Pudding the Opera

CALVIN BOWMAN & ANNA GOLDSWORTHY THE MAGIC PUDDING THE OPERA

October - November 2013

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’s MESSAGE RICHARD MILLS

‘...such a classic A great classic lends itself to transformation and adaptions to new forms: The Magic Pudding is such and its mixture a classic and its mixture of fantasy, zany humour and of fantasy, zany gentle irony makes it an ideal base for a new opera for the young and young at heart performed by a talented humour and gentle and engaging young cast. irony makes it an The work also takes its place in the special company ideal base for a new mission of Victorian Opera: to create work for and with regional communities which enables the joy of Victorian Opera opera for the young...’ discovery and participation at a genuine level of artistic value – via an expertly composed work realised with Richard Mills dedication and enthusiasm by a committed young cast. The Magic Pudding – the opera marks the beginning of a program of enabling the regional communities to join in song under the guidance and encouragement of all at Victorian Opera. Composer Calvin Bowman - a songwriter of rare CHAPTER abilities has found his inspiration in the charming libretto by Anna Goldsworthy which has so deftly captured the essence of the flow and energy of Norman Lindsay’s timeless Australian fairy tale. Bringing the wonderful world of The Magic Pudding to life is made possible through generous support TWO by Victorian Youth Opera Patron Miss Betty Amsden 2014 Season packages OAM, Victorian Opera Education Syndicate and Victorian Opera New Work Syndicate. Particular now available mention must also be made of The Robert Salzer Foundation for underpinning Victorian Opera’s annual commissioning program, and Arts Victoria and the John T Reid Charitable Trusts for their support in La traviata delivering The Magic Pudding – the opera to the Hansel and Gretel regional communities of Victoria. Into the Woods This new opera will, I am sure, win a place in the popular Norma imagination that will endure beyond its first season. The Riders Welcome and enjoy. The Play of Herod Richard Mills Book Online Artistic Director victorianopera.com.au or call 1300 822 849

CALVIN BOWMAN THE MAGIC PUDDING - THE OPERA COMPOSER’S MESSAGE CALVIN BOWMAN & ANNA GOLDSWORTHY ‘I am inspired by not only I feel humbled and privileged to have been asked to write a work based on Norman Lindsay’s The Magic the creative medium Pudding. I am inspired by not only the creative medium World Premiere 4 October 2013, Melbourne Conductor Daniel Carter Director Cameron Menzies of opera, but also of opera, but also by the many talented people who 4 - 6 October 2013 each play a distinctive part in bringing the score to life. Merlyn, The Coopers Malthouse, Melbourne Set & Costume Designer Chloe Greaves by the many talented 22 October 2013 Lighting Designer Peter Darby Although a cast of thousands might easily be acknowledged The Cube Wodonga, Wodonga Puppetry Consultant Lynne Kent people who each play through the very nature and mechanics of staging a work 25 October 2013 Puppet Construction Vanessa Ellis a distinctive part...’ such as this, I would like to mention three people in this Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura Stage Manager Jessica Smithett short space who’ve been indispensable in its production. 29 October 2013 Assistant Stage Manager Rebecca Gibbs Calvin Bowman Oscar Bowman inspires and amazes me. This work is for Westside PAC, Shepparton Head Mechanist Jim Henry him. Anna Goldsworthy possesses a rare combination of 7 November 2013 Repetiteurs Phoebe Briggs Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat musical and literary talent which produced the outstanding Phillipa Safey libretto. And Richard Mills continues to believe in me. 12 November 2013 And I thank all of them. West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul CAST (in order of appearance) Calvin Bowman Composer Calvin Bowman Narrator Kirilie Blythman Composer Librettist Anna Goldsworthy Bunyip Bluegum Nathan Lay Based on the book The Magic Pudding Bill Barnacle Timothy Reynolds ANNA GOLDSWORTHY by Norman Lindsay. Sam Sawnoff Daniel Todd Pudding Jeremy Kleeman LIBRETTIST’s MESSAGE Running time approximately 1 hour. Watkin Wombat/Rooster Olivia Cranwell The Magic Pudding - the opera is presented Possum Christine Heald with kind permission of the copyright holders: Judge Carlos E. Bárcenas Several years ago, my trio commissioned a series of H.C. & A. Glad. Image: © H.C. & A. Glad, 1918, ‘...packed with lovable variations from a number of Australian composers on a Constable/ Tobias Glaser from The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay. Henderson Hedgehog Schubert waltz, including Calvin Bowman. We rehearsed Published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia. rogues and the exact Benjamin Brandysnap Lotte Betts-Dean his variation rather more than was necessary, simply to right dose of magic.’ bask in its gorgeousness. Sometime later, Calvin and I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ORCHESTRA Anna Goldsworthy discussed collaborating on a musical; when Victorian Opera approached us to create a children’s opera it seemed we With thanks to: Concertmaster Jennen Ngiau-Keng had wished this project into being. We met up one afternoon Harrison Cope, Daniel Gosling, 2nd Violin Miranda Matheson Just Imagine Productions, Malthouse Theatre, to trade the names of our children’s favourite books. When Viola Nelson Yarwood Melbourne Props Hire, Melbourne Theatre Cello Jarrad Mathie Calvin suggested The Magic Pudding, it had the air of Company, Opera Australia, Trevour Poultney, revelation – and enchantment – of that moment he has (Melbourne, Shepparton, RC4 Wireless, Resolution X, Scenic Studios, Ballarat) created in the opera: ‘Shall I tell him? It’s a Magic Pudding!’ Tilda Somers, Wick Lighting. Cello Virginia Kable Norman Lindsay’s classic text might have been designed Supported by: (Wodonga, Mildura, for a children’s opera. It is a song in itself, packed with The Victorian Government through Arts Victoria Warragul) lovable rogues and the exact right dose of magic. It also Victorian Opera Youth Opera Patron Double Bass Chloe Smith offers a boisterous physical comedy that is made for the Miss Betty Amsden OAM Flute Dominique Chaseling stage. Working with Calvin Bowman gave me all the Clarinet Julia Stoppa melodic thrills I’d hoped for; workshopping our ideas Victorian Opera Education Syndicate Bassoon Matthew Kneale Victorian Opera New Work Syndicate with the encyclopaedic Richard Mills was a privilege. The Trumpet Benjamin Harrison book’s look is as iconic as its story, something that director The Robert Salzer Foundation JT Reid Charitable Trusts Foundation Percussion Peter Farmer Cameron Menzies and designer Chloe Greaves understood Piano Phoebe Briggs immediately. Above all, The Magic Pudding celebrates Phillipa Safey conviviality, which has been my experience of this project, not least thanks to the young voices of Victorian Opera. THE MAGIC PUDDING - THE OPERA CHORUS Hurrah, hurrah, hurroo for puddin’ owners true! The Magic Pudding – the opera chorus provides a unique opportunity for a group of local young singers Anna Goldsworthy to come together to form the chorus and perform with Librettist Victorian Opera professional artists.

SYNOPSIS THE MAGIC PUDDING - THE OPERA

Slice One As they are about to set off on their search, Mr Bunyip Bluegum, a koala, follows the Bunyip thinks of a great plan. They will say scent of pudding until he comes across there is an Official Grand Procession of the Bill Barnacle, the sailor, Sam Sawnoff, the Society of Pud to lure out the Puddin’ Thieves. penguin and Albert the ‘cut-and-come When the thieves arrive at the Procession, it’s again’ Pudding. Albert is a Magic Pudding, clear Wombat has Albert hidden under his as the more pudding you eat the more you hat. Bunyip starts singing the national Anthem, get. He is, however, a very grumpy fellow. God Save the King, expecting that out of Bill and Sam invite Bunyip to join them for respect Wombat will have to remove his hat. lunch and to partake of pudding in the Bill and Wombat get into fisticuffs and the Engelbert Humperdinck open air. After their meal Bill sings of how pudding falls off Wombat’s head. Again the they met Albert, when Watkin Wombat and Puddin’ Thieves have been thwarted. Possum, The Puddin’ Thieves, appear. Sam Slice Four punches Possum and knocks Wombat to As a gang of four, Bill, Sam, Bunyip and the ground. The Pudding Thieves scurry off Benjamin arrive at Tooraloo, a sausage HANSEL without stealing the pudding. Albert sings of shaped place where there’s nothing much how terrible his life is stuck as a pudding in a to do. Wombat and Possum disguised as pot. Bill and Sam ask Bunyip to join them as respectable townsfolk accuse the Puddin’ Puddin’ Owners. Owners of stealing their pudding. They Slice Two make a big commotion and the police & GRETEL Wombat and Possum have started a fire to arrive. Albert insults the policeman and then A fairytale opera cause a huge distraction. They enter dressed pinches him. The policeman has no option as firemen with a long fire hose to put out but to arrest Albert on the grounds of Puddin’ Now available through subscription the fire. While everyone is terribly distracted Assault. In Tooraloo court, Wombat and Wombat makes off with Albert. The three Possum are in the dock accused of Puddin’ distraught Puddin’ Owners set off in search of stealing, while Bill acts as the prosecuting the thieves. First they come across Henderson lawyer. He calls upon Benjamin Brandysnap the Hedgehog who is a trifle deaf. They then and Sam Sawnoff to give evidence. Albert 3 operas for $109 come across Rooster who says he saw a objects to the evidence and tries to start a We have something for everyone Possum running towards Watkin Wombat’s fight. Bunyip distracts them by announcing with our 2014 season packages. Summer Residence. Bill, Sam and Bunyip Albert has been poisoned, and the Judge Three opera packages including arrive at the Summer Residence. Bunyip – who has eaten seven slices – has been Hansel and Gretel for the kids, pretends to be a door-to-door seller of poisoned seven times. This causes chaos in Pootle’s Patent Pudding Enlarger. Wombat the courtroom and everyone runs out. The an enchanting musical for adults, and Possum fall for the trick and the Puddin’ Puddin’ Thieves run away and the Puddin’ Into the Woods, and a breathtaking Owners are able to snatch back Albert. Owners have Albert back. Albert still believes classic of doomed love, La traviata. he has been poisoned and they tell him it Slice Three Available from $109! was all a joke. The Puddin’ Owners decide The following morning Wombat and Possum that the only way to keep Albert safe from tell the Puddin’ Owners they are surrendering, Book Now the Puddin’ Thieves is to live in a tree house and that they have brought a present for victorianopera.com.au and give Albert his own little paddock to run them in a bran bag. In a quick trick the around in. Bill, Sam, Bunyip, Benjamin and or call 1300 822 849 Puddin’ Thieves put the bran bag over all Albert all live happily together. of their heads and run away with Albert. Bill, Sam and Bunyip struggle to get out of the bag. Luckily a dog called Benjamin © Cameron Menzies Brandysnap arrives and lets them out.

BIOGRAPHIES CREATIVE & CAST CREATIVE & CAST BIOGRAPHIES

CoMPOSER LIBRETTIST CONDUCTOR DIRECTOR Calvin Bowman Anna Goldsworthy Daniel Carter Cameron Menzies

Calvin Bowman is currently Head of Composition Anna Goldsworthy is a classical pianist and writer. Background: B.Mus(Hons.) University of Melbourne, Background: Cameron is a Green Room and University Organist at the Australian National She has performed extensively throughout Australia studying Composition and Piano. Victorian Opera Nominated Director and is the recipient of the University, Canberra. He is a graduate of The and internationally, with highlights including solo Developing Artist 2010-2011. Brian Stacey Award for 2011 Berlin New Music Opera Award from University of Melbourne, and was the first Australian appearances at the Teatro Colon for the Buenos Emerging Conductors 2012. Symphony International Opera Foundation Australia and the Deutscher to graduate with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree Aires International Music Festival, for the Orchestra Podium Scholarship. Symphony Australia Core Akademischer Austauch Dienst, the 2008 Bayreuth from Yale University with the assistance of a Fulbright of Colours in Athens, at the Melbourne International Conductors Program 2009-2012 working with Opera Award from The Opera Foundation scholarship, the inaugural Anthony Joseph Pratt Award Arts Festival, and in the Adelaide Symphony orchestras in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart Australia; The Besen Family Artist Program for the Visual and Performing Arts. He is a member of Orchestra’s Masters Series. She has published and Auckland. As the 2012 recipient of the Susan (Direction), Malthouse Theatre and currently holds Australian Mensa and a life member of the Australian two memoirs, Piano Lessons and Welcome to Your Harley Living Bequest, Daniel spent a period of the position of Artistic Director for Opera in the Park Fulbright Association. New Life, and is the author of the Quarterly Essay May 2012 in New York to study What Next? with its for City of Stonnington and Head of Direction at Unfinished Business. composer Elliott Carter in preparation for his debut the Opera Studio Melbourne. Creative director of Dr Bowman has presented the complete Bach organ conducting the Australian Premiere of the work. Daniel OPERETTE for the L’Oreal Fashion Festival 2012 -2013. works twice including once in a single seventeen hour Anna is a founding member of Seraphim Trio, will be joining the music staff of the Hamburgische sitting for the Melbourne International Festival, for and is currently Artistic Director of the Port Fairy Staatsoper in December 2013 as a Repetiteur and Victorian Opera: Puss in Boots (El Gato con which he was nominated for a Helpmann Award for Spring Music Festival, cultural critic for The Assistant Conductor. Botas) and La Cenerentola (Education Program), “Best Individual Classical Music Performance”. He has Monthly, Kenneth Moore Memorial Music Scholar The Threepenny Opera, co-production with premièred major keyboard works by Philip Glass, Peter at Janet Clarke Hall, and Research Fellow at Victorian Opera: Conductor: Master Peter’s Puppet Malthouse Theatre, Hansel and Gretel and The Sculthorpe, Ross Edwards, Graeme Koehne, Richard the J.M. Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice at Show/What Next? (Australian Premiere), Puss in Magic Flute. Mills and Andrew Schultz, and appeared as keyboard the University of Adelaide. In 2013, Anna tours Boots (El Gato con Botas), The Parrot Factory (World soloist with many Australian orchestras including Australia extensively in concert with Seraphim Trio, Premiere), Education Performances of La Cenerentola, Other Companies: La traviata – Opera in the Orchestra Victoria, and the Melbourne, Adelaide, as soloist for Musica Viva Countrywide, and with the Magic Flute and Hansel and Gretel, NOVA Workshops Park, 2013, CONTACT! – A Netball Opera (Arts West Australian and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras. stage adaptation of her bestselling memoir, Piano 2010 and 2012. Assistant Conductor for over 12 Centre Melbourne), The Magic Flute (OZopera, Lessons. She records for the ABC Classics label. productions including Nixon in China, The Magic Flute, Opera Australia), Il Trovatore, I Capuleti e I As a composer, Dr Bowman has been awarded an Montecchi (Opera Australia), Eugene Onegin, Don Australia Council Fellowship and been commissioned The Marriage of Figaro, Bluebeard’s Castle, Carmina Burana, Julius Caesar and La Damnation de Faust. Giovanni, The Juniper Tree, The Old Maid and the by Ars Musica Australis, Symphony Australia, and Thief (The Opera Studio Melbourne), Tannhäuser more. His works have been conducted and performed Other Companies: Aida, Cosí fan tutte (Opera (Deutsche Oper, Berlin). by musicians such as Sir Neville Marriner, Sebastian Australia Assistant Conductor), Don Giovanni (Opera Lang-Lessing, Brad Cohen, Emma Matthews, Australia OzOpera Conductor), The Threepenny Recordings: Opera Therapy – Documentary SBS Jacqueline Porter, Greta Bradman and Sara Macliver, Opera (Sydney Theatre Company/Victorian Opera Television – Winner of the Silver Plaque at the recorded for Deutsche Grammophon and ABC Conductor), Pierrot Lunaire (Melbourne Festival Chicago International Film Festival, 2006. Classics, and played by the Orchestre Philharmonique Conductor), Requiem (Australian Ballet/Victorian de Monte Carlo, the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Opera Chorusmaster), Assembly (Sydney Festival), and the Tasmanian and Adelaide Symphony Education Concerts and Playerlink Conductor (Sydney Orchestras. Recent commissions include works for Symphony), Carnival of the Animals, The Night Garden The Tallis Scholars, the Flinders Quartet, and the (Melbourne Recital Centre Conductor), Willoughby Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Symphony and MYM. CREATIVE & CAST CREATIVE & CAST BIOGRAPHIES BIOGRAPHIES

SET & COSTUME DESIGNER LIGHTING DESIGNER Judge BENJAMIN BRANDYSNAP Chloe Greaves Peter Darby Carlos E. Bárcenas Lotte Betts-Dean

Background: Chloe Greaves is a costume designer Background: Peter is a graduate of the VCA Background: Born in Colombia. Bachelor degree Background: Born and raised in Berlin, Lotte Betts- and maker working predominantly in the film and School of Production during which time he studied in Marine Biology. Bachelor of Music Performance Dean is a regular soloist for several ensembles and theatre arena in Melbourne. She is a 2008 graduate under John Comeadow. Since graduating Peter (University of Melbourne, Conservatorium of festivals. Lotte feels at home in a wide variety of from the Victorian College of the Arts’ School of has worked extensively with Victorian Opera in the Music). Awarded the Keith G Chapman Memorial repertoire encompassing art song recital, chamber Production, and upon graduating was the recipient role of Head Electrician & Technical Coordinator Scholarship and the Sleath Lowrey Award in music, oratorio, new music, early music and opera. of the Orloff Family Trust Scholarship. In 2008 Chloe on more than 30 productions. During this time he 2010. Currently in his final year of the Masters in She completed her BMus at Melbourne University in received the PROWD award for best theatrical design has had extensive experience under the guidance Music (Opera Performance) at the University of 2012 under the tutelage of Anna Connolly. Melbourne, Conservatorium of Music. for The Sound of Wire, and has been nominated for of acclaimed lighting designers including Paul Victorian Opera: Chorus: 2013 Gala Concert, Greenroom awards for her costume design on The Jackson, Matt Scott, Nigel Levings, Phil Lethlean, Victorian Opera: Soloist: Rush Hour, Chorus: Princess Aurora: Sleeping Beauty, Soloist (Der Fate of Franklin and his Gallant Crew in 2010 and Damien Cooper and Richard Vabre. Maria de Buenos Aires, Miller: Puss in Boots, Soloist Rosenkavalier): 2012 Gala Concert, El Trujaman: The Pineapple Sorrows in 2012. Victorian Opera: Lighting design credits include: in Victorian Opera Gala Concert 2013, Soloist in Master Peter's Puppet Show, Queen Belshazzar: The Victorian Opera: Chloe was Costume Design Assistant The Play of Daniel, 2011 Regional Tour Gala Victorian Opera Gala Concert 2012, Master Peter Play of Daniel, Soloist: Hallelujah, It's Christmas!, under Anna Cordingley for the Victorian Opera and Performances, Brundibár, The Cockatoos, The Little in Master Peter’s Puppet Show by Manuel De Falla Chorus: Assembly. in 2012, Cover of Basilio, The Marriage of Figaro Malthouse Theatre co-production The Threepenny Sweep. Assistant Lighting Designer: Ariadne auf Other Companies: Venus: Venus and Adonis, Opera. Costume Manager: The Happy Prince. Naxos, Xerxes. by Mozart in 2012, In The Beginning Was The Word part of Malthouse Theatre’s Opera XS. Don Polly Peachum: The Threepenny Opera, The Other Companies: Costume design for theatre: Other Companies: Lighting Designer - Waiting for Ramiro in La Cenerentola for Education Program, Counselor: The Play of Daniel, Clio: Razing Le Donna Curiose (The Julliard School New York); Godot, The Logue of Thomas P.T. Lawrence (What Moomba Opening Night Concert and Master Hypatia, Stephanie: Nine. Cinderella, Ongin, The Juniper Tree (The Opera Just Happened Productions); A Gala Night at the of Music (Opera Performance) Student Recital. Concert Repertoire: Elgar The Music Makers, Studio); On the bodily education of young girls Opera (MBEC); Not Quite Right In The Head, A Fine Member of the Victorian Opera Chorus since Bach Christmas Oratorio, Magnificat, Cantatas 84 (Fraught Outfit); The Economist, Triangle, Hose and Bromance (Bad Boys of Music Theatre). Assistant 2008, and in 2011 was part of regional concert, & 199, Mozart Coronation Mass & Requiem, Haydn J.A.T.O (MKA – Theatre of New Writing); Contact Lighting Designer – The God of Carnage (MTC). Sing Your Own Opera - From Opera to Broadway Paukenmesse, Stabat Mater & Harmoniemesse, (Arts Centre Melbourne) The Fate of Franklin and He has also worked with The Deaf Arts Network and touring around Victoria. Handel Messiah, Saint Saens Oratorio De Noel, De his gallent crew, The Master and Margareta and Phunktional in the creation of a new dance work Falla El Sombrero de tres picos, Berio Folksongs, Alice in Wonderland (Fourlarks Theatre). Costume The Sound of Silence as well as working on Shane Other Companies: King Alexander, in Il Re Pastore with Melbourne Lyric Opera (2008) and Stravinsky Pribaoutki & The Soldier's Tale, Stanhope Design Assistant for Theatre; Moonshadow (designed Warne: The Musical. Peter is a committee member Songs for the Shadowlands. by Harriet Oxley) Baal (Designed by Mel Page) for for the Australasian Lighting Industry Association. Don Jose in Carmen with In Opera in Good Malthouse Theatre. Design for film includes: The Company (2010). Michael in Deborah Cheetham’s Recordings: La Compania The Spanish Collection Stranger (VCA Honors - Melbourne international film new opera Pecan Summer with Short Black Opera (2013), Greenbaum Four Finalities (2013), festival Accelerator program); cophard.tv (noise and (2010 & 2011). Sigmund & Siegfried in MTO’s Soundtrack to Ficino Films' The Firebird (2012), light – Fantastic Fest); and music videos Wild things production of THE RING - Wagner Animated Gondwana Voices Dreamings (2006). Lotte has also (San Cisco), Gold (Guy Sebastian), Shame (All the conducted and arranged by David Kram. performed in a number of live to air broadcasts for Colours), No Matter What You Say (Imperial Teen), ABC Classic FM and 3MBS FM. Waking Up The Same (Cosmo Black).

CREATIVE & CAST CREATIVE & CAST BIOGRAPHIES BIOGRAPHIES

NARRATOR WATKIN WOMBAT/ROOSTER CONSTABLE/HENDERSON HEDGEHOG POSSUM Kirilie Blythman Olivia Cranwell Tobias Glaser Christine Heald

Background: Bachelor of Music Performance, Background: Bachelor of Music Performance Background: Tobias Glaser studied a Bachelor Background: Christine was born on the NSW (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Arts (Hons) majoring in German and Music South Coast. Diploma of Music Industry Business Melbourne) in 2011. Recipient of the 2011 Walter of Melbourne). Bachelor of Arts, University of History with a Diploma of Modern Languages in (Canberra Institute of Technology) 2007, Bachelor Kirby Singing Scholarship and the Athenaeum Melbourne. Graduate of Young Actor’s Studio, French. He has sung with many of Melbourne’s of Music (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music) Competition vocal prize. Completing a Master NIDA. Lisa Gasteen Opera Summer School 2011. best loved ensembles including The Choir of 2011. Recipient of the 2010 Walter Kirby of Music (Opera Performance), Melbourne Finalist, Herald Sun Aria 2011: Semi-finalist, IFAC Newman College, the Bach Cantata Project and Scholarship. Currently in the final year of the Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. Australian Singing Competition 2011: Winner, St John’s Southgate, Lyric Opera of Melbourne, Masters of Music - Opera Performance (Melbourne South Eastern Arts Festival Aria 2011: Third place, Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria, Melbourne Conservatorium and Victorian Opera). Victorian Opera: Soloist: Rush Hour, A young National Liederfest 2011. Symphony Orchestra Chorus and with Victorian man/A photographer: Sunday in the Park with Opera both in the Youth Opera program and main Victorian Opera: Soloist: Rush Hour, Chorus: George. Princess: Puss in Boots, Chorus in Victorian Opera: Soloist: Rush Hour, Celeste stage performances as both a soloist and chorus Nixon in China, Soloist: 2012 Victorian Opera Nixon in China, Soloist: Opera on a White Night #1/A waitress: Sunday in the Park with George. member. He has spent extensive periods in Berlin Gala, Soloist: Masters of Music (Opera Gala Concert, 2012 Gala Concert, Opera by Puss: Puss in Boots, Chorus: Nixon in China, studying singing with renowned Heldentenor Reiner Performance) Work in Progress, Soloist: Twilight (RACV Healesville Country Club), Musical Queen Clementine: Sleeping Beauty, Clorinda: Goldberg. He is also a cantor soloist at several Sing Your Own Opera and Sing Your Own Lunchtime (Victorian Opera Christmas recital), La Cenerentola for Education Program, Gossip: synagogues around Melbourne and has a strong Messiah, Angelina: La Cenerentola for the Master of Music (Opera Performance) Work in Angelique, Cherubino (cover): The Marriage passion for Jewish liturgical music. Education Program, Soloist: Moomba Opening Progress, Sing Your Own Opera, Thisbe in La of Figaro, Sesto (cover): Julius Caesar, Popova Night Concert and Masters of Music (Opera Cenerentola for Education Program, Moomba (cover): The Bear, Robber Girl: Snow Queen, Victorian Opera: Principal singer: The Play of Daniel. Performance) Recital. Opening Night Concert and Master of Music God: Noye’s Fludde. Soloist: Opera on a White Other Companies: Wisewould the Wombat: Other Companies: Ensemble: Orpheus in the (Opera Performance) student recital. Night Gala Concert, Gala Concert 2012, Master of Music (Opera Performance) Work in Progress, Laugh out Loud, Stephon: Iolanthe, Big Ben: Merrie Underworld, (The Opera Studio Melbourne); Other Companies: Soloist in Family Classic Kids Sing Your Own Opera, Moomba Opening Night England, Adonis: Venus and Adonis, Aeneas: Dido Ophelia: The Shakespeare Project (ACT Singers); 3 SING (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) Ceclia: Concert and Master of Music (Opera Performance) and Aeneas, Philicome: La Belle Helene. Irene: A Guide to Handel’s Oratorios (Canberra Bohemios, Cantaora: La Verbena de la Paloma, Handel Choir); Peep-bo: The Mikado, Bridesmaid: Student Recital, Assembly. Concert Repertoire: Tenor soloist: Helen: La Belle Helene (Lyric Opera of Melbourne); Trial by Jury, (ACT Singers). Himmelfährtsoratorium, tenor soloist: From Jewish Mercedes: Carmen (In Good Company); Susan: Other Companies: The Ring. Wagner: Animated Folk Poetry, baritone soloist, Duruflé Requiem. Concert Repertoire: Beethoven Mass in C A Dinner Engagement, First Knitter: A Game of (More Than Opera); Young Woman and Reporter: and Choral Fantasia, Duruflé Requiem, Mozart Chance (Music Vocal Company) ; soloist with Box Pecan Summer (Short Black Productions); title role: Vesperae solemnes de confessore. Hill Chorale, MUCS, Kapelle Singers, Melbourne Carmen (In Good Company); Papagena: The University Faculty Choir. Magic Flute (VCA Symphony Orchestra); Plaintiff/ Angelina: Trial by Jury, Hebe: HMS Pinafore (Savoy Opera Company); Clytemnestra: The Greek Tragedies (NIDA); Chorus: Lucia di Lammermoor, Madama Butterfly (Opera Australia).

CREATIVE & CAST CREATIVE & CAST BIOGRAPHIES BIOGRAPHIES

Pudding BUNYIP BLUEGUM BILL BARNACLE SAM SAWNOFF Jeremy Kleeman Nathan Lay Timothy Reynolds Daniel Todd

Background: Jeremy Kleeman studied a Bachelor Background: Nathan completed his Bachelor Background: Graduated with a Bachelor of Background: Born in Malaysia, Daniel has of Music at the Melbourne Conservatorium of of Music at Melba Conservatorium of Music in Music (University of Melbourne, Conservatorium attained a Bachelor of Music (Hons) (Melbourne Music (MCM) from 2009 to 2011. In 2012 he was 2008. Whilst completing this course, he was the of Music) in 2007 and a Postgraduate Diploma Conservatorium of Music) and Bachelor of Law accepted into Victorian Opera and the MCM’s new recipient of multiple scholarships including the of Teaching from University of Melbourne in (University of Melbourne). Victorian Opera’s two-year Master of Music (Opera Performance) Melba Conservatorium Scholarship and three time 2009. Member of The Choir of Trinity College, Developing Artist Program 2011-2013. He has won course. Jeremy was a finalist in the 2012 IFAC recipient of the Robert Salzer Scholarship. Nathan Melbourne from 2002-2008. Completing a the RMP Aria, Opera Society Young Artist Scholarship Australian Singing Competition, winning the was awarded the Gertrude Johnson Scholarship to Master of Music (Opera Performance), Melbourne and Faculty Aria (Melbourne Conservatorium of Merenda Prize for study in Italy and the David attend The Opera Studio Melbourne in 2010. That Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. Music). He has also been a prizewinner in the IFAC Harper Award in the final held at the Sydney Opera same year, Nathan won the National Liederfest and Australian Singing Competition, German Australian House. At the MCM Jeremy was the recipient of was named Australian Music Events’ Opera Scholar Victorian Opera: Soloist: Rush Hour, Miller: Opera Grant, National Liederfest, South-Eastern the Victor Fox Award (2009), Lady Turner Exhibition of the Year, enabling him to perform alongside Puss in Boots, Zen: Elliott Carter’s What Next? – Aria and the Sleath Lowrey Award. Completing a in Music (2010), Cassidy Bequest (2011), Harold singers such as David Hobson and Rosario La Double Bill; Soloist: Sing Your Own Opera, Prince’s Master of Music (Opera Performance), Melbourne Fisher Opera Scholarship B’Nai B’rith (2011), Lady Spina. In 2012 Nathan was runner-up in the Messenger in La Cenerentola for Education Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. Turner Exhibition in Music (2011), Muriel Cheek Melbourne Welsh Male Choir’s ‘Singer of the Year’ Program, Moomba Opening Night Concert and Victorian Opera: Soloist: Rush Hour, Man/Museum Memorial Scholarship (2011) and was an Awardee competition, winner of the Kantor Encouragement Master of Music (Opera Performance) student Assistant: Sunday in the Park with George, Puss: Puss of the Acclaim Sleath Lowrey Scholarship 2012. Award at the Melbourne Recital Centre’s ‘Great recital; Narrator: Coffee Cantata – Baroque Triple in Boots, Chorus: Nixon in China, Prince Waldheim: Romantics Competition’, and was runner-up and Bill; Soloist: Sing Your Own Messiah; Chorus: Victorian Opera: Soloist: Rush Hour, Hornplayer/ Sleeping Beauty, Don Curzio: The Marriage of Figaro, winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 2012 Oedipus Rex, Puccini: The Sacred and the Profane, Lee Randolph: Sunday in the Park with George. Testo: Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda and Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria competition. Seven Last Words From The Cross, Carmina Ogre in Puss in Boots, Chorus: Nixon in China, Burana, The Damnation of Faust. Midas: The Fight Between Phoebus and Pan (Baroque Soloist in Opera on a White Night Gala Concert Victorian Opera: Louis/Billy Webster: Sunday in Triple Bill), Tamino: The Magic Flute, The Witch: Hansel 2013, Soloist in Richard Gill’s 2012 Gala Concert, the Park with George. Chorus: Nixon in China. Other Companies: Chorus: Fledermaus, Tosca, and Gretel and Prince’s Messenger: La Cenerentola Soloist in Master of Music (Opera Performance) King: Puss in Boots. Soloist: Opera on a White Night Rigoletto, Les pêcheurs de perles, Macbeth, La for Education Program, Mick Davoren: The Cockatoos Work in Progress, Soloist for In The Beginning Gala Concert. Chorus: Biographica, Soloist: 2012 bohème; Lucia di Lammermoor, (Opera Australia); (world première), Ham: Noye’s Fludde. Soloist: Opera Was The Word, Soloist for Sing Your Own Opera, Gala Concert. Other Companies: Schaunard: La Gaston: La traviata; Chorus: Tosca, Cavalleria on a White Night Gala Concert, Assembly. Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola for Education Bohème, Guglielmo: Così fan tutte (Melbourne Rusticana, Pagliacci, Tosca; (Melbourne Opera). Other Companies: Pluto: Orpheus in the Program, Moomba Opening Night Concert and Opera), Emperor: The Emperor of Atlantis (IOpera). Concert repertoire: Bach’s St Johannes Passion Underworld (Monash Opera Ensemble), Lord Tolloler: Master of Music (Opera Performance) student (arias); La Recitant: Berlioz’s L’enfance du Christ; recital; Soloist: Assembly. Concert Repertoire: Mozart: Coronation Mass, Iolanthe (Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria), Shepherd Fauré: Requiem, Brahms: Requiem, Handel: Bach’s B Minor Mass; Handel's Messiah; Mozart / Soldier: King Arthur (Melbourne University Choral Concert Repertoire: Bass soloist: Fauré Requiem, Messiah, Paladilhe: Messe de St François d’Assise, Mass in C minor, Requiem; Soloist for the MSO, Society), Monteverdi’s Eighth Book of Madrigals (E21 Bass soloist: Schubert Mass in G. Beethoven: Choral fantasia in C minor and Mass in Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Ludovico's Band, with Andrew Lawrence-King). C Major, Orff: Carmina Burana, Vaughan Williams: the Consort of Melbourne, the National Boys Choir, Concert repertoire: JS Bach, Mass in B Minor, Messiah Fantasia on Christmas Carols and The First Nowell. Gloriana and The Choir of St James King St. (Handel and Mozart versions), Haydn: Creation, Gounod St Cecilia Mass, Berlioz: Requiem, Puccini: Messa di Gloria, Ramírez: Misa Criolla, Chisholm: Kursk: An Oratorio Requiem (world première).

PATRONS VICTORIAN OPERA

Victorian Opera acknowledges with great appreciation the gifts and pledges it has received from the following donors:

Founding Patrons Paul & Sandra Salteri Elžbieta & Tomasz Romanowski The Late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Gregory Shalit & Miriam Faine Joseph Sambrook & Mary-Jane Gething Lady Potter AC Tim & Lynne Sherwood Michael Sassella Felicity Teague John & Elisabeth Schiller Patron in Chief Anonymous (1) Aubrey G Schrader The Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Phillip & Sue Schudmak Governor of Victoria Silver Patrons ($1,000+) Bernadette Slater Joanna Baevski Lady Southey AC Victorian Youth Opera Patron Laurie Bebbington & Elizabeth O’Keeffe Betty Amsden OAM Michael Troy Kirsty Bennett Liz & Peter Turner Living Bequest Sheila Bignell Catherine Walter AM Susan Harley Beth Brown & Tom Bruce AM Andrea Walton Buckett Family Lord & Lady Wilton ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE Ms Corrie Calegari & Mr Ian Law Anonymous (6) Jennifer Brukner Terry & Christine Campbell William J Forrest AM Jim & Diana Carlton Bronze Patrons ($500+) John & Diana Frew Caroline & Robert Clemente John & Nancy Bomford Richard & Isabella Green Mary & Frederick Davidson Jasmine Brunner Mrs Jane Hemstritch Martin Dickson AM Neil Burns Hans & Petra Henkell Stephanie Dundas Pam Caldwell Peter & Anne Laver Marj & Eduard Eshuys Kathie Convery Gareth & Merran Evans Tanya Costello VICTORIAN OPERA Education Syndicate Rosemary Forbes & Ian Hocking Catrionadh Dobson & Charles Windeyer Betty Amsden OAM Susan & Don Fry AO Elizabeth Douglas Buckett Family Mr Greig Gailey & Dr Geraldine Lazarus Jean Dunn Hans & Petra Henkell Bob Garlick Dennis Freeman VICTORIAN OPERA New Work Syndicate Brian Goddard Nance Grant MBE Beth Brown & Tom Bruce AM Anthony Grigg & Paul Williamson Jill & Robert Grogan Ken & Marian Scarlett Stuart & Sue Hamilton April Hamer Joy Selby Smith Geoff & Anthea Hone Sue Humphries Felicity Teague Stewart & Denise Jackel Angela Kayser Simon L Jackson & Brian Warburton Irene Kearsey Diamond Patrons ($10,000+) Stuart T Jennings David & Barbara McSkimming Betty Amsden OAM Kemp Family Kenneth W Park The Late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Ian Kennedy AM & Dr Sandra Hacker AO Lynette Payne Schapper Family Foundation Sue Kirkham in memory of Ian Kirkham John Rickard Platinum Patrons ($5,000+) John & Lynne Landy Judith Robinson Neilma Gantner Kwong & Joanne Lee Dow Mary Ryan Paul Little AO & Jane Hansen Joan & George Lefroy Margarita & Paul Schneider Joy Selby Smith Anne Lierse John & Thea Scott Dr John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Barbara Loft Mr Sam & Mrs Minnie Smorgon Anonymous (1) Professor John Lovering AO & Hugh Taylor & Elizabeth Dax Ms Kerry Lovering OAM Neil Twist Gold Patrons ($2,500+) Kaye E Marion Caroline Vaillant Lynda Campbell Duncan & Lorraine McGregor Robyn Walton Bruce Curl Ann Miller Russell Waters & Marissa Barter-Waters If you would like to get more involved Craig D’Alton & Peter Sherlock Ken Muirden AO Ian A. Watts in the work of Victorian Opera through John & Gaye Gaylard Ruth & Tom O’Dea Anonymous (8) our individual giving program, please Dr Gavan Griffith AO QC Diity Reed contact Catrionadh Dobson, Individual Margaret Mayers & Marie Dowling Sam Ricketson & Rosemary Ayton Giving Manager on 03 9001 6405 or Judith Rodriguez Michael Rigg [email protected].

2013 SEASON PARTNERS VICTORIAN OPERA VICTORIAN OPERA A BOLD NEW ADVENTURE

Victorian Opera is supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria. Victorian Opera would also like to ‘Opera is the perfect Victorian Opera aspires to be a company unconstrained by acknowledge, with great appreciation, the contribution of the partners listed on this page. narrow definitions of what an opera program “should” be. marriage of words We are dedicated to presenting work with a difference, through innovation, accessibility and collaboration. Most of all, we aspire and music, a window to create opera and musical theatre for all Victorians. Our 2014 Government Partners season includes the new Australian work, The Riders based on the on the marvellous. novel by Tim Winton, a breathtaking new presentation of Verdi’s When Victorian Opera much loved classic La traviata, and brand new production of audiences look through Sondheim’s Tony award-winning musical Into the Woods. We are committed to engaging new audiences in the art this extraordinary form through affordable pricing, regional touring, education Major Sponsor and Foundation Discover Opera Across window they describe the initiatives and collaborations with other arts organisations. We Community Partner Partner Victoria Partner are also committed to developing the next generation of artists experience as inspiring, through the annual Youth Opera and the Master of Music (Opera Performance), a collaboration between with Melbourne amazing, exhilarating Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. It is through these unique initiatives, creative partnerships and a strong artistic and uplifting.’ vision that Victorian Opera has established itself as major player Richard Mills in the operatic landscape.

Supporting Partners

Extend your opera experience Be a part of our online community - share your thoughts with us on Facebook, join the conversations on Twitter, comment on our Behind the Curtain blog, view our programs online and get a glimpse into company life through Instagram and YouTube. Our website is tablet and smart phone friendly – connect with us wherever you are. Become part of our community and share your stories with us!

Engage with us @ facebook.com/vopera

Education, Regional & Access Partners Join in the conversation @ twitter.com/victorianopera #victorianopera William Angliss Sylvia Fisher Charitable Fund Foundation See our snapshots @ instagram.com/victorianopera

Performance Partners University Partner View our opera journey @ youtube.com/victorianoperapage

Discover our 2013 Season  @ victorianopera.com.au

Read behind-the-scenes Victorian Opera creates tailored partnerships to enable businesses to meet their strategic priorities. @ victorianopera.com.au/blog Partnerships are available at various levels and activity is adapted to align with each company’s objectives. For a discussion about how your business can benefit from a partnership with Victorian Opera, please contact Lynette Gillman, Development Manager on (03) 9001 6408 or [email protected].