Latest news
The price of the priceless – a signed photograph of Mahler has emerged.
A signed photo of Gustav Mahler, previously owned by Arnold Schoenberg is the subject of a tussle between the Schoenberg family and its present owner who’s willing to part with it for a fee. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/11/lost-gustav-mahler-photo_n_1957333.html?utm_hp_ref=music-news
The Dark side of mothering: Herodias in ‘Salome’
There’s no time for niceties in Richard Strauss’ opera Salome. There’s no overture that introduces themes and focuses the mind. Rather, the music and the narrative plunge straight into the tangle of lust and depravity that culminates in death and ruin. This week in Sydney, Opera Australia presents a new production of Salome, directed…
‘undress for opera’ addresses its future
Whether you believe opera as an art form is moribund or thriving, opera companies the world over are examining its relevance to 21st century living and building strategies to attract and retain audiences into the future. In Sydney, Opera on Sydney Harbour exceeded expectations on many fronts; high definition opera in the cinema has brought…
Merit a myth for women in music
Awards for excellence in acting are separated according to gender, so why aren’t the awards for excellence in music? Jessica Duchen of The Independent argues the detrimental effects of a continuing focus on the appearance rather than the abilities of female musicians: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/features/sexism-with-strings-attached-8197972.html
Opera Australia’s CEO moves on
After 16 years as CEO of Opera Australia, Adrian Collette is leaving the company at the end of 2012 to take up a post with the University of Melbourne. Collette began his career with the company as a Young Artist, interleaved with a career in publishing before returning to the company as CEO in 1997….
Latest reviews
Skelton powers through Grimes at the Proms
Last week Stuart Skelton sang the title role of Peter Grimes in a concert version of Britten’ eponymous opera at the BBC Proms in London. Tim Ashley of TheGuardian describes the production as “overwhelming …sung, acted and played with uncompromising veracity and commitment”. Sydney audiences would be familiar with Skelton’s electrifying performance as Grimes when he sang the role for…
Das Rheingold in Brisbane reviewed
If you didn’t make it to Brisbane to hear Simone Young conduct the Hamburg State opera and Philharmonic Orchestra in concert performnce of Das Rheingold, here’s a review by Matin Buzacott for The Australian. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/music/wagner-played-with-fantastic-power-and-great-restraint/story-fn9d2mxu-1226457251400