PATRON-IN-CHIEF DR HARUHISA HANDA A Welcome from our Production Partner

Welcome to tonight’s performance of by Guiseppe Verdi. Society is delighted to continue its support of and align as production partner of this much-loved opera.

Opera Society is a not-for-profit organisation committing its resources to the promotion of Opera Australia in Victoria and its young singers. In association with the Melba Opera Trust, the Society sponsors an annual scholarship, and in 2021 also supports two artists with Opera Australia. These provide an excellent basis for the singers’ career prospects.

Membership of Opera Society is available to all opera lovers from beginners to long-time devotees. Members enjoy stimulating social events at which they are able to learn about interpretation and production and meet like-minded new friends.

Opera Society is run entirely by a dedicated band of members donating many hours of their leisure time. Their labour is entirely voluntary but they provide services at a premium professional level.

So if you have enjoyed tonight’s incredible performance of Aida, do consider joining us to become part of the wider Opera Family while supporting this beautiful, exciting and addictive art form. Visit our website at operasociety.org.au Aida

Composer Aida State Theatre, Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) Leah Crocetto Arts Centre Melbourne Librettist Amneris Performance dates Antonio Ghislanzoni Elena Gabouri 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21 May (1824-1893) Radames Stefano La Colla Running time: Conductor Amonasro approximately 2 hours and 50 Tahu Matheson Michael Honeyman minutes, including one interval. Director & Choreographer Ramfis Davide Livermore Alexander Vinogradov Thank you to our Donors Revival Director David Parkin (May 15) Paul Fitzsimon is supported by Shane Placentino The King Ina Bornkessel-Schlesewsky Gennadi Dubinsky Assistant Director and Matthias Schlesewsky Shaun Rennie High Priestess Set Designer Jane Ede Giò Forma Messenger You are welcome to take photos of Dean Bassett yourself in the theatre at interval, Costume Designer but you may not photograph, film or Gianluca Falaschi record the performance. Lighting Designer Opera Australia Chorus John Rayment Chorus Master Cover Photo © Prudence Upton Digital Content Designer Paul Fitzsimon D-Wok Assistant Chorus Master Michael Curtain

Opera Australia Dancers

Opera Australia Actors

Orchestra Victoria Concertmaster Sulki Yu

© Prudence Upton Tahu Matheson - Conductor Tahu has worked for Opera Australia since 2007 and in 2017 became Head of Music for the company. The accomplished pianist has conducted Opera Australia productions of L’Elisir d’Amore, , La Bohème, , , , Whiteley and The Pearlfishers and The Seven Deadly Sins for Victorian Opera. Tahu has also conducted concerts internationally including the premier of Nelson, by Stuart Greenbaum in London.

Davide Livermore - Director Davide Livermore has forged his outstanding award-winning career on the main stages of Europe, America and Australia. For over two decades he has worked in the operatic industry as a director, designer, dancer and actor, and has also performed opera internationally with the best singers of our time. He has been Artistic Director of Teatro Baretti, Centre de Perfeccionament Plácido Domingo, and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. His Opera Australia credits include and .

Shane Placentino - Revival Director As a member of the Australian Ballet (1991–2000), Shane Placentino danced the full range of classical and contemporary repertoire and appeared in Graeme Murphy’s Nutcracker – The Story of Clara and Beyond Twelve before joining Sydney Dance Company (2002–2008). Shane was Assistant Director for Opera Australia’s Aida, and The Merry Widow (Murphy), Faust (David McVicar), and West Side Story on Sydney Harbour. He was Revival Director for John Bell’s Madama Butterfly (regional tour). Shaun Rennie - Assistant Director Shaun is an award-winning NIDA and RADA graduate director. He won the Broadway World Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his 2016 production of Rent at the Hayes Theatre and has received three Sydney Theatre Award nominations for Best Director. Recent highlights include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Darlinghurst Theatre Company), and the Australian premieres of Jess and Joe Forever (25A, Downstairs Belvoir) and Tennessee Williams’ Baby Doll (The Ensemble Theatre Company). Giò Forma - Set Designer Award-wining studio Giò Forma was founded in 1998 by Christiana Picco, Florian Boje and Claudio Santucci. Along with dynamic architectural landmarks, fashion events, concerts and exhibits, Giò Forma creates cutting edge production designs for opera under the direction of Davide Livermore. Their set designs have appeared on stages in Valencia (L’Otello), Madrid (La ) San Paolo (), Milan (Don Pasquale, Attila), Italy ( Lescaut) Moscow (Ballo in Maschera), and Monte Carlo (Adriana Lecouvreur). Gianluca Falaschi - Costume Designer Award-winning Italian costume designer Gianluca Falaschi has worked prolifically in theatre, opera, ballet and cinema. His operatic debut was Puccini’s The Triptych at Teatro Comunale in Modena. Since then, his ongoing artistic collaboration with director Davide Livermore has seen him work on productions including Don Pasquale and Attila (Teatro alla Scala), Adriana Lecouvreur (Opera de Montecarlo), and Tosca (Teatro Carlo Felice). Gianluca has also designed costumes for more than 100 plays internationally.

John Rayment - Lighting Designer John Rayment has spent nearly 40 years designing lighting for projects that range from solo recitals to mass spectacle, from opera to entire cityscapes. His work for Opera Australia includes Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Anna Bolena, Whiteley, Metamorphosis, Ghost Sonata, Aida, La Bohème, , Orpheus in the Underworld, Lulu, Parsifal, and Two Weddings, One Bride, as well as the Sydney Harbour productions of La Traviata (2012, 2021), Carmen (2013, 2017) and West Side Story (2019). D-Wok - Digital Content Designer D-wok is an entertainment design company specialising in interactive and innovative digital formats for events and performances. Using digital mapping and new technologies, D-Wok creates virtual sets and scenery for internationally. Since 2015, D-wok has supervised content and video direction for Norma (Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía), La Bohème (Terme di Caracalla), and Falstaff (Theatro Municipal de São Paulo). Opera Australia credits include Attila (co-production with Teatro alla Scala) and Anna Bolena. Paul Fitzsimon - Chorus Master Chorus Master at Opera Australia since 2019. He has conducted all the symphony orchestras in Australia and recent highlights with OA include the national tour of Madama Butterfly, Brian Howard’s Metamorphosis, and The Merry Widow. In Europe he has conducted the Ballet, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Ensemble Intercontemporain in Paris. Paul was Assistant Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra before completing his orchestral conducting studies at the Universität der Künste in . Sulki Yu - Concertmaster Sulki Yu is a critically acclaimed violinist, having appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, Orchestre Nationale de Lille, Budapest Symphony, Moscow State Academic Symphony, and Royal Wallonie Chamber Orchestra. She won the 2006 Yehudi Menuhin and the 2007 Szigeti-Hubay International Violin Competitions, and is a founding member of the highly awarded Fournier Trio. Prior to Orchestra Victoria, Sulki served as Principal First Violin at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. Leah Crocetto - Aida American soprano Leah Crocetto makes her Opera Australia debut in the title role of Aida, a role she has also performed with Washington National Opera and Seattle Opera. She is heralded by The New York Times as possessing an “agile coloratura technique… with warmth, full penetrating sound and tenderness.” Credits include Leonora in (Seattle Opera), Desdemona in Otello (Teatro la Fenice), Liù in Turandot (Francisco Opera) and the title role in Tosca (Pittsburgh Opera).

Elena Gabouri - Amneris Elena returns to Australia to reprise her critically acclaimed role as Amneris. The dramatic mezzo soprano launched her international career in 2012 with a performance of Amneris at the Arena di , and has since performed the role in Turkey, South Korea, Greece and the US. Her repertoire also includes Azucena in Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Ulrica in Verdi’s A Masked Ball, and contemporary roles such as Irma in Le Balcon (Besançon Opera and Dijon Opera, France).

Stefano La Colla - Radames After a glamourous debut in 2015 at Teatro alla Scala as Calaf in Turandot under the baton of conductor Riccardo Chailly, Stefano has had a successful career. That same season, he was invited back to La Scala for . In 2017 he made his USA debut at , performing in Turandot to great critical acclaim. Recent highlights include La Gioconda in Barcelona and Brussels, and Il Trovatore at Staatsoper Berlin.

Michael Honeyman - Amonasro Michael Honeyman’s leading roles with Opera Australia include the title roles in (Helpmann Award), King Roger (Green Room Award), and Simon Boccanegra, as well as performances as Valentin (Faust), Escamillo (Carmen), Ford (Falstaff), Di Luna (Il Trovatore), Donner (Das Rheingold), Amfortas (Parsifal), Germont (La Traviata), Sharpless (Madama Butterfly) and Escamillo in Carmen on Sydney Harbour. Michael has also performed for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Brisbane Festival, and the State Opera of South Australia. Alexander Vinogradov - Ramfis After his debut at Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow at the age of 21, Alexander Vinogradov began an acclaimed career performing in world-leading opera houses. Among his most celebrated performances are Roméo et Juliette at Teatro alla Scala, Lucia di Lammermoor and Luisa Miller at , and Don Carlo at Los Angeles Opera. Alexander has performed his most successful role, Escamillo in Carmen, at Metropolitan Opera New York, Staatsoper , and London’s . David Parkin - Ramfis In 2006, bass David Parkin won Operatunity Oz, which led to scholarship studies in as well as in Australia and his stage debut with the Vienna State Opera. As an Opera Australia principal, his roles have included Colline (La Bohème), Ramfis Aida( ), Sparafucile () and Don Basilio (The Barber of Seville). He has appeared with all the Australian state opera companies and Pinchgut Opera, and with the Melbourne, Queensland and West Australian symphony orchestras.

Gennadi Dubinsky - The King Accomplished Russian bass Gennadi Dubinsky was a soloist in Moscow in the 1980s before moving to Australia to continue his international career. Select Opera Australia credits include Ramphis and the King in Aida, Lorenzo in I Capuleti e i Montecchi, the Priest in Lady of Mtsensk, the Bonze in Madama Butterfly, Monterone in Rigoletto, and Doctor Grenvil in La Traviata. Gennadi has toured shows to Russia and Turkey and has performed concerts on radio and television.

Jane Ede - High Priestess One of Australia’s most versatile sopranos, Jane Ede has been a principal soprano with Opera Australia since 2010, performing a wide-ranging repertoire of roles. Recent highlights have included Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Countess (), Frasquita (Carmen, including Carmen on Sydney Harbour), Donna Elvira (), Pat Nixon (The Nixon Tapes) and Musetta (La Bohéme). This year she will reprise the role of Wellgunde and sing Gerhilde in Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Brisbane. Dean Bassett - Messenger Australian singer Dean Bassett worked as an Avionics Technician in the RAAF before studying at the Sydney Conservatorium and becoming a full-time member of the Opera Australia Chorus in 2004. Since then, he has performed in over 30 different operas in roles including the First Armoured Man in Die Zauberflöte, Official Registrar in Madama Butterfly, First Knight in Parsifal, Herald in Rinaldo and Second Priest in Die Zauberflöte. Dean Bassett, Alexander Vinogradov, Gennadi Dubinsky, Elena Gabouri, Stefano La Colla. Photo © Jeff Busby

Opera Australia Tenors Opera Australia Dancers Chorus Dean Bassett Alexandra Graham Sopranos Paul Batey Brooke Humphreys Carrie Barr Paul Biencourt Chimene Steele-Prior Eleanor Blythman Gregory Brown Emalyn Knight Emma Castelli Bradley Cooper Laura Bianchi-Bishop Annabelle Chaffey Tomas Dalton Laura Wood Olivia Cranwell Michael Dimovski Laura Shallvey Louise Keast Lyndon Green Mia Sfara Celeste Lazarenko Stuart Haycock Rachel Owens Rebecca Rashleigh Jin Tea Kim Tanaya Doluner Leah Thomas Alister Lamont Nara Lee Emily Uhlrich Opera Australia Actors Nicole Wallace Zachary McCulloch Daniel Cosgrove Katherine Wiles Adam Player Erik Chmielewski Georgia Wilkinson Benjamin Rasheed Giovanni Piccolo Kathryn Williams Asher Reichman Glen Oliver Barbara Zavros Basses Jack Van Staveren Jordan Holtam Mezzo-Sopranos Jonathan Alley Malcolm Ede Mislav Horvat Kate Bright Owen Sloggett Chanyang Choi Christian Gillett Tom Hamilton Simon Whitford Fiona Craig Tony Keeble Keara Donohoe Alexander Hargreaves Olivia Federow-Yemm Paul Hughes Heather Fletcher Charlie Kedmenec Esther Gresswell Jerzy Kozlowski Celeste Haworth Nathan Lay Alexandra Mathew Anthony Mackey Belinda Paterson Jonathan McCauley Juel Riggall Clifford Plumpton Ruth Strutt Alex Pokryshevsky Margaret Trubiano Kiran Rajasingam Ryan Sharp Sitiveni Talei MUSICIANS DOUBLE BASS TRUMPET VIOLIN Section Principal Section Principal Stuart Riley Mark Fitzpatrick Concertmaster Sulki Yu Associate Principal Associate Principal Kylie Davies+ Timothy Francis Principal First Violin Yi Wang Tutti Tutti Chair supported by Matthew Thorne Anthony Pope Susan & Leith Campbell Caitlin Bass+ Lewis Coard+ Principal Second Violin Tony Frantz+ Monica Naselow FLUTE Christopher Grace+ Associate Principal First Violin Tomomi Brennan Section Principal Sarah Henderson+ Associate Principal First Violin Lisa-Maree Amos Connor Jenkinson+ Chair supported by Erica Kennedy Peter Griffin AM & Terry Swann Robert Sims+ Associate Principal Violin Associate Principal Sophie Spencer+ Jenny Khafagi+ Karen Schofield § Louisa Trewartha+ Tutti Dominique Chaseling+ Rebecca Adler Principal Piccolo TROMBONE Chair supported by Rebecca Johnson+ Mr Andrew Fairley AM Section Principal Binny Baik Scott Evans Alyssa Conrau OBOE Associate Principal Kieran Conrau+ Rachel Gamer Acting Section Principal Joshua de Graaf Matt Hassall Principal Bass Trombone Associate Principal Benjamin Anderson Rachael Hunt Stephanie Dixon+ Tutti Philip Nixon Principal Cor Anglais Simon Baldwin+ John Noble Dafydd Camp Ian Bell+ Christine Ruiter Chair supported by Robert Collins+ Lucy Warren Ms Linda Herd Tony Zhai TUBA & CIMBASSO Edwina Kayser+ CLARINET Section Principal Section Principal Richard Bonynge Paul Champion Karina Filipi+ Orchestral Fellow Associate Principal Nelson Woods+ Natasha Lakkis Justin Beere Chair supported by TIMPANI VIOLA Susan & Leith Campbell Principal Bass Clarinet Section Principal Section Principal Robin Henry+ Guy du Blêt Paul McMillan Chair supported by Mr Jim Cousins AO & Mrs Libby Cousins with Igor Associate Principal & Jenny Zambelli Tom Higham BASSOON Tutti Section Principal PERCUSSION Jason Bunn Lucinda Cran Nadine Delbridge Principal Contrabassoon Section Principal Mathew Levy Beth Hemming+ Timothy Murray Isabel Morse+ Associate Principal HORN James Townsend+ Tutti CELLO Section Principal Jasen Moulton § Matthew Brennan+ Section Principal Chair supported by Melissa Chominsky Mr Robert Albert AO RFD RD & Chair supported by Mrs Elizabeth Albert HARP Lady Southey AC Roman Ponomariov+ Section Principal Associate Principal Principal Third Horn Yuko Tomonaga+ Diane Froomes Linda Hewett Associate Principal Tutti Tutti Delyth Stafford+ Sarah Cuming Sharon Hatton+ Philippa Gardner Robert Shirley+ KEY Tania Hardy-Smith § On leave Andrea Taylor + Guest Musician

For a complete listing of the musicians of Orchestra Victoria, visit: orchestravictoria.com.au Orchestra Victoria is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Australian Ballet

CELEBRATING

YEARS OF SHOWCASING THE ARTS STORY hand inmarriage hostages. Heoffers Radamès Amneris’ but keeps AidaandAmonasro as The Egyptian Kingfrees theprisoners that Amonasro onthebattlefield. died among them,buthetells thePharoah recognises herfather, KingAmonasro the Ethiopianof prisoners war. Aida Radamès asks for thefreedom of any reward hedesires. Radamès victor andtheKingoffers him of spoils war.bearing Amneriscrowns return Soldiers intriumphalprocession, Thebes for love withRadamès. slave. invain Aidapleads for achance therivaldeclares of herself amere Amneris’ suspicionsandshenow when Amnerisadmitsherlie, confirm Aida’skilled. misery, and thenjoy tricks her, sayingRadamès hasbeen When Aidaapproaches, Amneris prepare for Radamès’ triumphalreturn. Amneris andherladies-in-waiting Act 2:Amneris’ apartments and victory. sacred rites to Radamès bless for war Priests andpriestesses perform Temple of Vulcan consecrated for battle. Radamès leaves for thetemple to be heprefersbut suspects Aida. conqueror. Shesecretly loves Radamès Radamès and urges himto return as Amneris presents astandard to as theEgyptian commander-in-chief. Radamès Isishaschosen the goddess The Kingenters andannouncesthat secretly, daughter of theEthiopian King. handmaiden to Amneris, Princess and hand of Aida,anEthiopian slave whois tohopes return victorious andwinthe the hero to Egypt lead into battle. He as chosen Radamès hewillbe hopes The Ethiopian army threatens Egypt. The Royal Palace at Memphis Act 1:

gods may grantgods eternal to Radamès. peace while, above them,Amnerisprays that the with him.Together theybidfarewell to earth vision, butitisAidawhohascometo die altar. aform Hesees andthinks itisa to left Radamès dieunderthe hasbeen RamfisAmneris curses andthepriests. silent. Heissentenced alive. to buried be Radamèsaccuses of treason. Radamès is awayis led to trial. Three timesRamfis to Aidaagain. see Radamès refuses and offers love andthethrone never ifhevows with himto declare hisinnocence. She Amneris summonsRadamès andpleads Act 4:TheTemple of Vulcan surrenders hissword to theHigh Priest. escape, and thedevastated Radamès from thetemple. AidaandAmonasro Ethiopian king. AmnerisandRamfis emerge triumphantly anddeclaresthe himself her, whereupon Amonasro steps forward take to avoid theEgyptian troops. Hetells Egypt.flee Aidaasks whichpath theyshould When Radamès arrives, shesuggests they invade Ethiopia. Aidareluctantly agrees. she helphimdiscover Radamès’ plansto Radamès. anddemands Herfather appears is nearby, awaitingalast meeting with toAmneris goes thetemple to pray. Aida Act 3:Thebanks of theNile Stefano Photo LaColla. © Jeff Busby Who was the composer? A little history Giuseppe Verdi was one of the greatest Accustomed to receiving commissions from composers the world has ever seen, Paris and Milan, Verdi must have found dominating the Italian opera scene for most it refreshing to receive a request from of his adult lifetime. the Khedive of Egypt for a new opera to celebrate the opening of the Khedivial Opera He had a gift for taking a character House. As Verdi cast around for a subject, marginalised by society and putting them French librettist Camille du Locle suggested centre stage, whether it be a hunchbacked a story set in Ancient Egypt, sending the jester in Rigoletto, an enslaved Ethiopian veteran composer a synopsis written by the princess in Aida or a courtesan in La Traviata. Egyptologist August Mariette Bey. Verdi was Verdi wrote big, beautiful melodies and intrigued, both by the story and the hand expressive, dramatic orchestral music. that wrote it. Mariette would end up having a significant role in Aida — overseeing designs The composer was born in a small village in for sets and costumes. Parma in 1813 to a poor family. He became a music teacher and conductor before finding Du Locle composed a French libretto, but success as an opera composer. By the time Verdi, still burned from the difficult experience he died in 1901, his fame was such that of writing Don Carlos for the Paris Opera, 300,000 people lined the streets to pay their decided it should be in Italian. He hired a respects as his coffin was taken to its final journalist, Antonio Ghislanzoni, to translate resting place. it into Italian. With a libretto in hand, Verdi composed the music in just four months. What’s the big hit? As it turned out, delays beyond Verdi’s The Triumphal March in Act II — big, bold control meant that Aida was not ready for and brassy, this glorious tune celebrates the opening of the new house — Rigoletto the Egyptian triumph over the Ethiopians in was performed instead. But two years later, war. It’s one of the most famous pieces of Aida premièred in Cairo in December, 1871 classical music in the world. and in Milan a few months later. Verdi did Something to listen out for not attend the Cairo première, but directed the Milan performance. It was a resounding You’ll know you’re listening to the Triumphal success — the audience called him back to March the instant it begins: a sonorous, the stage thirty-two times with thunderous glorious mass of trumpets and voices. Using applause! He was gifted an ivory baton, and a martial, war-like rhythm, Verdi layers brass a star made of diamonds with the name of upon brass, and the melodic line rises, Aida spelled out in rubies. getting steadily louder until the Chorus joins in a wall of magnificent sound: “Glory to Isis!” Aida fast became a staple of the operatic canon, and today is often the subject of There is no authentic sampling of Egyptian lavish outdoor performances. or African tunes in the score — Verdi creates an Eastern “feel” at the end of Act 1 in the Conversation starters harps, and again in the famous Nile scene, • More than 50 years after Aida premiered, where a flute plays a rippling melody line, archaeologists uncovered two horns in the rising in trills and leaps. tomb of King Tutankhamen — one tuned to (Spoiler alert!) Entombed beneath the earth, A-flat, the other in B — two keys which feature as the lovers fade away, the music also prominently in Verdi’s Triumphal March. seems to fade out, with the orchestra getting • Verdi actually commissioned special softer and softer as they perish. trumpets for the Aida orchestra, made in Milan to resemble the long, straight Egyptian form. • Elton John composed a stage musical of Aida, with lyrics by Tim Rice, in 1998. Board and Management

Board of Directors Head of Performing Wardrobe Hamish Peters David Mortimer AO Chairman Head of Performing, Hair and Makeup Nicola Waters Philip Bacon AM Stores Supervisor, Sydney William Dunshea Brian Benjamin Supervisor, Melbourne Stores Rory Verrenkamp Jonathan Feder Jane Hansen AO Wigs and Wardrobe Manager Rebecca Ritchie Alison Pert Wardrobe Senior Technical Supervisor Thorsten Ohst Deena Shiff Senior Ladies Cutters Beryl Waldron Andrew Sisson AO Deputy Supervisors Wardrobe Erika Schwarz, Josephine Sukkar AM Samuel St Aubyn Wardrobe Production Coordinators Bronwyn Jones, Cassandra Pascoli Chief Executive Officer Rory Jeffes Wardrobe Buyer Miranda Brock Artistic Director AM Wardrobe Technical Supervisor (Stores) Bonnie-Louise Harris Executive Support Wardrobe Alterations Technician Hanneke Raanhuis Executive Assistant Angeline Long Wardrobe Technicians Julie-Anne Beach, Government Relations and Grants Advisor Angeline Cheah, Jessica Grantham, Kate Herrett, Leonie Hellmers Orana Talbot Wardrobe Assistants Nicole Artsetos, Stephanie Coe Artistic Unit Head of Wigs Manufacturing Carla D’Annunzio Head of Music Tahu Matheson Wigs Technicians Cheryl Ball, Lynn Coubrough Concertmaster and Orchestra Director Jun Yi Ma Technician (Milliner) Rebecca Read Chorus Master Paul Fitzsimon Manufacturing Administrator Zoe Zhiying Li Assistant Chorus Master Michael Curtain Music Staff Siro Battaglin, Brian Castles-Onion, Workshop Manager Tim Madden Kate Johnson, Jonathan Wilson Senior Technical Draughtsperson David Spark Language Staff Nicole Dorigo Technical Draughtsperson Nina McDonald Senior Manager, Artistic Joanne Goodman Senior Supervisor Carpentry Charles Chen Guest Artist Lead Stevan Pavlovic Deputy Supervisors Carpentry Robert Dai, Orchestra Lead Emma In der Maur Mitchell Ramsey, Michael Vogt Chorus and Music Staff Lead Isabella Sampson Senior Supervisor Metal Work Adam Christie Artistic Assistant Brighdie Chambers Deputy Supervisors Metal Work Arend Beekhoven, Music Library Lead Peter Alexander Benjamin Ramos Freifeld Music Library Administrator Jennifer Fung Senior Supervisor Scenic Art Emelia Simcox Assistant Music Editor Noel Grove Deputy Supervisor Scenic Art Meg Roberts Head of Props Manufacturing Simon Craw Productions Unit Deputy Supervisors Props Manufacturing Roswitha Adldinger, Carlos Johnson, Jo-Anne Parkin Executive Producer Louisa Robertson Props Maker Sergio Hernandez Planning Advisor Ian McCahon Props Buyer Martin Jay Senior Producers Pella Gregory, Penelope Hills, Ruth Thomas Producer Dawn Martin Finance Associate Producers Jennifer Bartlett, Dwan Delker, Chief Operating Officer John Horn Katie Flood, Arnold Klugkist, Phoebe Lane, Amy Morcom, Group Financial Controller Michael Johnson Lisa Mullineux, Will Sheehan Finance Business Partner Liam Gretgrix, Bobby Phang Productions Support Lead Suzanne Tunchon Finance Manager Annette Wong Productions Administrators Ellen Lancuba, Finance and Systems Administrator Pauline Fitzsimons Rebecca Moret, Lucy Tesoriero Senior Financial Accountants Treska Janacek, Ann Wang Technical Unit Accounts Payable Officer Lili Xin Technical Director Clif Bothwell IT Manager Rasim Ustun Senior Manager, Production and Delivery Mitchell Dunn Payroll Manager Anthony Gale Production Managers Ryan Paine, Pablo Puig, Senior Payroll Officer Elisa Alecci Michael Rogerson, Samuel Thomas Payroll Officer Carla Nahlous Production Coordinator Courtney Snell Facilities Manager Neal Hughes Marketing & Communications Facilities Assistant Sophie Cochrane, Mathew Hughes, Acting Marketing & Communications Director Aleksandar Milinkovic, Tom O’Sullivan John Quertermous Productions Officer Alexandra Lovejoy Ticketing and Tessitura Manager Byron McDonald Stage Managers Eugenia Farrell, Benjamin Lynch Communications Manager Janet Glover Deputy Stage Managers Garry Alcorn, Phillip Serjeant Marketing Manager Sarah Hunt Stage Operations Coordinator Rhonda Jones Direct Marketing Lead Phillip Booth Head of Lighting and Sound Jason Morphett Digital Marketing Specialist Ben Neutze Head of Mechanist and Props Jeremy McComish Marketing Officer Maddison McCauley Deputy Head Mechanists Rob Bristow, John Mackay Publicist Christy Seddon Head of Props Stephen Adamson Public Relations Assistant Lisa Gluckman Supervisor Mechanist Samuel Kilpatrick Tourism Administrator Andrew Guy Advanced Mechanist Whetu Haddon Video Producer Joshua Dang Writer Jennifer Williams Human Resources Ticketing Administrator Emma Kersey Human Resources Director Jessica Platts Customer Service Administrator Andrew Castle Human Resources Business Lead Ticketing Operations Administrators Stephen Haimes, Justin Saba, Nicola Campbell Jennifer Horler, Rebecca Lahanas, Christine Robb HR Senior Project Manager Kelly Iverach Customer Service Assistants Brad Langby, Mitchell Lowrey, Daniel Macey, Wendy Strehlow Governance & Risk Governance & Risk Director Development Tammy Cootes Acting Head of Philanthropy Jake Shavikin Senior WHS Advisor Eva Sarah Major Gifts Specialist Alexandra Hanny Philanthropy Specialist Clare Kelly Opera Australia Capital Fund Annual Giving Administrator Ashleigh Jo General Manager Neroli Hobbins OAM Trust and Foundations Specialist Retha Howard Manager Meredith O’Rourke Corporate Partnerships Lead Christina Blanco, Linh Tran Administrator Jennifer Meek

Melbourne Seasonal Staff

Artistic Unit ACM Wardrobe Supervisor / Maintenance Rehearsal Pianist Simon Bruckard Brynna Lowen Costume Technicians Rohanna Hadlow, Jenni Langford, Connie Lewis, Emily Lewis Production Unit Dressers Megan Cole, Andrew Dessmann, Company Administrator Bradley Barrack Justine Haselton, Larry Hunter Stewart, Amelia Jackson, Company Assistant Shae Dawson Catherine Kirby, Connie Lewis, Joseph Noonan, Caroline Perry, Annie Reid, Walter Young Technical Unit Wigs, Hair and Makeup Technicians (Artists) Assistant Stage Manager Danae Crawford, Yvonne Borland, Simone Carter, Pauline Clauzon, Brooke Verburg Linda Cowel, Kym McConville, Stephanie Sin, Alice Wilkinson Mechanists Tujaha Haddon, James Lew

Props Supervisor Genii (Ju Yu) Chien Suppliers Big Picture, ATS Logistics Props Show Crew Talia North, Kevin Pearce

Lighting Supervisors John Llewelyn, Jake Mortimer Production Electrician Alexander Celi Special Acknowledgements Surtitles Timothy Mallis, David Oldham, Judy Pile Priscilla Jackman, Melbourne Showgrounds, Audio and Vision Supervisor Matty James Bicket Forum Melbourne (Marriner Group)

Stefano La Colla, Leah Crocetto, Alexander Vinogradov, Gennadi Dubinsky, Michael Honeyman, Elena Gabouri. Photo © Jeff Busby Leah Crocetto. Photo © Jeff Busby Opera Australia Thanks its Donors

Opera is the ultimate art form, requiring the skills and expertise of a vast number of artists, artisans and craftsmen. We create the best that opera has to offer for current and future generations, but this is only possible through the loyal support of our donors.

Dr Haruhisa Handa We are sincerely grateful to our many donors who support our work through major Patron-in-Chief gifts, the Patron Program, production syndicates, education, outreach and access programs – thank you.

Leadership Donors - $100,000+ Philip Bacon AM Pratt Foundation Hans and Petra Henkell Renaissance Tours Dr Lydia and Dr Irvine Hunter Andrew Sisson AO and Tracey Sisson In memory of Elizabeth Maher Susan & Isaac Wakil Foundation Metal Manufactures Limited Mr Geoffrey White OAM and Mrs Sally White OAM

Artistic Director’s Circle Rachel Verghis and Sigurdur Arngrimsson Maureen Wheeler AO Janelle and Nicole Kidman Anonymous (1) David Mortimer AO and Barbara Mortimer

Principal Donors - $50,000+ Ina Bornkessel-Schlesewsky and Rachel Verghis and Sigurdur Arngrimsson Matthias Schlesewsky Maureen Wheeler AO David Mortimer AO and Barbara Mortimer Anonymous (2)

Ambassador Donors - $20,000+ Antoinette Albert Martin Dickson AM and Susie Dickson Robert Albert AO RFD RD and Elizabeth Albert Mr John Frost AM Esther and Brian Benjamin Ingrid Kaiser Christine Yip and Paul Brady Dr Alison Pert and Rod Sims Kay Bryan Tim Robertson Juliana and Robert Clemesha Carol Sisson Ms Christine Davis Anonymous (2)

Artist Donors - $15,000+ Ballandry (Peter Griffin Family) Fund Nick and Caroline Minogue Tom and Eva Begg Kenneth R Reed AM Ian Dickson and Reg Holloway Penelope Seidler AM Jane Hemstritch Professor Emeritus Barbara van Ernst AM Iphygenia Kallinikos and in memory of Roy and Gay Woodward Despina Kallinikos Anonymous (2) Lisa McKern

The Tales of Hoffmann Syndicate We sincerely thank The Tales of Hoffmann donors for supporting new productions and participating directly in the work of Opera Australia.

Principal Patron Philip Bacon AM Audrey Blunden and Christine Bishop Dr Robert Mitchell Rosemary Block Colin and Rosalyn Nicholson Richard Campbell Penelope Seidler AM Tom Hayward and Fiona Martin-Weber Victoria Taylor Opera Australia Patron Program

We thank our donors to the Patron Program for their loyalty and ongoing support. For a full list of our Benefactor Patrons and Patrons, please visit opera.org.au/donors

Maestro Patrons – $10,000+ Michael Ball The Hon Justice F Kunc and Ms F Rourke Jim and Chris Barker Rosie Lew AM and Family Donald Campbell and Stephen Freiberg Marianne and Warren Lesnie Richard Campbell Peter Mason AM and Kate Mason Louise Christie Lady Potter AC CMRI Roxane Clayton Deena Shiff and James Gillespie The Denton Family Trust John and Diana Smythe Foundation Diane and Edward Federman The Stirling Family Margaret Gibbs Tony and Josephine Sukkar AM Graf Family Mr Kevin Troy Jane Hansen AO Michael Troy Peter and Melissa Hebbard Justice Robyn Tupman Anonymous (2)

Governor Patrons – $7,500+ Nance Atkinson Trust Peter and Pamela McKee Peter Bartholomew and Donna Pelka Professor Stephen Mulligan’ The Hon Bronwyn Bishop AO Tom and Ruth O’Dea Ian and Jillian Buchanan Fiona and Miles Prince M H Carriol AM and Julie Carriol OAM Mark Sampson and in memory of Ruth Sampson Tatiana Crockett James and Alice Spigelman Mr Gerhard and Mrs Monica Flechsig Lyn Williams AM Pat and Frank Harvey Ray Wilson OAM in memory of James Agapitos OAM Mrs Cynthia Jackson AM and the late Dr Edward Jackson AM Anonymous (1) Dr Judith Kinnear Suzanne Kirkham Paul Lindwall and Joanne Frederiksen

Trusts and Foundations The Bourne Foundation Pratt Foundation Crown Resorts Foundation Patricia H Reid Endowment Dr Lee MacCormick Edwards Charitable Foundation The William Rubensohn Foundation Gailey Lazarus Foundation Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation Mostyn Family Foundation Donald Allan Wright Opera Trust Packer Family Foundation Supported by Australian Communities Foundation

For more information about how to make a gift, please call 02 9318 8283 or visit opera.org.au/support-us Wagner 2021 Syndicate We sincerely thank our Wagner 2021 donors for their incredible financial support. Presenting aRing Cycle is a massive undertaking for any opera company and we are extremely grateful for the generous donations from our 2021 Syndicate members, which have made this new production possible. The Ring Cycle will be performed in Brisbane from 29th October until 20th November 2021, featuring a cast of international stars and a spectacular new production by Chinese director Chen Shi-Zheng.

Wagner 2021 Leadership Donors Philip Bacon AM Peter Reilly and Linton Soderholm Hans and Petra Henkell Maureen Wheeler AO Andrew Sisson AO and Tracey Sisson

Wagner 2021 Artist Donors Leslie C Thiess Helen and Phil Meddings MIA Contract Lawyers Tom and Ruth O’Dea Rosemary Block Katie and Vic French Mrs Rowena Danziger AM and Mr Ken Coles AM Ina Bornkessel-Schlesewsky and John Story AO and Georgina Story Matthias Schlesewsky Suzanne Kirkham Hamish Parker

Wagner 2021 Artisan Donors Martin and Ursula Armstrong Mrs Roslyn Packer AC Ballandry (Peter Griffin Family) Fund Robert Peck AM and Yvonne von Hartel AM John Barrer Dr Alison Pert and Rod Sims J. Brownell David and Gillian Ritchie Kay Bryan Judge Robyn Tupman Christine Davis The Wagner Society in NSW Professor Andrew J A Holland The Wagner Society in Queensland Jenny and Peter Hordern Mark Walker Iphygenia Kallinikos and in memory of I.S. and H Wilkey Despina Kallinikos Ray Wilson OAM in memory of James Agapitos OAM John Lamble Foundation Ermes De Zan Lisa McKern Anonymous (3)

We also thank the following donors who have contributed to the Wagner 2021 Syndicate

Leith Cooper and David Bruce-Steer The late Hon. Jane Mathews AO

For a full list of donors, please visit opera.org.au/donors The Opera Australia Capital Fund was established over 20 years ago to help secure the future of Opera Australia for generations to come. Through the generosity of our loyal supporters, this ambition is being realised. Annual distributions from the Fund to the national opera company are providing certainty and optimism about Opera Australia’s future. We are most grateful to all those who have contributed to this important achievement, with particular thanks to our Council of Governors.

COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS The Council of Governors comprises Directors of the Trustee Company and members who have either contributed a significant donation or pledged a specific bequest.

Leadership Circle Philip Bacon AM* (Chairman) Phil and Helen Meddings Jane Clarke and David Newby Rupert Myer AO and Annabel Myer Martin Dickson AM and Susie Dickson Roslyn Packer AC* Michael and Helen Gannon Hamish Parker Dr Haruhisa Handa Kenneth Reed AM and Leonard Groat Shaun and Suzanne Kenny

Benefactor Circle David Armstrong* The Hon. Justice François Kunc* Mary-Jane Brodribb Paul Lindwall and Joanne Frederiksen Jennifer Brukner Chris Lynch and Tania Seary* Kay Bryan Nicholas and Helen Moore Anthony and Bronny Carroll David Mortimer AO* Andrew and Jane Clifford Roger Muller Ken Coles AM Gary Payne Rowena Danziger AM John Reid AO Ashley Dawson-Damer AM* Gary Singer and Geoffrey Smith Gretchen Dechert Margaret Swanson Mark Dimmitt Jill Thorpe Rory Jeffes* Michael Traill AM and Jenny Gage Traill Iphygenia Kallinikos Barbara van Ernst AM Judith Kinnear Ray Wilson OAM Wayne Kratzmann Roy and Gay Woodward

* denotes Opera Australia Capital Fund Directors

A Gift in Your Will You can make a lasting contribution to the future of Opera Australia by leaving a gift in your Will to the Opera Australia Capital Fund.

If you wish to discuss either a donation or a bequest to the Opera Australia Capital Fund, please contact Neroli Hobbins on 02 9318 8386 or [email protected] Opera Australia Thanks its Partners

Patron-in-Chief Dr Haruhisa Handa

Hero Partners

Platinum Partners

Official Wine Partner Regional Australia Partner

Gold Partners

Silver Partners

Bronze Partners

Marketing Partners

Government Partners

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

Pamper yourself with luxurious overnight accommodation for two adults including breakfast for two in Melba Restaurant, complimentary bubbles on arrival and valet parking. #CelebrateTheEveryday

1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC 3006 Australia T (61) 3 8696 8888 langhamhotels.com/melbourne