LaverMercer Family FoundationDr Richard Mills AMMichael Rigg & Gerard Condon AMJoy Selby SmithNigel Simpson & Madeleine Coulombe in memory of Joseph H. CoulombeProf Barbara van Ernst AMDr John & Mrs Elizabeth Wright-Smith

Platinum Patrons ($5,000+)Beth BrownMary-Jane GethingPeter & Jenny HordernSiobhan LenihanKaye E. MarionGrant Powell & Sally McCutchan OAMMarian & Ken Scarlett OAMGreg Shalit & Miriam Faine

Gold Patrons ($2,500+)Joanna BaevskiAlan Chuck & Wendy Hughes ChuckJim Cousins AO & Libby CousinsEarl of WiltonFreda FreibergBob GarlickPeter GarnickJohn & Gaye GaylardPeter J. Griffin AM & Terry SwannLinda HerdIan Kennedy AM & Dr Sandra Hacker AORichard Laslett & Colin GuntherRJ-AM Charitable TrustPeter Lovell & Michael JanMs Linley Martin AOIan MerryleesDr Paul Nisselle AM & Mrs Sue NisselleRuth & Tom O’DeaDr Richard Reed & Vivienne Reed OAMTomasz & Elzbeita RomanowskiProf Cheryl Saunders & Ian BakerCraig D’Alton & Peter SherlockLynne SherwoodRosemary & Dr Alan TaitSecret Admirers (1)

Silver Patrons ($1,000+)Dr Zita BallokRussell Waters & Marissa Barter-WatersLaurie Bebbington & Elizabeth O’KeeffeNancy BomfordBox FamilyStuart BrownSusan BrownriggMr Anthony Buzzard & Dr Pamela CraigThe Hon David ByrneMs Pam CaldwellElise CallanderJennifer CookBeatrice & Richard DonkinDr M Elizabeth DouglasDr Helen M FergusonBill FlemingBrian GoddardMurray Gordon & Lisa NortonNance Grant AM MBE & Ian HarrisLuke HalesJohn L Harrison & David J WrightHartmut & Ruth HofmannDamion HollingSimon L Jackson & Brian WarburtonDavid JosephAngela KayserGraham McCallum & Mary KehoeThe Hon Rod Kemp AM & Mrs Daniele KempPat & Alun KenwoodAngela & Richard KirsnerJohn Landy AC & Lynne LandyDr Anne LierseSelina LightfootIan & Judi MarshmanDouglas & Rosemary MeagherGillian MontgomeryIsobel Morgan OAMGreg NoonanElspeth & Brian NoxonGeorge Pappas AO & Jillian PappasHelen PatonJane Patrick & Robert EvansKeith Chivers & Ronald PeelProf Michael Quinn AM & Prof Susan CarrDr Garry Joslin & Prof. Dimity Reed AMProf John RickardAngela & Michael RoddAubrey SchraderPhillip & Sue SchudmakJohn & Thea ScottSparky FoundationBernadette Slater & Charles EdmondsJohn E. SmithPatricia StebbensPeter StirlingJames SymeAndrea TappeCaroline & Richard Travers OAMChris & Helen TruemanProf. Belinda TynanIan Watts OAM & Rex SwansonRev Noel WhaleDiana & Robert WilsonSecret Admirers (8)

Bronze Patrons ($500+)Seonaid AlexanderProf Dennis Altman AMJenny AndersonLesley BawdenInes & Dr Donald BehrendPhilip Benjamin & Sandy Benjamin OAMKirsty A BennettCheryl R BensonDavid Bernshaw & Caroline IsakowMarc Besen AC & Eva Besen AOStephen & Maura BestShirley BreeseMal CarterVivenne CorcoranSusan DonathMargaret FlatmanDennis FreemanAlan GuntherDr Janet HillerDr Irene IrvineJoan JankaJack & Marie KirszenblatEvelyn KolarDr Shirley LanningDr Kathy LasterJoan & George LefroyPaul & Glenys LejinsDr Carlson LokeDr Kristina MacraeChristopher McCabeJocelyn & Andrew McLeishSusan MountfordAnne T MyersJill Page OAM & Roy PageCampbell & Christine PenfoldGregory J Reinhardt AMHarold & Elspeth RiggallMichael Riordan & Geoff BushDouglas Savige & Diane MosleyBruce Sims & Peter RongeLibby Smith & John MiddletonMichael Smith & Sonia FuentesecaDr Rosalynd SmithLady Southey ACJulia Stoppa & Daniel BogemannChristine StottTeresa TjiaNeil TwistCatherine Walter AMThe late Ken & Merle MorrisSecret Admirers (8)

BequestorsJenny AndersonLesley BawdenGraeme Bawden & Len de Kievit Frank & Daniela ChamberlinJane KunstlerRichard Laslett & Colin GuntherDr Garry Joslin & Prof. Dimity Reed AMGregory J Reinhardt AMHelen & Chris Trueman Tony Wildman & Robert GibbsSecret Admirers (6)

List current at time of printing

For over 400 years, patronage has been a vital ingredient to opera across the world. Today, more than ever, this glorious art form would not exist without it.

Victorian Opera’s loyal and generous patrons enable our company and our art form to flourish. Together, we reimagine the potential of opera and musical theatre, for everyone.

Emerging from the challenges of 2020, Victorian Opera is immensely grateful for the dedicated support from our family of patrons. Our community continues to help us weather the storm with their investment in our present and future. They champion our company and art form with their sustained trust, making it possible for us to adapt with vision, ambition and enthusiasm.

Patronage backs Victorian Opera’s capacity to commission new works, engage the greatest talents of our generation – be they singers or theatre makers – and invest in the next wave of emerging artists. It supports our education programs, creating opportunities for young people to encounter opera, and establishing the next generation of audiences.

We invite you to join our growing family of supporters. You will enjoy behind-the-scenes access, hear new works in development, preview upcoming productions, and socialise with the stars of today and tomorrow.

Experience your patronage at work first-hand and let us say thank you for your commitment to Victorian Opera.

Throughout 2021, our Patrons’ Engagement Program activities will be announced in our bimonthly Patrons’ Prelude e-newsletter and on our website.

MORE INFORMATION

victorianopera.com.au/patrons-engagement-program Peter Garnick, Philanthropy Executive 0423 068 833 [email protected]

Patrons’ Engagement ProgramPre-Show Receptions

Tue 23 Feb 6.30 pm The Sleeping Beauty

Fri 19 Mar 6.30 pm

Echo and Narcissus /Cassandra

Fri 23 Apr 6.30 pm The Pearl Fishers

Sat 12 Jun 1.00 pm Parrwang Lifts the Sky

Wed 30 Jun 6.30 pm Lorelei

Wed 4 Aug 6.30 pm Voss

Sat 14 Aug 6.30 pm The Who’s Tommy

Sat 13 Nov 6.30 pm The Butterfly Lovers

Fri 19 Nov 6.30 pm

The Friends of Salamanca

Fri 3 Dec 6.30 pm

The Merry Wives of Windsor

34

Our PartnersWe acknowledge and thank our partners who make our work possible.

Government Partners

Victorian Opera is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council,

its arts funding and advisory body.

Victorian Opera is supported by the Victorian Government

through Creative Victoria.

Foundation Partner

University Partner Awards

Trusts and Foundations Major Partners

Official Partner Media Partners

Supply Partners Corporate Member

Performance Partners

For more information on becoming a partner with Victorian Opera, please contact

Louise O’Loughlin, Head of Development (03) 9001 6405 [email protected]

schwartzmedia.com.auRead. Listen. Think.

37

About Us

Victorian Opera is the state opera company of Victoria. We make creative, accessible and affordable work for everyone while adventurously evolving our art form.

Since the company was founded in October 2005, Victorian Opera has entertained hundreds of thousands of people with our imaginative approach to opera and musical theatre.

Each year, we premiere at least one new Australian opera and have commissioned 32 new works since our formation.

We employ hundreds of people across the creative industries, recruit some of the finest local singers, and collaborate with Australia’s leading companies, venues and learning institutions.

The next generation of talent is developed from the ground up through the Victorian Opera Youth Chorus Ensemble (VOYCE) and our innovative Access All Areas: Livestream Program.

We also stage opera in Tasmania biennially to share the joy of our art form even further.

Recognised for our unique contribution to the country’s operatic landscape, Victorian Opera proudly became an Australian Major Performing Arts company in 2019. In 2021 we will transition to the newly formed National Performing Arts Partnership Program.

As the world went into lockdown, we got to work; sharing our passion far and wide with a range of web series and online performances. Returning home to the stage, we embrace the new normal and will continue to perform in Victoria’s finest theatres and concert halls to give our audiences the best possible and safest experience.

Be it live or online, Victorian Opera is here to inspire you.

Governance

Patron-in-Chief The Hon. Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria

Founding Benefactors The Late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Lady Potter AC

Founding Music Director The Late Richard Gill AC

Chairman Genevieve Overell AM

Board of Directors Roger Box Vivienne Corcoran Siobhan Lenihan Selina Lightfoot Stephen McIntyre Grant Powell Patricia Stebbens Eduardo Montero (Board Observer) Anna Pitt (Board Observer)

Subscribe to Limelight and you will never miss an issue of our magazine, while saving up to 36% on our cover price. You will also

have free access to our digital archive of over 10,000 articles, including features, interviews, columns, reviews and the latest news.

Subscriptions from $3 per month (digital) or $8 per month (print and digital)

Visit limelight-arts.com.au/subscribe or phone (02) 8227 6486

Subscribe, save, and support the arts

Limelight_VIC_Opera_2021_A4_V2.indd 1 16/9/20 9:03 am

38

Connect with UsAccessibility

Victorian Opera is committed to producing opera and musical theatre for everyone. We work diligently to ensure our entire audience can enjoy our productions and get the most out of their experience at every point.

We have a wide range of initiatives and resources to provide an accessible experience for our whole audience.

Vision, Hearing and Mobility• Surtitles• Audio Description and Tactile Tours (select

performances)• Assisted listening devices (select venues)• Relaxed Performance (Parrwang Lifts the Sky)• Wheelchair-accessible car parking and venue

access• Accessible toilet facilities• Wheelchair and limited mobility seating• Assistance animals are welcome in all our

venues

Ticketing• Wide range of prices to suit every budget• Accessible pricing for Concessions, Seniors,

Children, 30 Years and Under• Companion Card ticketing• Complimentary programmes for all

performances• Live and on-demand streaming options

(new in 2021)

MORE INFORMATION

victorianopera.com.au/accessibility (03) 9001 6400

Visit victorianopera.com.au/venue-information for venue-specific accessibility details.

Join Our Mailing List victorianopera.com.au

Follow Us @victorianopera #victorianopera

Subscription Information victorianopera.com.au/subscriptions

1300 822 849

Horti Hall 31 Victoria Street

Melbourne VIC 3000

Telephone +61 3 9001 6400 [email protected]

Information in this brochure is correct at time of printing. Victorian Opera reserves the right to add, substitute or withdraw artists or vary prices and programming should the need arise. If this occurs,

all updated information will be available on our website.

Copywriting Beata Bowes, Nichole O’Duffy, Scott Whinfield Design Sharni Morter Illustrations © Hipworth (pp. 1, 5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 19, 21, 40),

Ammie Howell and BJ O’Toole (p. 11) Photography © Beata Bowes (p. 30), Jeff Busby (p. 27), Craig Fuller (pp. 28, 37), Nick Hanson (p. 32),

Pia Johnson (p. 38), Charlie Kinross (pp. 3, 27, 31)

Relaxed Performance


JUNE Fri 11, 1.00 pm


On sale Thursday 25 February (not available for subscription)

SUPPORTED BY

The Marion & E.H. Flack Trust

Documents

SEASON 2021 - Victorian Opera