Judging by the nominations for the 2014 Helpmann Awards, the art of opera in Australia is alive and well with Opera Australia, Hobart Baroque and Victorian Opera in the running for at least three awards each. Since their inauguration in 2001, the Helpmann Awards have recognised distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in Australia’s live performance…
Images from Opera Australia’s current production of Verdi’s Rigoletto show the dark tones of the sinister set which reeks of conspiracy, against which the vivid costumes of the courtiers shine blood-red. Scroll down to see all 7 images. Images by Braco Gaica, courtesy Opera Australia.
Music critic Michael Church once noted the existence of “Those who mistakenly believe that historical operas by dead composers can only be made ‘relevant’ if they are updated and taken out of their traditional theatrical context”.* Whether or not you subscribe to this view, Opera Australia’s Roger Hodgman directed offering of Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto demonstrates…