ENCOUNTERS SEASON 2018 ERA ‘Every kind of music is good, except the boring kind.’ –

‘Works of art make rules; rules do not make works of art.’ V – Claude Debussy O Welcome

2018 is a year of encounters Two Australian works, Calvin with the forces of destiny and Bowman’s little charmer The the power of desire; forces and Magic Pudding - The and powers that weave tangled webs Julian Langdon, Casey Bennetto of existential dilemmas through and Gillian Cosgriff’s hypnotic which we explore the extremes Lorelei, relieve the darker tones of human experience, as only of the major works by seeing the opera can. When the pain is too possibilities of parody and humour great to express in words, music in their fateful encounters. provides the expressive release Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel and the means to elevate our also makes a welcome return as suffering to nobility, and explore our youngest audiences encounter transcendental truth. opera and the Wicked Witch for The legends of heroic self- the first time. sacrifice, struggle and liberation, An extraordinary line-up of and the conflicts between personal international and Australian need and public duty animate singers join our brilliant creative Rossini’s masterpiece . teams in new productions. Our Pelleas and Melisande explores developing partnerships with Arts desire and destiny in an enchanted Centre , the Australian sound world and landscape. The National Academy of Music Capulets and the Montagues gives (ANAM), Orchestra , Palais us Bellini’s version of the Romeo Theatre, Tasmanian Symphony and Juliet story – doomed love Orchestra and the University of realised through sublime melody. Melbourne are a source of great pride and help us to reimagine the potential of opera, for everyone. Welcome and please enjoy!

RICHARD MILLS Artistic Director, Victorian Opera

5 GIOACHINO ROSSINI WILLIAM TELL

JULY Rossini’s final opera Sat 14, Tue 17 and Thu 19*

Be part of history Palais Theatre Witness its Australian St Kilda Premiere Premium $169 A Reserve $120 B Reserve $80 C Reserve $35

The legendary tale of the sharp-shooting hero on a quest Composer for freedom makes for grand Gioachino Rossini opera: a struggle for liberty Librettists against oppression and the V.J. Etienne de Jouy and H.L.F. Bis courage that victory demands. Conductor One hundred and eighty- nine years after its Paris Director Rodula Gaitanou Opera debut, Rossini’s final Set and Lighting Design masterwork, famed for its Simon Corder iconic overture, receives its Costume Design Australian premiere. Epic Esther Marie Hayes opera demands epic staging Cast and director Rodula Gaitanou Guillaume Tell Armando Noguera (, Opera Arnold Melcthal Carlos E. Bárcenas Holland Park) and designer Walter Furst Jeremy Kleeman Melcthal Teddy Tahu Rhodes Simon Corder tackle Tell with Jemmy Alexandra Flood grit and grandeur. Gessler Paolo Pecchioli Rodolphe Paul Biencourt Hope illuminates a darkened Ruodi Timothy Reynolds world in this striking new Leuthold Jerzy Kozlowski production. Mathilde Gisela Stille Hedwige Liane Keegan Orchestra Victoria

Patrons’ Pre-Show Drinks 3h plus interval Tue 17 July Sung in French with English surtitles Tactile Tour * Audio Description available Thu 19 July In association with the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE of Melbourne

6 7 THE CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES ’s finest singers return A thrilling finale to our Bellini concert series

One night in Verona SEPTEMBER Fri 14

Arts Centre Melbourne Love and tragedy intertwine Hamer Hall in Bellini’s take on the original heartbreaker. Unmistakable melodies soar with rich Premium $189 A Reserve $139 lyricism and sublime beauty as B Reserve $94 C Reserve $35 inevitable devastation unfolds on stage. Composer The ultimate tale of doomed Vincenzo Bellini love marks the thrilling finale Librettist to Victorian Opera’s Bellini Felice Romani concert series. The rarely- Conductor heard masterpiece draws two Richard Mills of Australia’s finest singers Cast home as Romeo and Juliet; Tebaldo Carlos E. Bárcenas internationally acclaimed Capellio David Parkin mezzo-soprano Caitlin Hulcup Lorenzo Teddy Tahu Rhodes Romeo Caitlin Hulcup and superstar soprano Giulietta Jessica Pratt Jessica Pratt. Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Experience the exhilaration as pure electricity fills Hamer Hall 2h10 plus interval for one night only. Opera in concert Sung in Italian with English surtitles

Pre-Show Cocktail Jessica Pratt’s appearance is made Reception possible through the generous support of Hans and Petra Henkell Book on the subscription form or online ($50). Numbers are limited. ONE NIGHT ONE NIGHT ONLY

8 9 CLAUDE DEBUSSY PELLEAS AND MELISANDE A secret affair A family torn apart OCTOBER Thu 11 and Sat 13* A love too great for this world Palais Theatre St Kilda When Golaud finds Melisande in the woods, alone and with a Premium $119 A Reserve $94 mysterious past, he claims her B Reserve $64 C Reserve $35 as his wife. After she meets his brother Pelleas, however, a secret love simmers between Composer them while Golaud’s suspicions Claude Debussy deepen. A family slowly Librettist corrodes as their tragic fates Maurice Maeterlinck inevitably take hold. Conductor Richard Mills Discover the haunting beauty Director of Pelleas and Melisande, Elizabeth Hill the only opera from Claude Set and Costume Design Debussy. This symbolist Candice MacAllister masterpiece fuses text, Lighting Design ethereal harmonies and floating Joseph Mercurio instrumental colour with an Cast atmospheric poetry unlike any Golaud Samuel Dundas other work. Pelleas Angus Wood Arkel David Parkin Hear the crystalline purity of Melisande Siobhan Stagg Australian soprano Siobhan Genevieve Liane Keegan Doctor Timothy Newton Stagg alongside celebrated Yniold Sophia Wasley Angus Wood, in Shepherd Stephen Marsh Debussy’s mesmerising opera. ANAM Orchestra

Patrons’ Pre-Show Drinks 2h30 plus interval Thu 11 October Sung in French with English surtitles Tactile Tour * Audio Description available Sat 13 October In association with the Australian

DEBUSSY’S DEBUSSY’S OPERA ONLY National Academy of Music (ANAM)

10 11 JULIAN LANGDON, CASEY BENNETTO AND GILLIAN COSGRIFF

‘I like my men like I like my LORELEI whiskey... On the rocks’ -Lorelei NOVEMBER Sat 3, Wed 7, Thu 8, Ancient myth meets modern Fri 9, Sat 10 woman in an allegory of resilience and reclaiming one’s Merlyn Theatre, destiny. The Coopers Malthouse Lorelei is a take-no-prisoners, smash-them-on-the-rocks One Reserve $78 wild woman; a romantic, compassionate, trusting woman; a sensible, rational Composers woman. A present-day Julian Langdon, Casey Bennetto and enchantress, her past is Gillian Cosgriff heartbreak and her future Librettists promises haunting self- Casey Bennetto and Gillian Cosgriff discovery. Conductor Phoebe Briggs This siren song finds strength in Director numbers with a trio of talent so Sarah Giles alluring it’s impossible to resist. Set and Costume Design Ali McGregor, Dimity Shepherd Marg Horwell and Antoinette Halloran Lighting Design await you at the rock for an Paul Jackson intoxicating encounter with Cast love and death: part cabaret, Lorelei 1 Ali McGregor part opera, all seduction. Lorelei 2 Dimity Shepherd Lorelei 3 Antoinette Halloran Their hypnotic music is to die for. Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra

Patrons’ Pre-Show Drinks 75min no interval Wed 7 November Sung in English WORLD WORLD PREMIERE

12 13 CALVIN BOWMAN THE MAGIC PUDDING A family favourite THE OPERA Celebrating its 100th birthday MARCH Delicious never-ending fun Thu 15, Fri 16, Sat 17*

Arts Centre Melbourne, Take one true-blue Australian Playhouse classic, add deliciously playful costumes with a measure A Reserve $39 B Reserve $34 of musical magic, mix in a generous helping of young talent and discover the perfect recipe for a delightful family Composer Calvin Bowman opera. Librettist Celebrating the centenary of Anna Goldsworthy Norman Lindsay’s The Magic Conductor Pudding, Victorian Opera brings Fabian Russell its much-loved adaptation back Director to the Melbourne stage, before Cameron Menzies hitting the road across regional Set and Costume Design Victoria, with a cast of brilliant Chloe Greaves emerging talent and local Lighting Design Peter Darby community choruses. Cast Join Albert, the walking, Bunyip Bluegum Nathan Lay talking, never-ending Pudding, Bill Barnacle Timothy Reynolds and his friends – penguin Sam Sam Sawnoff Brenton Spiteri Albert the Pudding Jeremy Kleeman Sawnoff, sailor Bill Barnacle and Judge Carlos E. Bárcenas koala Bunyip Bluegum – as we Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra celebrate an Australian family Supported by a cast of Youth favourite with this witty and Artists, Youth Opera Chorus and adorable production. Community Chorus

Patrons’ Pre-Show Drinks 75min no interval Sat 17 March Sung in English Tactile Tour * Audio Description available Sat 17 March FAMILY

14 15 ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK HANSEL AND GRETEL Beware the witchy woods The Evil One lurks Cooking up a musical treat

JUNE Nibble, nibble, munch; a Sat 9*, Tue 12** gingerbread house with plenty of crunch. Chocolates and Arts Centre Melbourne, treats to tempt every desire, Playhouse but will the cost of indulging truly be dire? One Reserve $28 Bring the whole family to experience the wonder and excitement of Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera of the Composer timeless fairy tale Hansel and Engelbert Humperdinck Gretel. Librettist Adelheid Wette Staged with enchanting sets Director and costumes, Victorian Elizabeth Hill Opera’s production brings Set and Costume Design this treasured story from Ross Hall the page to the stage in a Lighting Design beloved operatic rendition. Peter Darby This 55-minute production will Cast Hansel Shakira Dugan be sung in its original German, Gretel Cleo Lee-McGowan with English scene descriptors The Witch Tomas Dalton and a live orchestra. Father/Angel/Child Stephen Marsh Dew Fairy Michelle McCarthy Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra

Patrons’ Pre-Show Drinks 55min no interval Sat 9 June Sung in German with scene Tactile Tour descriptors in English Sat 9 June * Audio Description available **Relaxed Performance - see p. 40 FAMILY (single tickets only)

16 17 Special Events Season 2018

Sun 14 Heroes, Heroines and Villains January In association with Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields Festival Mary’s Mount Centre (Loreto College), Ballarat, Victoria Enjoy an unforgettable evening with the most recognisable, loved and loathed characters from across opera’s stages. A cast of Australia’s most exciting operatic talent will perform operatic arias, duets and ensembles in Ballarat. Book via www.ballarat.com/organs, trybooking.com or call (03) 5333 1195 for a festival brochure.

Sat 27 Opera in the Garden: A Twilight Recital in the Cloudehill Theatre January Cloudehill Gardens, Olinda, Victoria Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine for an evening of opera in the beautiful Cloudehill Gardens in the Dandenong Ranges. Relax among the flowers and listen to Victorian Opera artists perform some of the best-loved music from the world of opera. Book via trybooking.com

Fri 15, Victorian Opera at Dark Mofo 2018 Sat 16, Hobart, Tasmania Sun 17 After sold-out performances of The Sleeping Beauty in 2017, Victorian Opera June will return to Dark Mofo in Tasmania with an exciting and bold production. Details will be revealed at the Festival’s launch in the first quarter of 2018.

Sat 20 Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette in Concert October In association with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Federation Concert Hall, Hobart, Tasmania Victorian Opera continues its thriving relationship with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra with a one-night-only performance of the world’s greatest love story in an operatic retelling by French composer . Book via TSO on 1800 001 190 or tso.com.au

19 GET CLOSER TO THE MUSIC About Us

AU S T R A L I A’ S C L A S S I C A L M U S I C & A R T S M AG A Z I N E

Reimagining the potential of opera, for everyone.

A national leader and state icon, We employ hundreds across the Victorian Opera is one of the most creative industries and recruit some celebrated opera companies in of the finest singers from Australia Australia. We are committed to and around the world. presenting creative and accessible We tour Victoria with community, opera for everyone, and evolving the family and concert productions and art form in adventurous ways. began an ongoing commitment to We present rarely heard repertoire, staging opera in Tasmania from 2017. operatic masterpieces and new The next generation of talent is Australian works, reimagining opera developed from the grassroots up, with performances featuring circus, through the company’s Education puppetry, and spectacular 3D digital Program. CONSUMER scenery. Victorian Opera inspires audiences MAGAZINE OF Over 30,000 people experience with an imaginative approach to THE YEAR 2013 our work annually, from opera opera and invites you to join us. enthusiasts to first-timers, in live Visit victorianopera.com.au and performances and streamed events. discover further information about Since 2005, we have created 18 new the company through podcasts, Australian works and collaborated videos and blogs throughout the with some of Australia’s leading season. companies, venues and learning institutions.

CLASSICAL MUSIC, OPERA, DANCE, THEATRE, VISUAL ART SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM JUST $16 FOR 3 ISSUES

20 www.limelightmagazine.com.au 21 Become a Patron

Experience our world; play a vital role.

Have you ever wanted to take a tour You will make a real difference to the Encore Society Victorian Opera Patrons and Bequestors behind the scenes? Chat with artists and cultural life of Victoria. Your support enjoy close contact with our work Leaving a Gift in your Will is another directors about the creative process? helps us reach new audiences and provide through intimate opportunities including: wonderful way to make a donation that Mingle with a passionate group of opera training opportunities for developing will have an impact beyond your lifetime. Behind-the-scenes events lovers? artists. It is a powerful statement of your desire Private recitals and talks Become a Patron and enjoy access to Artistic Director’s Circle to support the work of Victorian Opera all these opportunities and more. Pre-performance drinks $10 000+ and a practical way to ensure that this Bringing a beautiful opera to life Platinum Patron company plays a permanent role for the Regular updates on the involves a team of highly skilled $5 000+ people of Victoria, well into the future. company’s activity artists, musicians and technicians. Once you have provided for those Every costume, wig, lighting effect Gold Patron closest to you, please consider a Gift to and orchestral rehearsal requires $2 500+ If you are interested in becoming a Victorian Opera. resources. Victorian Opera Patron, or having a Silver Patron Every Gift in Will, regardless of size, will confidential discussion about leaving Patrons play a vital role at Victorian $1 000+ ensure the future of Victorian Opera for a gift to Victorian Opera in your Will, Opera. Bronze Patron years to come. please contact Pooja Dutt, Individual As a Patron, you make it possible for Gift Manager on (03) 9001 6408 or $500+ Please be assured that any information us to present opera of the highest email [email protected] you provide to Victorian Opera will be calibre with world-class singers, and treated in the strictest confidence. to regularly commission new work. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. We recognise the support of Bronze Patrons and above in all of our performance programs. PATRONS

22 23 Patrons’ Behind-the-Scenes Events

Season 2018

Patrons’ Artistic Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Behind-the-scenes Director’s Bequestors Patrons Patrons Patrons Patrons Events Circle

The Magic Pudding - The Opera 13 March Stage O O O O O O orchestral rehearsal

Hansel and Gretel 12 June Pre-show talk and Relaxed O O O O O O Performance

William Tell 6 July Orchestral reading at St Kilda O O O O O O Town Hall

Pelleas and Melisande 4 October Sitzprobe O O O O O O and drinks at ANAM

Lorelei 23 October Rehearsal O O O O O O drinks with Ali McGregor

The Capulets and the Montagues 13 September Morning O O O O O tea with Jessica Pratt

William Tell 10 July Stage O O O orchestral rehearsal

William Tell 14 June Dinner O O with the cast

William Tell Week of 25 June Rehearsal and drinks O with the cast

Due to the nature of rehearsal schedules, all above events are subject to change. Invitations with further details will be sent a few weeks prior to each event. 24 25 Our Patrons

We thank our generous donors for their valuable contribution in bringing our work from page to stage.

Founding Patrons Ian Kennedy AM and Dr Sandra Hacker AO Douglas and Rosemary Meagher Jean Dunn The Late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC Joan and George Lefroy Jane Morris Dennis Freeman DBE Lady Potter AC Ian Merrylees Greg Noonan Lesley Griffin Michael Rigg and Gerard Condon Ruth and Tom O’Dea Dr Irene Irvine Artistic Directors’ Circle ($10 000+) John and Elisabeth Schiller Jillian Pappas Angela Kayser Deanne Bevan and Guy Russo Tim and Lynne Sherwood Jane Patrick and Robert Evans Michael Kirwan Rob and Caroline Clemente Phillip and Sue Schudmak Vivienne Reed OAM Robert and Pamela Knight John and Diana Frew Lady Southey AC Prof John Rickard Jane Kunstler Jane Hemstritch Felicity Teague Tomasz and Elzbeita Romanowski Richard Laslett Hans and Petra Henkell Liz and Peter Turner Michael Sassella Peter and Susan Martin Suzanne Kirkham Earl and Countess of Wilton Andrew Snell Jocelyn and Andrew McLeish Peter and Anne Laver Anonymous (1) Penny Stragalinos Gillian Montgomery Don and Angela Mercer Andrea Tappe Ian Morrey and Dr Geoffrey Minter Maureen Wheeler AO and Tony Wheeler AO Silver Patrons ($1 000+) Prof Hugh Taylor AC and Dr Liz Dax AM Jill Page OAM Dr John and Elizabeth Wright-Smith Laurie Bebbington and Elizabeth O’Keeffe Caroline Travers OAM Lynette Payne Kirsty Bennett Dr Michael Troy Prof Greg J Reinhardt Platinum Patrons ($5 000+) Box Family Chris and Helen Trueman Ruth and Ralph Renard Beth Brown and Tom Bruce AM The Hon David Byrne Caroline Vaillant Charles Roxburgh Richard and Isabella Green Terry Campbell AO and Christine Campbell David Valentine Graeme Samuel AC and Jill Davies Siobhan Lenihan Ernest Dawes OBE and Nola Dawes Megan Waller Aubrey Schrader Peter Lovell Dr M Elizabeth Douglas Catherine Walter AM Dr John and Thea Scott Kaye Marion Bill Fleming Russell Waters and Marissa Barter-Waters Prof Michael Smith Marian and Ken Scarlett OAM John and Gaye Gaylard Ian A Watts Anonymous (10) Greg Shalit and Miriam Faine Brian Goddard Youth Music Foundation of Australia Nance Grant AM MBE and Ian Harris Anonymous (3) Bequests Gold Patrons ($2 500+) Hartmut and Ruth Hofmann G Bawden and L DeKievet Joanna Baevski Simon L Jackson and Brian Warburton Bronze Patrons ($500+) Lesley Bawden Ian Baker and Cheryl Saunders Dr Garry Joslin Jenny Anderson Frank and Danielle Chamberlin Craig D’Alton and Peter Sherlock Sean Kelly Ines and Dr Don Behrend Colin Gunther and Richard Laslett Bob Garlick Rod and Daniele Kemp John and Nancy Bomford Jane Kunstler Dr Jennifer George and Rev Matthew Williams Alun and Patricia Kenwood Susan Brownrigg Tony Wildman and Robert Gibbs Mary-Jane Gething and Joseph Sambrook Angela and Richard Kirsner Pam Caldwell Anonymous (3) Daniel Goodfellow and Matthew Burgess Prof Kathy Laster Keith Chivers and Ronald Peel M Gordon and L Norton John Landy AC and Lynne Landy Dr Jennifer Coghlan-Bell & A/Prof Simon Bell This list is current at time of printing. Peter and Jenny Hordern Dr Paul and Glenys Lejins Laurie David Stewart and Denise Jackel Dr Anne Lierse Beatrice and Richard Donkin

26 27 Corporate Our Partners Join Victorian Opera and achieve your company’s business objectives whilst We acknowledge and thank our partners who make our work possible. supporting our future.

Government Partners

Foundation Partner University Partner Awards

I NNOVATION AWARD N OMINEE 2017

Trusts and Foundations

William Angliss Corporate Partnerships Corporate Memberships Charitable Fund Victorian Opera’s Corporate Become a Corporate Member of Partnership program provides Victorian Opera and be part of one

outstanding brand-led marketing of the country’s most innovative and Henkell Family Fund opportunities to businesses wishing progressive arts companies. Be seen and to raise their profile and reach new network in the foyer alongside leaders markets. of government, business and industry. Official Partner Media Partner Each partnership is carefully tailored Memberships include: to meet the organisation’s individual Premium tickets to opening night marketing, promotional and performances stakeholder engagement objectives. Supply Partners Interval drinks We would love to talk to you about your company’s business objectives, Access to post-performance parties and demonstrate how Victoria’s Invitation to Season Launch iconic and leading opera company can help you achieve your vision. Priority access to other special events and performances

Packages are available per season Performance Partners

Contact Development Manager Louise O’Loughlin on (03) 9001 6405 or [email protected] CORPORATE

28 29 –– NO35 RESTAURANT

#jadoresofi tel Sofi tel-Melbourne.com.au Season 2018 Calendar

THE MAGIC PUDDING – THE OPERA THE CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES 15–17 March 14 September Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse | Tickets $34–39 | 1300 182 183 Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall | Tickets $35–$189 | 1300 182 183 Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 15/ 16/ 17/ 14/ 6:30pm O 6:30pm 1:00pm AD 7:30pm O 5:00pm AD

PELLEAS AND MELISANDE HANSEL AND GRETEL 11–13 October 9–12 June Palais Theatre, St Kilda | Tickets $35–$119 | 136 100 Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse | Tickets $28 | 1300 182 183 Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 11/ 13/ 9/ 7:30pm O 7:30pm AD 11:00am AD 2:00pm O AD 5:00pm LORELEI 12/ 3–10 November 1:00pm RP Merlyn Theatre, The Coopers Malthouse | Tickets $78 | (03) 9685 5111 Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3/ WILLIAM TELL 7:30pm O 14–19 July 7/ 8/ 9/ 10/ Palais Theatre, St Kilda | Tickets $35–$169 | 136 100 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 1:00pm Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7:30pm 14/ 7:30pm O Concessions available. Pension and O Opening Night Health Care Card Holders, Full-Time 17/ 19/ AD Audio Description available Students, Seniors Card Holders, MEAA 7:30pm 7:30pm AD Members, 30 Years and Under. Child RP Relaxed Performance – see p. 40 prices apply on The Magic Pudding – Prices are correct at time of publishing The Opera. Transaction fees may apply. SEASON 2018 SEASON 2018 CALENDAR

32 33 Venue Partners

PALAIS THEATRE ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda PLAYHOUSE AND HAMER HALL 136 100 | palaistheatre.com.au 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 1300 182 183 | artscentremelbourne.com.au WILLIAM TELL July Sat 14, Tue 17 & Thu 19 THE CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES PELLEAS AND MELISANDE September Fri 14 October Thu 11 & Sat 13 THE MAGIC PUDDING – THE OPERA This extraordinary heritage building has recently been renovated with new March Thu 15, Fri 16 & Sat 17 lighting features to illuminate its restored HANSEL AND GRETEL art deco façade. Enjoy a stroll along the June Sat 9 & Tue 12* beach before stepping into its charming foyer and feeling the nostalgia of this Its proximity to the CBD and public hundred-year-old theatre. Not only have transport makes Arts Centre Melbourne legendary rock bands performed here a convenient venue for city workers and but above all the theatre has outstanding suburbanites alike. Be guided by the acoustics for opera. colourful spire to this exceptional venue where so many world-class companies MERLYN THEATRE, and artists perform regularly – whether it be in Hamer Hall, where the excellent THE COOPERS MALTHOUSE acoustics reach even the back of the 113 Sturt Street, Southbank Balcony, or the Playhouse, perfect for (03) 9685 5111 | malthousetheatre.com.au chamber opera. LORELEI November Sat 3, Wed 7, Thu 8, All our venues are easily accessible by Fri 9 & Sat 10 car, bus, train or tram. Victorian Opera This old red-brick former brewery exudes supports the use of public transport as per industrial chic and modern comfort. It its sustainable development policy. If you has great coffee and a happy hour which need any information to help plan your can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace. journey, please visit ptv.vic.gov.au/journey With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you will feel the buzz of being close to the stage and performers in the intimate *Relaxed Performance Merlyn Theatre.

38 35 Accessibility Connect With Us Victorian Opera is committed to making opera accessible to everyone. Go behind the scenes with our blogs, videos and podcasts to learn more about our work. RP RELAXED PERFORMANCE AUDIO DESCRIPTION AND TACTILE TOURS Hansel and Gretel 12 June, 1pm Subscribe to our eNews at The Magic Pudding – The Opera victorianopera.com.au A relaxed performance provides 17 March, 1pm and 5pm a calm environment for audiences Hansel and Gretel 9 June, 11am and 2pm with elements of the production William Tell 19 July, 7:30pm adapted to reduce anxiety or Pelleas and Melisande 13 October, 7:30pm stress. This environment is ideal Horti Hall, 31 Victoria Street for audience members with autism Audio description narrates the Melbourne, VIC 3000 spectrum disorder, Down syndrome action on stage for audience (03) 9001 6400 and those sensitive to sensory members who are blind or visually variance. Lighting and sound levels impaired. Audio Described are adjusted to soften their impact; performances will have an © Illustrations Julien Pacaud pp 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 43 & 44 making noise and moving around accompanying Tactile Tour 45 © Image H.C. & A. Glad, 1918, from The Magic Pudding by the auditorium is welcome during minutes prior to the start time of Norman Lindsay. Published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia p. 14 the performance; and there are the performance. Tactile Tours allow © Illustration Trout Creative Thinking p. 16 designated ‘chill-out’ areas in the people with vision impairment to foyer. explore the props and costumes © Photography: Charlie Kinross pp 4, 22, 23 of the production. Victorian DMV Photography p. 24, Steve McKenzie p. 28 Opera provides Audio Description Phoebe Powell pp 22, 23, Marty Turnbull p. 38 and Tactile Tours for selected ‘None of us have ever performances. When organising Graphic Design Sharni Morter been to an opera before, your tickets, please speak to the it was a new experience box office to book your Audio for all of us. My sister was enthralled the entire time Description receiver and/or and didn’t like it when it Tactile Tour. ended. My sister has GDD (Global Developmental Wheelchair and mobility access Delay) so for her to Victorian Opera reserves the right to add, to substitute or to withdraw watch the entire show Victorian Opera presents in venues artists or vary prices and programming should the need arise. If this was nothing short of that provide access and seating for occurs, all updated information will be available on our website. extraordinary. Thanks!’ wheelchairs and mobility aids. Please Victorian Opera supports green printing initiatives. This brochure has - Amy let the box office know of your requirements when booking. been printed on recycled paper using vegetable-based inks by Printgraphics Printgreen under ISO 14001 Environmental Certification. ACCESSIBILITY

36 41 victorianopera.com.au