SEASON 2020

PATRON-IN-CHIEF DR Welcome to our 2020 Season

The joy of music is one of the true pleasures in life. It can transport us to another plane and to a level of enjoyment that is deeply personal, but at the same time extremely public. When that music includes some of the greatest operatic voices in the world today, it reaches a level of joy that is sublime and touches us deeply with its emotional intensity. The combination of brilliant 21st-century design and productions which are intensely powerful and moving, together with phenomenal singing, means that Richard Wagner’s goal of achieving a total work of art becomes real. While we’re committed to achieving this at every performance, it will certainly be the case when we present Lohengrin in Melbourne in this thrilling production. Anthony Pratt and Spread out the picnic blanket and gather your There will be many evenings of inspiration and extraordinary friends: you’re invited to a special night at the experiences in this year of opera at Opera and Opera Australia present held under the stars. And thanks to the generosity it is our hope that you can celebrate many of them with us. of Anthony Pratt, it’s all for free! We look forward to your company, Enjoy exhilarating top notes and stunning harmonies as some of our most exciting singers perform the Opera for opera hits you love best at the Sidney Music Bowl. Whether you’re a regular at the opera or keen to hear your first ‘Nessun dorma’ live in concert, this is sure to be a memorable night out. Keep up with announcements the People Complete with the 60-piece Orchestra and and special offers. See behind a secret special guest, this is the perfect evening the scenes of how your opera for Melbourne’s music lovers to enjoy together, Comm. AM and an opportunity for you to introduce someone Artistic Director season comes together. Opera Australia Sign up for our e-newsletter to opera for the first time. at opera.org.au or join us on Facebook, Twitter, Music Bowl Instagram and YouTube. Saturday 1 February at 8pm Gates open 4pm If you would like to

receive a copy of the PRINCIPAL DONOR VENUE PARTNER text in this brochure printed in a larger The most famous arias, font, please phone under the stars — free! ­ (03) 9685 3700. AT THE SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

Photo: (Joe Castro) 1 | 2 NEW PRODUCTION NEW MA DA M A BUTTERFLY PUCCINI

Fluttering beauty, caught and pinned for his pleasure, bound, beautiful still.

Constrained, cocooned, caught in a Conductor State Theatre, moment of desire, Butterfly is irresistible. Pier Giorgio Morandi Director On tour in Japan, the American sailor Evenings at 7:30pm Pinkerton cannot wait to bed his Japanese Creative Associate May 6, 15, 19, 22, 26, 28 Janet Vernon bride. But he’s already dreaming of an Revival Director Saturday matinee American life with an American wife. When Shane Placentino at 1pm his ship departs, he condemns Butterfly Production Designer May 9 Michael Scott-Mitchell to purgatory. Costume Designer Please note: This new production is by Australia’s most Jennifer Irwin this production may Lighting Designer potentially trigger famous choreographer, Graeme Murphy. Damien Cooper seizures for people with It’s a contemporary look at Puccini’s alluring Video and photosensitive epilepsy. heroine. He captures the grace and gravity Projection Design of a tale that begins in rapturous love and Sean Nieuwenhuis Please note: this production contains ends in cruel heartbreak. Cio-Cio-San adult themes and may not Hiromi Omura be suitable for children. The production features floor-to-ceiling Suzuki If you’d like to talk more LED panels as a dynamic set. Fragments Sian Sharp about what’s on stage, of film flutter across the stage. Pinkerton please call our box office Andeka Gorrotxategi on (03) 9685 3700. Puccini’s sublime music imbues this ageless Sharpless story with beauty, from the irrepressible aria Christopher Hillier Running time: Goro approximately 2 hours ‘Un bel dì’ (‘One fine day’) to the intense finale. Virgilio Marino and 30 minutes, Hiromi Omura is the most sought-after The Bonze including one interval. Gennadi Dubinsky Butterfly in the world. She returns in the Yamadori Sung in Italian with title role along with Andeka Gorrotxategi Haotian Qi English surtitles. as Pinkerton. Kate Pinkerton Jane Ede PRODUCTION PATRON Commissioner Alexander Hargreaves Registrar Gregory Brown

Opera Australia Chorus

Photo: Mariana Hong (Georges Antoni) 3 | 4 Conductor Elsa stands accused of a horrible crime. Director Olivier Py sets this battle She prays for a champion, and a noble between good and evil in the ruins Director Olivier Py knight appears. But his help comes with of Berlin in the aftermath of World Revival Director a condition: she must never ask his name. War II. A monumental revolving tiered Daniel Izzo Does true love demand blind faith? set depicts a decaying theatre, where Set & Costume Designer emblems of German Romanticism Pierre-André Weitz Lohengrin is a fantastical romance. It’s gather dust. NEW PRODUCTION NEW Lighting Designer filled with shimmering string passages Bertrand Killy and angelic choruses, including the The result is a “thoughtful and audacious Lohengrin famous Bridal March. Wagner described piece of theatre.” — Opera Traveller David Butt Philip his music as “streams of gold, ravishing Elsa the senses of the beholder.” Jennifer Davis Ortrud Johannes Fritzsch conducts a stunning Elena Gabouri cast. Jennifer Davis is Elsa, while Elena Telramund Alexander Krasnov Gabouri sings the conniving Ortrud. Heinrich Alexander Krasnov performs as Telramund, Daniel Sumegi and David Butt Philip makes his Australian Herald debut as the noble Lohengrin.

Opera Australia Chorus Orchestra Victoria

State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne

Evenings at 6pm May 16, 20, 29

Saturday matinee at 1pm May 23

Running time: approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes, including two intervals.

Sung in German with English surtitles.

Co-production by Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie and Lohengrin Opera Australia. WAGNER

PRODUCTION PARTNER

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

Can a heart love without doubt? Can you trust the happiness that comes through faith alone?

Photo: (Georges Antoni) 5 | 6 Conductor State Theatre, The King of the Huns No one can stand before Attila and This co-production with La Scala was Renato Palumbo Arts Centre Melbourne his hordes, until a warrior woman turns a tremendous success at its Milan Director Davide Livermore Evenings at 7:30pm meets his match. his head. As he opens his heart to his premiere. It’s a “blockbuster spectacle” Revival Director May 25, 27 prisoner Odabella, the barbarian king (Financial Times), with four vivid Andy Morton reveals his weakness. characters, two real horses and plenty Set Designer Saturday matinee of crowd scenes. Giò Forma at 1pm So the scene is set for one of the great

NEW PRODUCTION NEW Costume Designer May 30 revenge of the 19th century: In the prelude, a mournful cello draws Gianluca Falaschi Lighting Designer Running time: an early Verdi in the vein of . you down into the gravity and turmoil of war. Verdi’s score is full of darkness, Antonio Castro approximately 2 hours Director Davide Livermore fuses video Video Designer and 30 minutes, rhythm and life, displaying the projections with colossal set pieces to D-Wok including one interval. composer’s gift for creating emotion. create an awe-inspiring world for Attila. Attila Sung in Italian with Renato Palumbo, a Verdi specialist, is Taras Berezhansky English surtitles. the ideal conductor to showcase all the Odabella Anna Pirozzi Co-production by colours of this work. Taras Berezhansky Foresto Teatro alla Scala and is Attila opposite Anna Pirozzi as Odabella. Giuseppe Gipali Opera Australia. Ezio Vladimir Stoyanov Uldino Virgilio Marino Pope Leo I Gennadi Dubinsky

Opera Australia Chorus Orchestra Victoria

Photo:ATTILA Natalie Aroyan (Georges Antoni) VERDI 7 | 8 NEW PRODUCTION

Opera Australia and John Frost in association with Hal Luftig and Jana Robbins present the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s production of A Fidler afn Dakh ().

Based on Sholem The Comedy Theatre, Aleichem’s stories 240 Exhibition Street, by special permission Melbourne of Arnold Perl. Nov 15–Dec 20 Book by Joseph Stein Tuesday evenings at 7pm Music by Wednesday–Saturday Jerry Bock evenings at 7:30pm The language of love. Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick Wednesday matinees The sound of tradition. Yiddish Translation by at 1pm Shraga Friedman Saturday matinees Originally Produced on at 2pm the New York Stage by Sunday matinees Experience Fiddler on the Roof (A Fidler afn Dakh) in a new way — Harold Prince at 3pm performed in Yiddish, the language of Tevye and his family! Original New York Stage Production Please note: Following sold-out seasons in New York, and Drama Desk and Outer Directed & the performance schedule Critics Circle awards for Best Musical Revival, we’re delighted to present Choreographed by may differ on certain dates. Australian audiences with this unique, authentic language version of Jerome Robbins See the calendar on page 20 for details. a much-loved musical theatre classic. Director With direction by Oscar and Tony Award winner Joel Grey, A Fidler afn Joel Grey Running time: Musical Staging & approximately 3 hours, Dakh “strikes a deep emotional chord” and “offers a kind of authenticity New Choreography including one interval. no other American Fiddler ever has” (New York Times). PERFORMED IN YIDDISH WITH ENGLISH SURTITLES Stas´ Kmiec´ Musical Supervisor Performed in Yiddish Fiddler on the Roof has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences Zalmen Mlotek with English surtitles. around the world for over 55 years with its humour, warmth and honesty. Set Designer It follows the heart-warming journey of a family whose traditions are Beowulf Boritt Costume Designer turned upside down as the modern world starts to affect life in their idyllic Ann Hould-Ward village. This classic tale is a celebration of life, love, family, and ultimately Wig & Hair Designer a story of hope. Tom Watson Lighting Designer One of the most renowned musicals of all time, the original Broadway Peter Kaczorowski production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. With Sound Designer Dan Moses Schreier a book by Joseph Stein and based on Sholem Aleichem’s classic Yiddish stories, Fiddler on the Roof ’s celebrated score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick features songs including ‘Traditsye’ (‘Tradition’), ‘Mattshmaker’ (‘Matchmaker’) and ‘Ven Ikh Bin A Rotshild’ (‘If I Were A Rich Man’). Don’t miss the beloved story of a community and its struggle to balance traditions and desires in a changing world. The little town of Anatevka will bustle like you’ve never heard it before.

9 | 10 Musical Directors Please note: Set out on the road trip of a lifetime How I yearned to be good — how Conductor Opera Australia NEW PRODUCTION Kuckles (Patrick Bin the schedule differs with a spunky runaway teenager, two Warwick Stengards Orchestra Amat, Gary Gower, on certain dates. Director Michael Mavromatis, Please see the calendar hippies, a wily Uncle, and a German I tried. But all that was good in me Tabatha McFadyen The Coopers Stephen Pigram) on page 20 for details. priest. By the time you shake the red died with a girl in a summer hat. Set & Costume Malthouse, Indigenous Advisor dust from your feet, you’ll know what Designer Merlyn Theatre Michael Mavromatis Please note: it means to come home. Mark Thompson 133 Sturt Street, Director this production contains Southbank NEW PRODUCTION NEW NEW PRODUCTION NEW Andrew Ross strong language, adult Jimmy Chi’s coming-of-age musical Rembrandt van Rijn Associate Director themes and sexual Richard Anderson Evenings at 7pm Naomi Pigram references. Bran Nue Dae is an exuberant ride Saskia van Sep 30 Set & Costume Designer through 1960s . Young Uylenburgh / Oct 1, 2 Mark Thompson Running time: Willie hitchhikes his way from mission Hendrickje Stoffels Choreographer approximately 2 hours school back to Broome, determined to Saturday matinee Tara Gower and 20 minutes, Geertje Dircx at 1:30pm Lighting Designer including one interval. win the heart of the girl he left behind. Agnes Sarkis Oct 3 A feel-good mash-up of rock-and-roll, Govert Flinck / Sound Designer Sung in English. Rembrandt’s Wife Torquinius / Running time: Michael Waters gospel, country and blues music made Judge / Councillor approximately This production is this first-ever Aboriginal musical a ANDREW FORD AND SUE SMITH Benjamin Rasheed 75 minutes, The Comedy Theatre, commissioned by the sparkling success in 1990. with no interval. 240 Exhibition Street, Opera Conference, Melbourne Australia’s national The stage is a recreation of the historic Sung in English. partnership of Sun Pictures open-air cinema in Broome, Jun 12–Jul 12 professional opera companies. and the costumes are delightfully Tuesday–Saturday nostalgic. evenings at 7:30pm Chi’s semi-autobiographical musical Wednesday matinees is packed with humour and hope. It’s a at 1pm story for all Australians, the late musician Rembrandt was famous for his portraits: Saturday matinees at 2pm said. “It is my story but it is also yours rosy cheeks, smiling women, luscious naked Sunday matinees and everybody else you know who seeks curves. He lived with his wife, Saskia, in love at 3pm love and happiness in a world clouded and luxury. Hers is the plump face that smiles by injustice.” out of so many of his works. But as an old man, Rembrandt did not paint laughing women. He died alone, destitute. The women he loved — his wife, his mistress, and his last muse — were gone. One to consumption, one to the plague, one confined without cause to an insane asylum at his own bidding. Discover this extraordinary story in the first revival of this 2009 chamber opera by Andrew Ford and Sue Smith. For decades, Andrew Ford has championed music in cars and living rooms as host of the ABC’s Music Show. Now you can hear one of his own works, with a poignant by playwright and screenwriter Sue Smith (Saving Mr Banks, Hydra). Warwick Stengards conducts this lyrical BY JIMMY CHI AND KUCKLES work featuring a nine-piece ensemble. Richard Anderson is the embattled painter. Taryn Fiebig performs as Saskia and as Rembrandt’s maid and muse, Hendrickje. Agnes Sarkis performs as his mistress, Geertje. This new production by director Tabatha McFadyen will play at the .

Photo: (Jake Terrey) 11 | 12 Conductor It’s a Saturday evening in spring. A ruthless woman with Carlo Montanaro The most famous arias, a secret son. under the stars —­­ free! ­ You’ve got your favourite people by your side and a fabulous picnic spread to share. Then the glorious Jessica Pratt A jealous husband bent Sidney Myer Music Bowl live music begins. Maffio Orsini Saturday 30 November 2019 at 8pm Varduhi Abrahamyan on vengeance. Gates open 4pm Those rousing orchestral overtures you didn’t Gennaro A young orphan, whose Giuseppe Gipali even know you knew: from William Tell and . Duke Alfonso The beautiful Pearlfishers duet. The thrilling loyalty will cost him his life. Michael Honeyman Toreador Song from Carmen. Rustighello Virgilio Marino Hear our brightest stars perform opera’s most famous tunes under the stars. The magnificent Opera Australia Chorus sound of Orchestra Victoria fills the night. Opera Australia The singers’ voices soar into the open air. Orchestra Dress up — or not — it’s your night to enjoy the Hamer Hall, power of the human voice in the kind of communal, Arts Centre Melbourne cultural celebration Melbourne loves best. Tuesday evening Mazda at 7pm Oct 13 OPERA AUSTRALIA VENUE EVENT HERO PARTNER PARTNER PARTNER Running time: approximately 2 hours Opera in and 30 minutes, with one interval.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles. the Bowl In concert LUCREZIA BORGIA DONIZETTI

It’s got poison and betrayals galore. This is your chance to hear Jessica But the best reason to see Lucrezia Pratt perform the title role of Lucrezia Borgia in concert is to bask in the skills Borgia (including the infamous final aria) of an extraordinary soprano. Impossible in concert. trills and stratospheric notes make this Carlo Montanaro conducts a wonderful classic Donizetti an important conquest cast, including Giuseppe Gipali as Gennaro, for the best coloratura sopranos. Michael Honeyman as Duke Alfonso and Like before her, Varduhi Abrahamyan as Orsini. You can superstar Jessica Pratt has made this hear the splendour of the Opera Australia music her home. Her agile soprano Orchestra in Hamer Hall. rings out on stages all over the world, including the famed boards of La Scala.

Photo: (James Thomas) 13 | 14 Saturday 3 October BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND Come on an exhilarating adventure Towering, moving digital panels create Lyric Theatre, NEW PRODUCTION at 7:30pm with men and maidens, gods and giants, an immersive virtual world. Astonishing Queensland Performing Arts Centre Hamer Hall, dragons and dwarves. As greed and costumes and props imagine an Arts Centre Melbourne violence threaten to destroy the unknown future. Nov 10–Dec 5 heavens and earth, a glimmer of hope French conductor Philippe Auguin Book tickets in rises from an unexpected source. Sung in German with addition to your THE has conducted the Ring Cycle more English and Simplified subscription and This is Wagner’s Ring Cycle — the than a dozen times. He leads a cast Chinese surtitles. receive a 10% discount. Simply pinnacle of opera — a 15-hour epic of international stars including Vitalij For creative team, book two or more performed over four nights. Kowaljow, Stefan Vinke and Allison Oakes. cast, dates, prices and Opera Australia R I N G more information, visit performances, Enjoy a week in sunny Queensland They join some of Australia’s most opera.org.au/ring then add tickets and see a spectacular new production accomplished performers to bring you to this recital. by visionary Chinese director Shi-Zheng the memorable music of the Ring Cycle. CYCLE Chen. WAGNER In 2020, he’ll explore Wagner’s legendary tale through a futuristic lens. His global vision imagines a parallel universe where many cultures walk together.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Andrew McKinnon in association with Opera Australia presents Joseph Calleja — The Maltese Tenor UNIVERSITY PARTNER

Joseph Calleja is one of in The Last Night of the the most exciting lyric Proms at The Royal Albert tenors in the world today. Hall was nothing short PRESENTING PARTNERS of electrifying. Blessed with a golden- age voice which routinely In this, his eagerly inspires comparisons to anticipated debut Australian legendary singers from tour, the Maltese-born earlier eras, Calleja is now singer described as the a star at all the world’s young Pavarotti will be greatest opera houses and joined by two of Australia’s concert halls. best-loved artists, soprano Amelia Farrugia, who is also TRAVEL PARTNER His extensive discography of Maltese heritage, and for Decca Classics includes internationally acclaimed a thrilling Verdi album and pianist Piers Lane, for an a hugely popular tribute unforgettable performance. to Mario Lanza, while his performance of Puccini’s famous ‘Nessun dorma’

Photo: © DECCA / Simon Fowler Photo: (Jake Terrey) 15 | 16 NATIONAL TOUR Carmen is the femme fatale Director NEW PRODUCTION Handa Opera on Harbour you can’t forget. Matthew Barclay Set & Costume In Bizet’s famous opera, she Designer Anna Cordingley sings her sensual Habanera, Lighting Designer and lures Don José into her Paul Jackson Carmen world. He gives up everything Orchestration BIZET to follow her. But Carmen’s Robert Andrew LA Greene wandering eye has already found a new lover: the dashing VIC Tour Dates bullfighter Escamillo. Jul 17–Sep 11 TRAVIATA Don José’s jealousy is Ballarat VERDI fierce. Escamillo’s passion Bendigo Dandenong is strong. In a gripping finale, Frankston Carmen must face her fate. Mildura Moonee Ponds Experience the thrilling Narre Warren Spanish colour and rhythms Sale of Bizet’s vibrant score with Wangaratta Warragul Opera Australia’s singers, Warrnambool live chamber orchestra and a children’s chorus drawn from For booking details the local community. This new and tour dates visit opera.org.au/on-tour production includes gorgeous sets and vintage-inspired Running time: costumes. approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, You can hear classics such with one interval. as the Habanera and the Sung in French with Toreador Song just as Bizet English surtitles. meant them — loud, live and completely unamplified. This production is supported by the Violetta is the life of every party. Arrive early to enjoy drinks or dinner Our 25th-anniversary tour Opera Conference, Raise your glass, flutter Australia’s national A courtesan with a heart of gold, at one of the five pop-up bars and of Carmen marks a quarter partnership of those lashes. He’s staring she’s free and free-spirited. Could restaurants on site. Drink in the view century of touring the world’s professional opera a little love change everything? as the setting sun glimmers over the best operas across Australia. companies. at you, he’s singing for city skyline. Then take your seats in Experience the joy and heartache NATIONAL TOUR you… Are you tempted? the comfortable grandstand to enjoy LEADING PARTNER of the world’s most popular opera at “a ravishing visual spectacle” Sydney’s best night out. Fireworks light (Huffington Post). up the sky at every performance. A giant chandelier shimmers over the harbour The 3.5-tonne chandelier sparkles with PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY stage. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 10,000 Swarovski crystals. The biggest is “the ultimate Sydney experience” scenes feature 70 performers on stage (Yahoo! Travel). and party boats in the harbour. Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, In 2020, we present La Traviata: Sydney the story that inspired Moulin Rouge.

Evenings at 7:30pm Mar 27–Apr 26 Tuesday–Sunday except Good Friday, Apr 10

Running time: approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, including one interval. STRATEGIC AND PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT SPONSOR PATRON Sung in Italian with English and Simplified Chinese subtitles.

Photo: (Georges Antoni) Photo: Stacey Alleaume (Georges Antoni) 17 | 18 Melbourne Season Calendar 2020

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN JANUARY 27 28 29 30 31 FEBRUARY 1 2 Opera for the People 8pm Feb

MAY 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Butterfly 7:30pm Butterfly 1pm (talk 12:15pm) May 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Butterfly 7:30pm Lohengrin 6pm (for one)

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Butterfly 7:30pm Lohengrin 6pm Butterfly 7:30pm Lohengrin 1pm (audio described) (for one) (talk 6:45pm) (talk 12:15pm)

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Attila 7:30pm Butterfly 7:30pm Attila 7:30pm Butterfly 7:30pm Lohengrin 6pm Attila 1pm (for one) (talk 5:15pm) (talk 12:15pm) (audio described) (audio described)

JUNE 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 2pm Bran Nue Dae 3pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Jun

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 1pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 2pm Bran Nue Dae 3pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 1pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 2pm Bran Nue Dae 3pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm

29 30 JULY 1 2 3 4 5 Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 1pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 2pm Bran Nue Dae 3pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 1pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 2pm Bran Nue Dae 1pm Jul Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm Bran Nue Dae 7:30pm

SEPTEMBER 28 29 30 OCTOBER 1 2 3 4 Rembrandt’s Wife 7pm Rembrandt’s Wife 7pm Rembrandt’s Wife 7pm Rembrandt’s Wife 1:30pm Sep Joseph Calleja 7:30pm

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Support Us Lucrezia Borgia 7pm Oct

NOVEMBER 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Opera is the ultimate art form, requiring Make a tax-deductible Other ways to become Fiddler 6pm the skills and expertise of a vast number Nov donation with your 2020 involved with Opera 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 of artists, artisans and craftsmen. Fiddler 7pm Fiddler 1pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 2pm Fiddler 3pm Ticket sales alone do not cover the subscription Australia Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm costs of this extraordinary experience. 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 We need your help. Join the Patron Program — become Fiddler 7pm Fiddler 1pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 2pm Fiddler 3pm A donation of any size helps us share Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm the best that opera has to offer with part of the family When you donate to Opera Australia, you and future generations. 30 DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 you support artistic excellence, the next Deepen your involvement — support Fiddler 7pm Fiddler 1pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 2pm Fiddler 3pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm generation of young artists and taking Please consider making a tax-deductible artistic excellence and emerging artists opera into our communities and regions. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 donation with your booking form. Plan a gift in your will. Contact Neroli Fiddler 7pm Fiddler 1pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 2pm Fiddler 3pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm You can also donate at Hobbins at Opera Australia Capital Fund Dec [email protected] 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 opera.org.au/donate Fiddler 7pm Fiddler 1pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 2pm Fiddler 3pm or call (03) 9685 3706. Contact Fiddler 7:30pm Fiddler 7:30pm (03) 9685 3706 opera.org.au/supportus

Talk — join us near Door 2 of the Stalls Foyer of the State Theatre 45 minutes before this performance Opening night to hear a member of Opera Australia’s artistic team share their insights into the opera. Audio Described — see details on page 23. For one — come to the opera by yourself and we’ll make sure you’re not alone. See details on page 23.

19 | 20 Prices

Choose two or more productions to subscribe. Choose five or more for the biggest savings.

Under 30 Subscription If you’re under 30 and choose two shows, you can buy a B or C reserve seat for just $68 to any performance of , Attila, Lohengrin and Lucrezia Borgia. For more under 30 prices for other performances or in other reserves visit opera.org.au/subscribe

CHOOSE BETWEEN 2 AND 4 PRODUCTIONS CHOOSE 5 OR MORE PRODUCTIONS CHOOSE BETWEEN 2 AND 4 PRODUCTIONS CHOOSE 5 OR MORE PRODUCTIONS TO RECEIVE THESE DISCOUNTED PRICES TO RECEIVE THESE DISCOUNTED PRICES TO RECEIVE THESE DISCOUNTED PRICES TO RECEIVE THESE DISCOUNTED PRICES

Madama Butterfly and Attila Fiddler on the Roof ALL PERFORMANCES ALL PERFORMANCES at Arts Centre Melbourne at the Comedy Theatre TUESDAY–FRIDAY EVENINGS TUESDAY–FRIDAY EVENINGS P A B C D P A B C D Producer P A B C Producer P A B C FULL PRICE 258 179 144 89 62 230 159 128 79 55 FULL PRICE 144 126 108 90 54 128 112 96 80 48 PENSIONER 232 161 130 80 56 207 143 115 71 50 PENSIONER & UNDER 30 144 126 90 72 54 128 112 80 64 48 SATURDAY EVENINGS SATURDAY EVENINGS Producer P A B C Producer P A B C Lohengrin at Arts Centre FULL PRICE, PENSIONER ALL PERFORMANCES ALL PERFORMANCES 162 144 126 108 90 144 128 112 96 80 Melbourne & UNDER 30 P A B C D P A B C D SATURDAY & SUNDAY MATINEES SATURDAY & SUNDAY MATINEES FULL PRICE 354 261 187 135 86 314 232 166 120 76 Producer P A B C Producer P A B C PENSIONER 319 235 168 122 77 283 209 149 108 68 FULL PRICE 162 144 126 108 90 144 128 112 96 80 PENSIONER & UNDER 30 162 144 117 99 90 144 128 104 88 80 Rembrandt’s Wife WEDNESDAY MATINEES WEDNESDAY MATINEES ALL PERFORMANCES ALL PERFORMANCES at The Coopers Malthouse Producer P A B C Producer P A B C FULL PRICE 80 71 FULL PRICE 144 126 108 90 54 128 112 96 80 48 PENSIONER 72 64 PENSIONER & UNDER 30 144 126 90 72 54 128 112 80 64 48 UNDER 30 45 45

La Traviata on Sydney Harbour SUNDAY–FRIDAY SUNDAY–FRIDAY Lucrezia Borgia at Hamer Hall OCTOBER 13 OCTOBER 13 P A B C D P A B C D P A B C P A B C FULL PRICE 299 257 209 154 89 268 228 186 137 79 FULL PRICE 176 140 86 59 156 124 76 52 PENSIONER 269 231 188 139 80 241 205 167 123 71 PENSIONER 158 126 77 53 140 112 68 47 SATURDAY SATURDAY P A B C D P A B C D Bran Nue Dae TUESDAY–FRIDAY EVENINGS TUESDAY–FRIDAY EVENINGS FULL PRICE 332 275 226 165 113 295 245 201 146 101 at the Comedy Theatre PENSIONER 299 248 203 149 102 266 221 181 131 91 P A B C P A B C FULL PRICE 108 90 72 54 96 80 64 48 PENSIONER & UNDER 30 108 81 72 54 96 72 64 48 SPECIAL OFFER FOR OPERA AUSTRALIA SUBSCRIBERS Buy a subscription of two or more Opera Australia productions to receive a discount to Joseph Calleja at Hamer Hall SATURDAY EVENINGS SATURDAY EVENINGS P A B C P A B C Joseph Calleja at Hamer Hall OCTOBER 3 OCTOBER 3 FULL PRICE, PENSIONER P A B C P A B C 117 99 81 63 104 88 72 56 & UNDER 30 FULL PRICE 199 149 109 79 199 149 109 79 SATURDAY & SUNDAY MATINEES SATURDAY & SUNDAY MATINEES P A B C P A B C FULL PRICE 117 99 81 63 104 88 72 56 PENSIONER & UNDER 30 117 90 72 63 104 80 64 56 WEDNESDAY MATINEES WEDNESDAY MATINEES P A B C P A B C FULL PRICE 99 81 72 54 88 72 64 48 PENSIONER & UNDER 30 99 72 63 54 88 64 56 48

Producer = Producer Reserve, P = Premium Reserve, A = A Reserve, B = B Reserve, C = C Reserve, D = D Reserve. For a map of the theatre visit opera.org.au/theatres 21 | 22 Why Subscribe? 2020 Subscription Form

Please indicate how many people are subscribing with you and choose two or more productions from the list below. Gather your companions, Under 30 Subscription If any of your party wish to attend a different combination of performances, they will need to fill out their own form. decide which operas If you’re under 30 and choose two operas 1. How many tickets would you like per performance? you’ll see this year and or more, you can buy a B or C reserve seat for just $68 to any performance of FULL PRICE PENSIONER UNDER 30 secure your seats. Madama Butterfly, Attila, Lohengrin and See page 23 for details Lucrezia Borgia. For more under 30 prices in other reserves visit opera.org.au/subscribe Book now for two or more Wheelchair Access performances and receive: If you require a wheelchair space and You must be 30 years old or under on 2. Which productions would you like to include in your subscription? access, please call (03) 9685 3700. 1 January 2020. When booking, please • Priority booking provide proof of age. Choose at least two productions from the list below. • Discounted tickets Audio Described Performances Do you want the calculations done for you? Buy your subscription online at opera.org.au/subscribe • Free ticket exchanges Audio description is a verbal commentary • The option to pay in four instalments relayed to audience members who are blind Opera for One PRODUCTION DATE ALTERNATIVE RESERVE $ TOTAL PER • Discounted parking at the or have low vision. The description does DATE Please select PERFORMANCE Arts Centre Melbourne not interfere with the performance but fills Keen to see that opera but don’t know Madama Butterfly P A B C D $ • Opportunities to win access in the gaps: describing facial expressions, anyone to go with? Come to the opera to behind-the-scenes events costume, scenery and action sequences. on your own and we’ll make sure Lohengrin P A B C D $ • Special offers from our friends Audio description also reads surtitles you’re not alone. Meet our host for in the arts, culture and food scenes aloud. The audio description is provided complimentary drinks and nibbles by highly trained Vision Australia describers Attila P A B C D $ Subscribe by Friday 27 September 2019 an hour before the performance. via a discreet receiver and earphone. at 5pm and you’ll be in with a chance to A member of our creative team will Fiddler on the Roof PROD P A B C $ Audio described performances can be win back the value of your subscription give a talk to get things going, and then booked by calling (03) 9685 3700. booking (to the total value of $5,000). you’ll have something to chat about Bran Nue Dae P A B $ We’ll announce the winner on Friday 18 Exchanges with others attending by themselves. October 2019. For full competition terms Subscribers can exchange their See the calendar on page 20 for dates. Rembrandt’s Wife — $ and conditions visit opera.org.au/terms subscription tickets through Opera To book Opera for One as part of your Australia free of charge, or in person at Lucrezia Borgia in Concert 13/10/20 N/A P A B C $ Authorised under NSW Permit LTPM/19/04004, subscription, call us on (03) 9685 3700. Arts Centre Melbourne for a fee of $4.40 ACT Permit TP 19/03444. per ticket. All other exchanges incur a fee La Traviata on Sydney Harbour P A B C D $ of $18 per ticket. Exchanges are subject How To Book PACKAGE TOTAL $ to availability and are available up until two The Ultimate Online working days prior to each performance. Opera Weekend opera.org.au/subscribe — the easiest 3. Seating To exchange your subscription tickets way to book. You can choose your own for free, visit opera.org.au/exchange Dive deep into the opera world for one seats and we do the calculations for you. I prefer to sit in the: Stalls Circle Balcony Best available or phone (03) 9685 3700. weekend in Sydney. Choose between Phone February or August to experience I require a view of the surtitles: Yes No Concessions (03) 9685 3700 3 operas with premium tickets, 3 behind- Concession prices are available for full (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) the-scenes tours (, pensioners (Australian) and those aged The Opera Centre and our Production 4. Add more tickets, including to Joseph Calleja By Mail 30 years and under. When booking, please Store) and meals in the company of Post your completed form to: provide proof of your eligibility. You must opera artists and fans: PRODUCTION / EVENT DATE NUMBER FULL PRICE / RESERVE $ TOTAL PRICE Opera Australia be able to present proof, if requested, OF TICKETS PENS / UNDER 30 PROD / P / A / B / C / D PER PRODUCTION Reply Paid 389 at performances. • Friday 21–Sunday 23 February: South Melbourne VIC 3205 Don Giovanni, Faust, Carmen, $ Terms and Conditions Great Opera Hits (optional) In Person Opera Australia reserves the right to vary, $ The Opera Centre substitute or withdraw advertised programs, • Friday 7–Sunday 9 August: La Juive, Aida, Eugene Onegin Level 1, 45 William Street artists and seating arrangements, and $ Melbourne VIC 3000 to vary prices. By buying a ticket, you are For more information visit ( ) Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm agreeing to be bound by Opera Australia’s opera.org.au/weekend ADDITIONAL TICKETS TOTAL $ terms and conditions of sale, as well as the Booking Dates To book, call us on (03) 9685 3700. performance venue’s terms and conditions. Subscribe now for the best seats and Refunds are not available, except as Cost: $990 per person. best savings. La Traviata on Sydney specified in the Entertainment Code Harbour tickets are available now. of Fair Practice. You can find full terms and All other tickets available from conditions and Opera Australia’s privacy Tuesday 15 October 2019. policy at opera.org.au/terms

23 | 24 5. Personal details We present performances and events We thank our partners that excite audiences, while developing NAME ( MR / MRS / MS / DR / MX / OTHER ) a sustainable future for the art form. Partnering with like-minded organisations ADDRESS is fundamental to our success.

SUBURB POSTCODE

EMAIL PHONE PATRON-IN-CHIEF DR HARUHISA HANDA We’ll automatically email you reminders about upcoming performances, as well as subscriber invites and offers. I give Opera Australia permission to use my email address to contact me. I’d like to receive marketing information from the venues or co-promoters of these performances. I’d like more information about Opera Australia’s Patron Program.

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NAME ( MR / MRS / MS / DR / MX / OTHER )

ADDRESS PLATINUM PARTNERS LEADING PATRONS

SUBURB POSTCODE

EMAIL PHONE Regional Australia Partner

6. Support Opera Australia GOLD PARTNERS I’d like to support the artistic development of talented young singers with Amount $ a tax-deductible donation to the Moffatt Oxenbould Young Artist Program. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour Food 7. Payment details & Beverage Partner

I have included proof to qualify for pensioner / under 30 prices. Please charge the following credit card in full (no fees apply). GRAND TOTAL $

I would like to pay in four equal instalments for a fee of $10 per instalment. (sections 2, 4 and 6) Handa Opera on Sydney The schedule for the four payments will be (i) on receipt of form, Harbour Wine Partner (ii) 15 November 2019, (iii) 10 January 2020 and (iv) 6 March 2020. SILVER PARTNERS

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QUAY GRAND SYDNEY HARBOUR CARD TYPE MASTERCARD VISA AMEX DINERS Opera Australia Wine Partner

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Please return to: Opera Australia, Reply Paid 389, South Melbourne VIC 3205 MARKETING PARTNERS

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

Opera Australia is assisted by the Australia Opera Australia is supported Opera Australia is supported by Council for the Arts, by the Victorian Government the NSW Government through Government’s arts funding and advisory body. through Creative Victoria. Create NSW and Destination NSW.

25 | 26 OPERA.ORG.AU

OPERA FOR THE PEOPLE MADAMA BUTTERFLY LOHENGRIN ATTILA FIDDLER ON THE ROOF BRAN NUE DAE REMBRANDT'S WIFE LUCREZIA BORGIA MAZDA OPERA IN THE BOWL CARMEN — NATIONAL TOUR

Photo: (Georges Antoni)