THIS IS 2019 THIS IS OPERA
THIS IS EXHILARATING THIS IS SEDUCTIVE THIS IS BEGUILING THIS IS UNEXPECTED THIS IS INCREDIBLE
THIS IS OPERA
WELCOME TO 2019
Over the past year the team at Opera Queensland, Sandra and I have asked a lot of questions about what we want Opera Queensland to be – how can we share with our audiences all that this incredible art form has to offer? How can we create opportunities for artists that challenge them to be their best? How can we build a community around us that is stronger, more compassionate and more creative as a result of the operas we make and share? This is a very exciting moment: we are ready to take the first step. Here is our 2019 season, a collection of operas, recitals, outdoor performances, workshops and classes to enliven, inspire and connect us all to a deep sense of our shared humanity. We are thrilled once again to be presenting three operas at QPAC. Orpheus and Eurydice, Tosca and A Flowering Tree span four centuries of music making and storytelling, offering audiences three very different approaches to opera. All of them are driven by love – renewed, destroyed and lost – with characters full of flaws,
passions and longings that bring them vividly to life. Arguably, the oldest of these is the most radical. Surrounding these productions is a collection of recitals, performances and workshops creating opportunities to experience or participate in exceptional music making. Be it in our own studio space for an intimate recital with Alexandra Flood and Alex Raineri or on the Gold Coast for a one off outdoor performance of Verdi’s masterpiece Requiem, we are expanding the scope and scale of what Opera Queensland has to offer. This is just the beginning; there are many plans ahead. Right now, we welcome you to join us for our 2019 season. Patrick Nolan Artistic Director
Opera Queensland acknowledges all the First Peoples of the Lands across Queensland and pays respect to their ancestors and Elders and our shared future.
THIS IS OUR 2019 SEASON The Operas A Flowering Tree 04 Tosca 06 Orpheus & Eurydice 08 Special Events Requiem 10 Nicole Car 12 NOW 2019 – New Opera Workshop 14 Alexandra Flood and Alex Raineri 15 Opera in the Vineyard 16 Opera at Jimbour 17 Join Us 18 Subscriber Benefits
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Schools and Community
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Youth and Adult Workshops
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NEW IN 2019 PURCHASE A PACKAGE OF TWO OR MORE OPERAS PLUS SPECIAL EVENTS AND ENJOY UP TO 33% OFF YOUR TICKET PRICE BENEFITS ALSO INCLUDE: PRIORITY
CHOICE
Early access to season tickets prior to single tickets going on sale
Select the events, dates and seats you want
FLEXIBILITY
VIP REWARDS
Easily change your seats if something comes up
Orders over $500 include exclusive pre-sale offers and invitations
CONVENIENCE
EASY PAYMENT
Plan up to six events in one easy transaction
Pay in two equal instalments (phone/counter bookings only)
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JOHN ADAMS
A FLOWERING TREE Kumudha is a young woman with a secret power – the ability to transform herself into a tree covered in valuable blossoms. But sometimes rare gifts can inspire both love and jealousy in equal measure. Exploring themes of magic, transformation and the healing power of deep and selfless love, A Flowering Tree is a majestic retelling of a traditional Indian folk tale by world renowned composer John Adams. A Flowering Tree is a story for our times, brought to life in this semistaged production with exquisite video design by Mic Gruchy. This Helpmann Award winning production was first seen at the Perth Festival in 2009 and now Brisbane has the chance to see this beautiful opera. TUE 2 & THU 4 APR | 7PM SAT 6 APR | 2PM CONCERT HALL QPAC Pre-concert talk 1 hour prior to each performance except 2 APR. Audio descriptions available SAT 6 APR.
CREATIVE TEAM Conductor Natalie Murray Beale Director Patrick Nolan Video Mic Gruchy Sets and Costumes Bryan Woltjen Lighting Jason Glenwright CAST Kumudha Eva Kong Prince Adrian Dwyer Narrator Craig Colclough Opera Queensland Chorus Queensland Symphony Orchestra A Flowering Tree by John Adams with libretto adapted by John Adams and Peter Sellars from a South Indian folktale and poems translated by A.K.Ramanujan. Sung in English and Spanish with English Surtitles. Approximately 2 hours including interval.
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THIS IS LIFE
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TO GIACOMO PUCCINI
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Often described as the greatest opera of them all, Tosca embraces the grand themes of the human spirit brought to life by one of the greatest composers of them all, Giacomo Puccini. Tosca, a famous singer, is devoted to the artist Cavaradossi but Scarpia, the Chief of Police, has other plans and shows no remorse in his intent to destroy their love. Tosca is a strong woman in a male dominated world. Refusing to submit to a system that wants to mercilessly exploit her, she works to tear it apart – but there’s a terrible cost. This is opera where women are not afraid to fight for their right to be equal. THU 13 & SAT 15 | 7.30PM TUE 18 JUN | 6.30PM THU 20 JUN | 7.30PM SAT 22 JUN | 1.30PM LYRIC THEATRE QPAC Pre-concert talk 1 hour prior to all performances except 13 & 20 JUN. Audio descriptions available TUE 18 JUN.
CREATIVE TEAM Conductor Oliver von Dohnányi Director Patrick Nolan Sets and Costumes Genevieve Blanchett Lighting Mark Howett CAST Tosca Rachelle Durkin Cavaradossi Angus Wood Scarpia José Carbó Sciarrone David Hibbard Angelotti Sam Hartley Sacristan & Jailer Shaun Brown Opera Queensland Chorus Queensland Symphony Orchestra Sung in Italian with English Surtitles.
THIS IS POWER
Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes including two intervals.
TOSCA 07
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CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK
ORPHEUS &
EURYDICE THIS IS PASSION Heartbroken Orpheus has been granted the chance to bring his dead wife Eurydice back from the underworld with one condition; he must not look at her – even for a moment – on their long journey home. But how can he resist the temptation to look into the eyes of his true love? Created in association with internationally renowned contemporary circus company Circa and set to some of the most stirring music ever written; this is opera like you’ve never seen before – mixing thrilling acrobatics, exquisite singing and striking video design to take us to hell and back.
CREATIVE TEAM Conductor Natalie Murray Beale Director Yaron Lifschitz Costumes Libby McDonnell Video Boris Bagattini CAST Orpheus Owen Willets Eurydice & Amore Natalie Christie Peluso Opera Queensland Chorus Circa Ensemble Queensland Symphony Orchestra Sung in Italian with English Surtitles. Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including interval. In association with Circa.
THU 24 OCT & SAT 2 NOV | 7.30 PM TUE 29 & THU 31 OCT | 6:30 PM TUE 5 & THU 7 NOV | 6:30 PM SAT 26 OCT & SAT 9 NOV | 1.30 PM PLAYHOUSE QPAC Pre-concert talk 1 hour before each performance except 24 & 31 OCT. Audio descriptions available SAT 9 NOV.
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When Giuseppe Verdi’s dear friend, the poet and national hero Alessandro Manzoni died, he was too grief-stricken to attend the funeral, so he composed a requiem to honour his memory. What emerged out of his sorrow is one of the most powerful works for orchestra and voice ever written. Sometimes referred to as “an opera in ecclesiastical vestments” Verdi’s gift for dramatic writing is on full display in this remarkable score for almost a hundred musicians and a chorus of over sixty singers. Asking the grand questions of life, it takes the audience on an intense musical journey from the depths of profound despair to ecstatic hope – a transcendent work, once experienced never forgotten. Opera Queensland is thrilled to be collaborating with Bleach Festival and the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University to bring this music to audiences on the Gold Coast for the first time in many years. SAT 27 APR | 7.30 PM HOTA OUTDOOR STAGE GOLD COAST AS PART OF BLEACH FESTIVAL
CREATIVE TEAM Conductor Natalie Murray Beale Director Patrick Nolan Lighting and Video Mark Howett CAST Natalie Aroyan Milijana Nikolic Rosario La Spina Andrew Collis Opera Queensland Chorus Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with no interval.
REQU GIUSEPPE VERDI
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THIS IS TRANSCENDENCE
UIEM 11
Nicole Car, one of the truly remarkable Australian opera singers of recent years, joins her husband, internationally acclaimed baritone, Etienne Dupuis and pianist Jayson Gillham for one performance only. Featuring romantic French and Spanish songs and popular arias and duets, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Come and experience why Nicole is adored in Australia and across the globe. Nicole captivated audiences in Opera Australia’s 2018 production of La Traviata, and is now in demand at the world’s greatest opera houses, including New York’s Metropolitan Opera where she and her husband recently starred in Puccini’s La Bohème.
Soprano Nicole Car Baritone Etienne Dupuis Piano Jayson Gillham SUN 11 AUG | 3PM CONCERT HALL QPAC In association with QPAC and Andrew McKinnon. “…a lustrous shine on a warm core of sound, and generous amplitude and expressivity...” Scott Cantrell Dallas Morning News
NICOLE CAR 12
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NOW 2019
NEW
OPERA
WORKSHOP In collaboration with the Queensland Conservatorium at Griffith University, the inaugural New Opera Workshop – NOW 2019 – brings together leading Australian and international opera composers, librettists and producers to investigate and celebrate what the art form of opera is and can be. What makes an opera? How does it respond to other musical influences – or other modes of storytelling?
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Technology also enables collaborations to flourish like never before. NOW 2019 creates a space to explore where these collaborations might lead, inviting artists and audiences to look closely at our extraordinary art form. Come and contribute to the conversation, come and listen to world premiere performances, come and build the future of opera.
NOW 2019 will take place over the weekend of our final performance of John Adams’ A Flowering Tree. 5 – 7 APR TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST PLEASE CONTACT INFO@OQ.COM.AU
“Flood’s sweet, pure singing perfectly captures the impetuous courage of the role.” Simon Parris Courier Mail One of the rising stars on the Australian and international opera stage, soprano Alexandra Flood makes her Opera Queensland debut in 2019. For several years Alexandra has performed leading roles in some of the most significant opera houses in Germany, Austria, and the USA. Now it is Brisbane’s turn to experience her sensational talent in the intimate setting of our studio space. Partnering with Alexandra is Brisbane’s own piano wunderkind, Alex Raineri, described by Limelight Magazine as a pianist of “superb virtuosic skill and musicality”. Together they will present a concert of songs by Schubert, Strauss, Debussy and Fauré.
FRI 15 NOV | 7.30PM SAT 16 NOV | 2PM OPERA QUEENSLAND STUDIO Soprano Alexandra Flood Piano Alex Raineri
ALEXANDRA FLOOD AND ALEX RAINERI
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OPERA IN THE VINEYARD JOIN OPERA QUEENSLAND ARTISTS FOR AN AFTERNOON OF OPERA, OPERETTA, AND MUSICAL THEATRE FAVOURITES AS THE SUN SETS OVER THE VINES IN QUEENSLAND’S PREMIER WINE COUNTRY. Welcome in the cooler months by spending the May long weekend exploring Queensland’s magnificent Granite Belt while listening to beautiful performances. Opera in the Vineyard celebrates opera, fine food and wine at the picturesque Ballandean Estate Winery. For more information contact Ballandean Estate Wines 07 4684 1226 or visit oq.com.au SUN 5 MAY BALLANDEAN ESTATE WINES
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OPERA AT JIMBOUR
OPERA QUEENSLAND AND THE QUEENSLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL BRING YOU THE SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE OF OPERA AT JIMBOUR. Located on the grounds of the breathtaking Jimbour House in Queensland’s Western Downs region, Opera at Jimbour offers a day of fun for the whole family. Stroll through the market stalls, pack a picnic or enjoy the food and wine on offer from the local region. Presented by the Queensland Music Festival, Western Downs Regional Council, Opera Queensland, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and Russell Pastoral. For more information visit oq.com.au SAT 27 JUL 10AM – 4PM (SHOW STARTS AT 2PM) JIMBOUR HOUSE
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JOIN US Our 2019 program is for you. We want our productions to beguile, fascinate and ultimately, be exhilarating, for you. We want opera to become part of your life.
BECOME A PATRON The passion and commitment of our Patrons inspires us, and their generosity sustains us.
DONATE AND SUPPORT OUR LEARNING, REGIONAL, AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
We hope that you will join us. We welcome you as a member of our audience or as a participant in one of our community programs. Or you might prefer to become even more closely involved as a member of Opera Club or as donor. By donating to us you help us create thrilling opera with exceptional artists, deliver engaging community projects and provide inspiring education programs. However you choose to be part of Opera Queensland – thank you.
Our Patrons play a vital role in revealing the beauty of opera to audiences across Queensland, ensuring that its vibrancy and legacy continues to thrive.
All our donors are important to us. Collectively they allow us to nurture and empower people across Queensland, young and old, to find their voice.
Our Patrons commit to an annual gift that helps us deliver artistic and creative excellence and provide opportunities for the next generation of artists and opera lovers, wherever they are in Queensland.
Your donation can help develop a teacher resource kit, enable a regional school student to attend one of our award-winning workshops, assist us to support an emerging artist and much, much more.
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As a Patron, your gift will shape the future of Opera Queensland.
GALA 2019
KABARETT Join us for an indulgent evening of fine food and wine inspired by opera and the decadence of the Weimar Republic. Our annual Opera Queensland Gala is always an unforgettable experience. Journey with us to 1920s Germany, to a time of wicked glamour and strange delights, a time that continues to inf uence artists across the world, almost a hundred years later. Come sing and dance like there’s no tomorrow and help us raise funds for Opera Queensland’s learning, regional, and community programs. THE TIVOLI SAT 31 AUG | 6.30PM
OPERA CLUB As an Opera Club member you’re invited to attend a program of events that brings you behind the scenes, giving you special insights into our exciting productions, with those who share your passion for opera.
TICKETS $230 per person $205 per person (table of ten). Add this event to your 2019 package. All proceeds benefit Opera Queensland’s learning, regional, and community programs.
Join Opera Club at the same time you subscribe. For membership benefits visit oq.com.au/support/opera-club Or contact development@oq.com.au or 07 3735 3030
To learn more about all these opportunities or to make a donation contact our Opera Queensland team on 07 3735 3030 or at development@oq.com.au 19
SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS WITH SAVINGS, EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS AND FIRST PICK ON YOUR FAVOURITE SEATS, NOW’S THE TIME TO TREAT YOURSELF TO A SEASON OF THRILLING OPERA WITH AN OPERA QUEENSLAND SUBSCRIPTION.
CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE & SAVE ENJOY PACKAGE PRIORITY AND SAVINGS OF UP TO 33% PACKAGE
SAVINGS
3 Operas + 2 OR 3 Special Events
Save 33% on all events
3 Operas + 1 Special Event
Save 30% on all 4 events
2 Operas + 2 Special Events Save 25% on all 3 events
2 Operas + 1 Special Event 3 Operas
Save 20% on both events
2 Operas
2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019 SEASON OPERA, SPECIALS & ADD-ONS OPERA
DATE
LOCATION
A Flowering Tree
2, 4, & 6 April
Concert Hall, QPAC
Tosca
13, 15, 18, 20 & 22 June
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Orpheus & Eurydice
24, 26, 29 & 31 October 2, 5, 7 & 9 November
Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
SPECIAL EVENT
DATE
LOCATION
Verdi’s Requiem
27 April
HOTA outdoor stage, Gold Coast
Nicole Car
11 August
Concert Hall, QPAC
Flood and Raineri
15, 16 November
The Opera Queensland Studio
PREMIUM ADD-ON
DATE
LOCATION
Gala 2019
31 August
The Tivoli
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ENJOY SAVINGS OF UP TO 33% OPERA
SINGLE TICKET
PACKAGE TICKET*
SAVINGS PER TICKET**
A Flowering Tree
From $69 – $109
From $46 –$73
Up to $36
Tosca
From $94 – $184
From $63 –$123
Up to $61
Orpheus & Eurydice
From $64 – $124
From $43 – $83
Up to $41
SPECIAL EVENT
SINGLE TICKET
PACKAGE TICKET*
SAVINGS PER TICKET**
Verdi’s Requiem
$85
From $56
Up to $29
Nicole Car
From $59 – $149
From $39 – $98
Up to $51
Flood and Raineri
$79
From $52
Up to $27
PREMIUM ADD-ONS Gala 2019
$230 per person, $205 per person (table of 10)
Opera Club
$85 per person, $150 couple
SUPPORT US Please consider making a donation with your 2019 subscription order or donate direct at oq.com.au/support All donations make a difference. Thank you * Based on 5/6 events purchased ** On adult and concession prices Please note NOW 2019, Opera in the Vineyard and Opera at Jimbour are not part of Opera Queensland’s subscriber benefits offer.
HOW TO BOOK For a friendly voice to guide you through the process, or if you wish to pay in two easy instalments.
IMPORTANT DATES
GOOD TO KNOW:
25 October 2018 Packages for 2019 on sale
CALL QTIX ON 13 62 46 Mon – Sat 9am – 8pm
24 November 2018 Special Offer ends
Week night performances are often cheaper than weekend performances with exception to Opening Night week day performances and all performances of A Flowering Tree.
IN PERSON QTIX TICKET SALES COUNTER Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Melbourne & Grey Streets South Brisbane. Mon-Sat 9.00am-8.00pm
1 February 2019 Single event tickets for 2019 Opera on sale
ONLINE oq.com.au To select your own dates, seats, and package inclusions and, new in 2019, have the option to print your tickets at home.
4 February 2019 second instalment payment due SPECIAL OFFER Purchase your package before November 24, 2018 and be in the draw to win a full rebate of your 2019 subscription cost.
QUESTIONS ABOUT SEATING? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS VISIT OQ.COM.AU/SUBBENEFITS
Concessions available to Centrelink issued Pensioner card holders, Veterans Affairs and Full-time Students. Children, 16 and under, can attend main stage operas with a paying adult for 50% off the adult single ticket price. Two payment (50/50) instalment payment plans are available via phone and counter only. $8 transaction fee applies. Tickets will be mailed after second instalment is received. Subscriptions to Opera Queensland are not refundable, and a transaction fee of $7.20 applies per transaction. Selected ticket delivery methods may incur an additional charge. Subscribers are permitted to exchange for another performance date of the same title but not to special events. A fee of $3.50 per ticket applies plus any upward difference in price.
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HANSEL & GRETEL PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOUR
Loved by hundreds and thousands of people the world over, Hansel & Gretel is one of the most popular operas ever written. By popular demand Opera Queensland and shake & stir theatre co have extended the season of this Humperdinck classic, reimagined especially for primary students in the 21st century. Hansel & Gretel transports children and adults alike to a world of magic, fairies and sweets with its enchanting story of survival and family bonds. Performed by a talented cast of some of Queensland’s brightest young singers and directed by the award winning team at shake & stir theatre co.
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TOURING PRIMARY SCHOOLS ACROSS QUEENSLAND Hansel & Gretel is specifically designed for primary school aged children (Prep-6) and covers themes of storytelling, bravery, friendship and trust. Enjoy this timeless classic performed in your very own classroom. ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS info@oq.com.au or phone 07 3735 3030.
“…the best performance at school I’ve ever seen!” Sharon Wilson Biddeston State School “It was fantastic, Thank you.” Darin May Jimbour State School “Every student from Prep to year 6, had a smile on their face” Tina McColl Rainbow Beach State School
SCHOOL RESIDENCIES SECONDARY SCHOOLS
SUITABLE FOR YEARS 7 – 12 Inspiring creativity and confidence in classrooms across Queensland, our renowned Secondary School Residencies offer a flexible format to suit your school’s schedule. From a halfday class activity to a week-long immersion for advanced music or drama students, our energetic team uses fun and familiar music to get participants singing, building skills and self-esteem along the way. Please get in touch to discuss a customised experience for your school.
ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS info@oq.com.au or phone 07 3735 3030. "It is the opportunity to work alongside industry specialists that the students particularly love. The Residency Program is a unique Arts experience which I recommend to all Arts educators." Louise Bamford-Mareroa Springwood State High School
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SING WITH OPERA QUEENSLAND IN 2019 OPERA QUEENSLAND WILL OFFER A VARIETY OF ADULT AND YOUTH WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES TO GET EVERYONE SINGING. WHETHER IT’S BELTING OUT A FAMILIAR MELODY IN A FUN SOCIAL SETTING, OR DEVELOPING EXISTING SKILLS FOR VOCAL STUDENTS, CHORAL SINGERS AND EXPERIENCED SOLOISTS ALIKE. Participants can choose from an array of experiences. You might even experience a sneak peek into the Opera Queensland studio during rehearsals for one of our 2019 productions.
Adult sessions will include SING, SING, SING A casual evening session suitable for choir singers and beginners alike – no prior experience, music reading skills or movement required! Come solo or get a group of friends together and enjoy learning familiar tunes in a relaxed setting. ADVANCED CHORAL SKILLS For the more experienced choral singer, this session is also suitable for DOE music teacher PD requirements. ADVANCED SOLO SKILLS Bring your own repertoire to develop solo performance, competition and audition techniques in a small group led by experienced Opera Queensland artists.
Our new range of adult and youth sessions for 2019
For Youth participants (Secondary – Year 7-12), School Holiday one-day sessions will be offered for Advanced Choral Skills and Advanced Solo Skills. Stay tuned for our special workshop later in the year, which gives those inspired by the festive season a chance to showcase a range of Christmas- themed pieces in our fabulous 2019 Finale presentation. Dates and details for the first season of adult and youth sessions will be announced on 1 Dec, 2018. To receive updates of forthcoming activities, please register your interest at oq.com.au/workshop
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OPERA QUEENSLAND GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
MAJOR PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
PERFORMING PARTNERS
Opera Queensland welcomes your enquiries. If you would like be involved, please phone 07 3735 3030 or email development@oq.com.au Design: alphabet studio Production photography: Paul Blackmore 26
THIS IS OPERA QUEENSLAND 2019 @ OperaQueensland | #oq2019 | oq.com.au
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