Opera Australia Reveals The Mysteries Of La Traviata Scene Change In Open Curtain Performance
The mysteries of quick scenery changes will be unveiled when for one performance only and for the first time, Opera Australia leaves the curtain open during the remarkable 4-minute scene change between the first two scenes in Act II of OA’s lavish production of Verdi’s La Traviata.
This open curtain performance is on Tuesday 21 March only.
During this scene change, more than 30 Opera Australia and Sydney Opera House crew execute one of the fastest and most complex scene changes in the company’s repertoire for which the curtain has always been closed.
When the curtain rises four minutes after the heart-wrenching ‘country garden scene’ with Violetta and Giorgio Germont, the bleak autumnal garden has been transformed into the sumptuous parlour scene teeming with colour and life and more than 20 performers on stage.
This is a rare opportunity for opera buffs and curious theatre-goers to have a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes action in Elijah Moshinsky’s highly acclaimed production of La Traviata, and is a continuation of Opera Australia’s celebration of the opera’s 200th performance at the Sydney Opera House. Unrivalled as the world’s most popular opera, La Traviata includes the show-stopping aria ‘Sempre libera’ and the drinking song, the ‘Brindisi’. It’s also famous for it’s starring role in the hit film Pretty Woman, in which Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to her first opera.
La Traviata is the quintessential operatic tragedy. Lavishly decorated sets and exquisite costumes along with Verdi’s famous melodies combine to create the perfect production for those wanting to experience opera for the first time.
The season runs on selected evening and matinees till April 1, 2017.
Conductor: Anthony Legge / Director Elijah Moshinsky/ Revival Director Hugh Halliday/ Set Designer Michael Yeargan/ Costume Designer Peter J Hall /Lighting Designer Nigel Levings
Cast: Violetta Valéry- Emma Matthews/Alfredo Germont – Liparit Avetisyan/Giorgio Germont – José Carbó/Flora Bervoix – Dominica Matthews/Gastone- John Longmuir/Baron Douphol -Tom Hamilton/ Marquis d’Obigny – Samuel Dundas/ Doctor Grenvil – Richard Anderson/Annina – Leah Thomas/ Dr Grenvil – Gennadi Dubinsky/ Guiseppe – Jin Tea Kim/ Messenger – Jonathon McCauley/ Servant – Malcolm Ede
With the Opera Australia Orchestra and Opera Australia Chorus
Tickets: Adult tickets from $72 (fees may apply) Group and concession prices available for most performances. Student Rush available for most performances: $50 (fees may apply)
Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 or visit www.opera.org.au
