Opera Australia: Der Ring des Nibelungen: Die Walküre Arts Centre Melbourne/20 November 2013 ***** Now that the glitter has settled on the ‘preliminary evening’, the ‘first day’ of Wagner’s music drama in three acts has been revealed. As was the case with Das Rheingold, audience and critics may be divided on how successfully Opera…
The semi-finals of the IFAC Australian Singing Competition are on tonight with 10 brilliant young singers from around the region, competing for five spots in the finals. Accompanied by David Harper, the finalists, New Zealanders Bianca Andrew, mezzo soprano, 23 and Edward Laurenson, 24, baritone; Victorians Hannah Dahlenburg, 25, soprano, Brenton Spiteri, tenor, 24…
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…