MEDIA RELEASE The tradition continues – Opera Australia’s free opera concert returns to Melbourne

Saturday 2 December | Sidney Myer Music Bowl Conducted by Tahu Matheson

Starring | Stacey Alleaume | Sian Pendry | Diego Torre | Luke Gabbedy

Launching in 2007, Opera Australia’s hugely popular concert (now known as) Mazda Opera in the Bowl returns to Melbourne in December with a stellar line up of Australia’s finest opera singers and musical talent. Attracting a record crowd of more than 13,000 people last year, Mazda Opera in the Bowl is proving to be the quintessential summertime, Melbourne event. Gather your picnic basket, grab a few friends, settle-in under the stars and be swept up by the soaring melodies of some of the world’s greatest music. Mazda Opera in the Bowl is the perfect opportunity for first-time operagoers to experience highlights from the world’s most popular operas such as , , and The Barber of Seville by opera’s most loved composers including Puccini, Verdi and Bizet. Performed by four of Australia’s finest soloists and Orchestra Victoria, this is a wonderful night of entertainment and it’s completely free. Held on Saturday 2 December and hosted by ABC Classic FM’s Christopher Lawrence, the concert features local star soprano Stacey Alleaume, gorgeous mezzo-soprano Sian Pendry, magnificent Diego Torre, and commanding baritone Luke Gabbedy, with Orchestra Victoria conducted by Tahu Matheson. Brought to you once again by Opera Australia’s Principal Partner Mazda Australia, who are committed to introducing opera to a wider audience, this free concert celebrates the magic and memorable moments in opera. Delicious food trucks, a photo booth in front of a luscious flower wall and ticket giveaways will keep the crowds entertained in the lead up to the concert. The Mazda Garden Bar is also returning this year where Mazda owners can show their car key and receive a free mocktail.

Staged at the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl – one of the country’s premiere open-air venues – Mazda Opera in the Bowl features some of opera’s greatest arias duets and overtures in a fantastic program that is sure to delight opera aficionados and novices alike.

Conductor Performance Information Tahu Matheson Saturday December 2 at 8.00pm Doors open from 4.00pm

Cast Bookings Host Christopher Lawrence Performers Stacey Alleaume | Sian Free Pendry | Diego Torre | Luke Gabbedy Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 With Orchestra Victoria www.opera.org.au

Sidney Myer Music Bowl Program Linlithgow Avenue BIZET Overture to Carmen Melbourne VIC 3000 ROSSINI ‘Largo al factotum’ from The Barber of

Seville BIZET ‘Flower Song’ from Carmen Media Enquiries SAINT-SAENS ‘Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix’ from Brock Goodhill | Senior Publicist Samson and Delilah (02) 9318 8332 OFFENBACH ‘Intermezzo’ from The Tales of [email protected] Hoffmann VERDI ‘Sempre libera’ from La Traviata

Interval

ROSSINI Overture to William Tell BIZET ‘Seguidilla’ from Carmen BIZET ‘Votre Toast’ from Carmen MASCAGNI Intermezzo from BIZET ‘Je dis que rien ne m'épouvante’ from Carmen RODGERS 'You'll Never Walk Alone' from Carousel PUCCINI 'Nessun dorma' from Turandot