Something not produced by Old Nick, but still worth seeing and supporting…
The Conservatorium of Music is bringing the cream of Tasmanian musical and theatrical talent together for a night of high drama.
To mark the 350th Anniversary of the birth of Henry Purcell, the University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music presents his operatic masterpiece, Dido & Aeneas.
The tale of Dido and Aeneas is one of the most enduring stories of Roman mythology – a passionate myth of a great love affair and of the great tragedy which ensues when it all goes horribly wrong.
The fully-staged opera production will bring the glorious music of Purcell to the stage of the Theatre Royal for three performances only.
The production features the cream of Tasmanian musical and theatrical talent. The Conservatorium’s Jan Sedivka Camerata will be under the baton of Maestro Myer Fredman, previously Music Director of Glyndebourne Opera Festival and 2004 International Musician of the Year.
The Stage Director is Robert Jarman, nominee for this year’s Distinguished Tasmanian Artist Award, whose work as a director and actor is well-known and loved by Tasmanian and Australian audiences.
Heading the impressive cast of principals is Jane Edwards, no stranger to opera and concert stages around the world yet perhaps best known for her haunting vocals in the Oscar-winning film, Shine.
In the role of the dashing Prince Aeneas is Ben Davidson, recently returned to Tasmania after 20 years performing in the United States. The cast also features Australian Opera performer Philip Joughin, noted opera and early-music specialist, Louisa Hunter-Bradley, Carmen Young and Gina Bashford.
The cast of principals is supported by a thirty-voice chorus, the Conservatorium Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Gina Bashford. Gina has just been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to undertake further studies in Choral Direction in Hungary and Finland.
Also on the programme will be a concert performance of Benjamin Britten’s taut and passionate Phaedra, a dramatic cantata sung by Jane Edwards.
Whether you are a seasoned opera-goer, or a first-timer to this heady mix of music, drama, love, death and passion, this gorgeous production of Dido and Aeneas will thrill the ear and delight the eye.
DIDO AND AENEAS, an opera by Henry Purcell
and PHAEDRA, a dramatic cantata by Benjamin Britten
Theatre Royal
Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July at 8.00pm
Matinee (Dido and Aeneas only – no Phaedra) Friday 17 July at 11.00am
Tickets: Theatre Royal Box Office – 6233 2299