A Little Night Music Victorian Opera Presents a Little Night Music

Home , A Little Night Music, Green Room Awards, Jonathan Tunick, Madeline Lee (opera), Melbourne Recital Centre, Nancye Hayes

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC VICTORIAN OPERA PRESENTS A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

A MUSICAL IN TWO ACTS

Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by HUGH WHEELER

Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick Suggested by a Film by Ingmar Bergman Originally Produced and Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.

27 JUNE – 6 JULY 2019 Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

Original premiere: 25 February 1973, Schubert Theatre, New York

Approximate timings Act One: 1 hour 25 minutes Interval: 20 minutes Act Two: 1 hour Backstage: Ali McGregor (Desirée Armfeldt)

3 PRODUCTION MUSIC

CREATIVE TEAM VICTORIAN OPERA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Music Director Phoebe Briggs Leader of the Orchestra / Violin I Jo Beaumont Director Stuart Maunder AM Violin II Zoe Black Set and Costume Designer Roger Kirk AM Viola Shani Williams Lighting Designer Trudy Dalgleish Cello Nils Hobiger Choreographer and Assistant Director Elizabeth Hill-Cooper Double Bass Shannon Birchall Sound Designer Jim Atkins Harp Yuko Tomonaga Associate Costume Designer Candice MacAllister Flute / Piccolo / Alto Flute Tamara Kohler Clarinet / Flute Stuart Byrne CAST Clarinet / Bass Clarinet Lachlan Davidson Mr Lindquist Markus Matheis Oboe / Cor Anglais Rachel Curkpatrick Mrs Nordstrom Michelle McCarthy Bassoon Colin Forbes Abrams Mrs Segstrom Kirilie Blythman Trumpet I Tristan Rebien Mr Erlanson Paul Biencourt Trumpet II Joel Walmsley Mrs Anderssen Juel Riggall Trombone Charles MacInnes Fredrika Armfeldt Sophia Wasley Horn I Anton Schroeder Madame Armfeldt Nancye Hayes AM Horn II William Tanner Frid Tiernan Maclaren Horn III Melanie Simpson Henrik Egerman Mat Verevis Percussion Kaylie Melville Anne Egerman Elisa Colla Piano/Celeste Phillipa Safey Fredrik Egerman Simon Gleeson Petra Alinta Chidzey MUSIC STAFF Desirée Armfeldt Ali McGregor Principal Repetiteur Phillipa Safey Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm Samuel Dundas Repetiteur Jacob Abela Countess Charlotte Malcolm Verity Hunt-Ballard ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PRODUCTION TEAM Victorian Opera acknowledges the support of Opera Australia who have Production Manager Eduard Inglés loaned the set, properties, and costumes for this production. Stage Manager Marina Milankovic Victorian Opera would like to thank Deputy Stage Manager Emma Wenlock-Bolt Onset Arts, Ruth Bauer, and Malthouse Theatre. Assistant Stage Manager Meg Deyell 4 5 WELCOME

This is the fourth of the great Sondheim musicals that the company has undertaken since 2013, and finishes a natural progression that began with Sunday in The Park with George and encompassed both Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd – except that we, by and large, worked backwards, A Little Night Music being the earliest work dating from 1973. However, there is nothing of the apprentice in this score – Sondheim’s apprenticeship had been served well with works such as the text for West Side Story and shows like Company (1970) and Follies (1971).

He also had his share of failures – dictates form’, ‘God is in the details’, all in Anyone Can Whistle (1964) ran for the service of the text and drama. nine performances only – and many The pacing and musicality of the work circumstantially compromised projects, are evergreen. But, perhaps most such as Do I Hear a Waltz and The Exception importantly, Sondheim’s prodigious and the Rule – which was a failed second technique and intellect unite to explore collaboration with Bernstein. the richness, joy, irony, passion and However, Broadway royalty oversaw the tragedy of the human condition – the young Sondheim from about the age geography of the heart, with all its of 10. He became friends with James complexities, occasionally assumed Hammerstein, son of Oscar Hammerstein duplicities, pain, enthusiasms, II. Oscar became his mentor and through disappointments and fulfilments – often him, Hal Price and Richard Rogers were in the context of the wry sting of self- introduced into Sondheim’s circle. Most awareness and a glimpse of the fine interestingly, Sondheim managed to study boundary between romantic abandon and with Milton Babbitt – probably one of the the sense in which vulnerability can, at most ‘advanced’ composers of his time, times, border on the ridiculous. a devotee of the serial techniques of the At every corner, art conceals art with second Viennese School and electronic a seemingly effortless grace unique in music but, at heart, a great fan of the the literature of the genre. Enjoy and ‘show tune’. welcome to our season of A Little Night This unlikely combination of influences Music. formed a unique genius of musical theatre – the consummate craftsman who lived RICHARD MILLS Backstage: by his maxims ‘Less is more’, ‘Content Artistic Director, Victorian Opera Alinta Chidzey (Petra) and Nancye Hayes (Madame Armfeldt)

6 DIRECTOR’S NOTE

The lawyer Fredrik Egerman, after a night of eye-opening romantic entanglements A Little Night Music is a complete muses to the wife of his lover’s lover: ‘I’m afraid marriage isn’t one of the easier masterpiece, dealing as it does with the relationships, is it?’ She replies: ‘Mr Egerman, for a woman it’s impossible!’ His whole gamut of human relationships in response: ‘It’s not all that possible for men.’ all their painful, ridiculous and beautiful variety. The opening clarinet passage of the show’s big hit ‘Send in the Clowns’ What a wise, human, touching show is Hugh Wheeler’s book with all its world paints it all; there’s regret, anger, A Little Night Music. weary charm and razor sharp insight resignation and delicious melancholy. perfectly matches the matchless sweep When I first saw the piece in January I’m not sure I saw it all at 16, but now… of Stephen Sondheim’s bittersweet 1974, as a 16 year old, I could not confection. The whole piece has the believe the beauty of the staging, form of a traditional operetta – yet the STUART MAUNDER AM the theatricality, with music the like score has the feel of Ravel, Debussy and Director of which I had never heard. It was so even a little Richard Strauss. Traditional perfect...and elegant, if that was a word operetta has heart, of course, but this I even knew when I was 16. My love for piece is an operetta with head as well. the piece deepened after acquaintance In the words of the original director with excerpts through the compilation Harold Prince, A Little Night Music is show Side by Side by Sondheim and ‘whipped cream with knives’. eventually by playing the original cast album to death. It is like an Impressionist painting, and for this production we have created a But now as a 60-something I finally simple, impressionist world; a world of understand why the usually caustic New shadows, beauty, stillness, sensuality. York Times critic Clive Barnes greeted We could be standing in a Monet the original production with the cry: painting, or the seemingly tactile world ‘Good God! An adult musical’. of a Degas dance studio. The lovers It’s hard to grasp that A Little Night drift through the landscape like pawns Music is 45 years young. The piece on a chess board, out of context. The remains stylish, intelligent, poignant, evening is a series of transitions, a joyous, sensual, subtle, full of wit, blackout-free zone. All is clean, clear enchantment, elegance and with but with blurred edges, lush, magical, a sophisticated, refined, urbane, bewitching. This is a Scandinavian Rehearsal room: glamourous and intense humanity. midsummer night; there is no darkness, Stuart Maunder (Director) There, I’ve used all my adjectives for the there is nowhere to hide. year.

8 9 MUSIC DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s gem of a work has a sumptuous and beautiful score and a clever, witty, charming and moving book.

Written in 1973 and orchestrated by With shimmering strings and the frequent collaborator Jonathan Tunick, haunting clarinet solo of ‘Send in the the score is composed almost entirely Clowns’ to the brilliance of the celeste in triple time. Madame Armfeldt says and the mournful yet warm sound of ‘The Summer night smiles…three times’ the cor anglais in ‘Liaisons’, the score and Sondheim has used this theme of is rich with a broad palette of vibrant the number three in different guises colours and textures. throughout the work. He writes The production period has been such waltzes, (‘Night Music’, ‘Overture’, a pleasure – the rehearsal room filled ‘Soon’), a pompous polonaise (‘In with laughter (and at times tears) from Praise of Women’) and a mazurka (a the sheer joy, exhilaration and wonder Polish folk dance with strong accents of bringing such a masterful work to on the second and third beats – ‘The life. Glamorous Life’).

The ‘Night Waltz’ – a sumptuous PHOEBE BRIGGS almost filmic waltz accompanied by a Music Director meandering chromatic line alternating between the clarinets and bassoon, or celeste and piano, signifies the complexities of the characters’ lives and bookends the work. ‘A Weekend in the Country’, the stunning finale to Act 1 was originally constructed from improvised scenes and culminates in a thrilling double quartet. A quintet of Liebeslieder act as a Greek chorus throughout, introducing characters’ themes in the overture and then recalling past events as the plot Stage rehearsals: evolves (‘Remember?’). Simon Gleeson (Fredrik Egerman)

11 SYNOPSIS

ACT ONE ACT TWO

Thirteen-year-old Fredrika lives with Over breakfast, Carl-Magnus tells his Everyone arrives at the Armfeldt estate his wife with Fredrik and rushes off her grandmother, Madame Armfeldt, wife Countess Charlotte about the and there is tension in the air. Fredrik to challenge him to a duel. Charlotte while her mother Desirée, an actress, is encounter and encourages her to visit and Carl-Magnus compete for Desirée’s finally realises that Carl-Magnus really on tour. Madame Armfeldt explains how Anne to inform her of her husband’s attention. Charlotte tells Anne of cares for her. the summer night smiles at the follies dalliance. The two women bond over her plan to win back her husband by of human beings: first on the young the behaviour of men. seducing Fredrik. Henrik confesses to Carl-Magnus and Charlotte together who know nothing; second on the fools Fredrika that he is hopelessly in love decide to leave. Fredrik declares his who know too little; and third on the Desirée returns home and convinces with his stepmother. love for Desirée. old who know too much. Madame Armfeldt to invite Fredrik and his family for a weekend at her country Over dinner, Charlotte flirts with Madame Armfeldt and Fredrika watch Henrik Egerman has returned from manor, in the hope of rekindling their Fredrik, Carl-Magnus is furious, and the moon and contemplate the three the seminary and is teased by his love. Anne is outraged to receive an Henrik finally denounces the party’s smiles promised by the long summer stepmother Anne, who is one year invitation from Desirée, but Charlotte inappropriate behaviour. night. younger than him. Henrik’s father, convinces her to accept. On hearing Fredrik, comes home from a busy day about the invitation, Carl-Magnus Fredrika reveals Henrik’s feelings to at court, surprising his wife with theatre decides that he and Charlotte will also Anne, who is surprised and flattered. For a simplified guide to these loves, tickets. arrive uninvited. Petra and Madame Armfeldt’s butler, links and liaisons, see page 35. Frid, share an encounter in the gardens. At the theatre, Desirée makes her Desirée admits to Fredrik that she was grand entrance and spots Fredrik in hoping to rescue him. Although he the audience. Anne notices the look loves Desirée, Fredrik can’t bear to part Desirée gives Fredrik and, filled with with Anne. jealousy, flees the theatre. Anne finds Henrik trying to hang Fredrik visits Desirée and they himself. She is overwhelmed by his love reminisce about their love affair for her and realises that she loves him fourteen years ago. too.

Desirée’s jealous lover, Count Charlotte confesses her deception Carl-Magnus Malcolm arrives to Fredrik, and while they discuss the unannounced and catches Fredrik impossibilities of marriage, they see wearing his robe. Fredrik and Desirée Anne and Henrik run off together. From attempt to fool him into thinking that Desirée’s bedroom Carl-Magnus spots nothing untoward is going on.

12 13 BIOGRAPHIES

PHOEBE BRIGGS STUART MAUNDER AM ROGER KIRK AM TRUDY DALGLEISH ELIZABETH HILL-COOPER JIM ATKINS Music Director Director Set and Costume Designer Lighting Designer Choreographer and Sound Designer Assistant Director BMus (University of Stuart made his Victorian Roger Kirk is a Tony Award- Trudy Dalgleish is one of Jim Atkins designs and Melbourne). Opera Opera debut with Sunday winning set and costume Australia’s most sought- Elizabeth began her career mixes sound for a host of Australia music staff in the Park with George in designer for theatre, film after lighting designers. as a classical ballet dancer live, installed and recorded 2002 – 2012, Head of 2013, returning for Into the and television. His credits She has received many with West Australian Ballet. situations nationally and Music at Victorian Opera Woods, Sweeney Todd and include Andrew Lloyd prestigious awards including Moving into choreography internationally. Recent since October 2012. For Cunning Little Vixen. Webber’s Whistle Down the a Helpmann Award (White and directing, she highlights include One Victorian Opera, Phoebe Wind (London), The King Devil), ENTECH Award discovered her love of Infinity (Melbourne, Sydney For the last thirty years he has conducted Sunday in and I (London Palladium), (Best Lighting Designer opera. and Perth Festivals); The has been directing musical the Park with George, Play Hugh Jackman’s The Boy Live Events), John Truscott Black Rider (Victorian theatre and opera. He She has created or restaged of Herod, Sweeney Todd, from Oz Arena Spectacular, Award (Design Excellence), Opera/Malthouse) and was Artistic Administrator productions for several Cendrillon, Four Saints in Silver Rose, Le Corsaire and two Green Room Lorelei (Victorian Opera); of Opera Australia from state opera companies Three Acts (Green Room (Munich Opera House), Awards (Eureka and En Masse (National Sawdust 1999 - 2003 and Executive and Opera Australia. Her nomination), The Sleeping Dusty – The Original Pop Hairspray). Recent lighting New York); Pleasure Garden Producer 2004 -2008 credits include: Fledermaus, Beauty (Green Room Diva, and Shout! Roger designs include Cunning (Sydney Festival, Norfolk where he directed A Little The Gypsy Princess, The nomination), Lorelei and designed the film Jesus Little Vixen (Victorian Opera, and Norwich Festival, Night Music, My Fair Lady, Tales of Hoffmann, My Black Rider (Helpmann Christ Superstar. His West Australian Opera City of London Culture Tales of Hoffmann, Manon, Fair Lady, The Pirates of nomination, Victorian Broadway credits include and State Opera of South Mile), Armand Van Helden Pirates of Penzance, HMS Penzance, Rusalka, Lakme and Opera/Malthouse). The King & I (Tony Award), Australia), Macbeth (West (Melbourne Symphony Pinafore, Trial by Jury, Gypsy Arabella. Elizabeth regularly Other companies: Opera Jesus Christ Superstar, Australian Opera), Saturday Orchestra); 24 reasons Princess, Don Pasquale, collaborates with Stuart in the Paddock (Opera 42nd Street (Tony Award Night Fever (Gordon Frost to Party (Kate Ceberano Iolanthe and Romèo et Maunder and Roger Kirk. Northwest), assistant/ Nomination) and King Kong. Organisation), In the Heights /Adelaide Symphony Juliette. From 2014 -2018 cover conductor Don at Hayes Theatre and Joining Victorian Opera in Orchestra); Setan Jawa Pasquale (IFAC/OA, Stuart was General Director Most recently Sweeney Sydney Opera House, Cat 2012, Elizabeth has directed (AsiaTOPA/ Humboldt Tokyo), The Magic of New Zealand Opera Todd (Victorian Opera), Stephens’ Cat in an Attic in mainstage productions such Forum Kultur, Berlin); Flute, Merry Widow, where his productions Miracle City (Luckiest New Zealand and Melba at as Pelleas and Melisande Between 8&9 (Chamber Fledermaus, The included Tosca, The Mikado, Productions), 42nd Street in Hayes Theatre. and was the company’s Made, Castlemaine Festival, Pearlfishers, Così fan Sweeney Todd and Candide. London and sell-out shows Executive Producer from Chengdu China); Sweeney tutte, A Little Night Stuart is Artistic Director for Broadway to Oz: Hugh 2014 - 2019. She was Todd (Victorian Opera/New

BIOGRAPHIES Music, The Mikado of State Opera of South Jackman Live in Concert, appointed Victorian Opera’s Zealand Opera). Australia. World Tour. (OA), Guys and Dolls CEO in May. 14 (Ambassador Group). 15

CANDICE MACALLISTER MARKUS MATHEIS MICHELLE MCCARTHY KIRILIE BLYTHMAN PAUL BIENCOURT JUEL RIGALL Associate Costume Designer Mr Lindquist Mrs Nordstrom Mrs Segstrom Mr Erlanson Mrs Anderssen Candice is an emerging Born in Frankfurt, Markus Michelle is a graduate of the A former Developing Artist Paul’s roles for Victorian Juel holds a BMus/ designer and a graduate performed as a boy-treble Melbourne Conservatorium with Victorian Opera, Kirilie Opera include Rodolfe in BArts from Melbourne from the Victorian College for Opera Frankfurt and of Music and a former is a graduate of Melbourne William Tell, Brighella in University. Roles include of the Arts. Alte Oper Frankfurt. member of Victorian Conservatorium’s Ariadne Auf Naxos, Tmolus Flower Maiden (Parsifal) Opera’s Developing Artist Masters of Music (Opera in Phoebus & Pan, and all-six for Victorian Opera, Flora She made her professional He has since been engaged Program. Performance) program. tenor roles in Rembrandt’s Bervoix (La Traviata) for debut in 2016 as a by Kammeroper Frankfurt, Performances for Victorian Wife. Melbourne Opera, The production designer singing Guglielmo (Così fan Michelle has performed Opera include Cinderella Green Fairy (The Sleeping on Victorian Opera’s tutte), Dancairo and Morales principal roles with Opera For Melbourne Opera, (Cinderella), Annina (La Beauty) for Victorian Cinderella and The Pied (Carmen) and Danilo (The Australia School’s Company, Rodolfo (La Boheme), Basilio Traviata), Soloist (Opera on a Opera as well as Turnspit Piper, and as costume Merry Widow) and appearing Gertrude Opera and (Marriage Of Figaro), St White Night), Narrator (The (Rusalka), and Dew Fairy designer for Four Saints in as Falke in Die Fledermaus Victorian Opera. Notable Brioche (Merry Widow), Magic Pudding - The Opera), (Hansel and Gretel). Three Acts. She became for Theater Lübeck, roles include Cenerentola Remendado (Carmen), Mother (Hansel and Gretel), the company’s inaugural Leporello (Don Giovanni) (La Cenerentola), La Fée Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Recent engagements also A young man/Photographer Developing Artist at the Belgrade Festival (Cendrillon), The Snow Goro (Madam Butterfly) and include performing as a (Sunday in the Park with (Design) in 2017 and and Zurga (The Pearlfishers) Queen (The Snow Queen), Pedrillo (Abduction From guest soloist with Jiangsu George), Princess (Puss subsequently designed for Neukölner Oper, also Taumännchen (Hansel und Seraglio) and Ralf (HMS Symphony Orchestra in Boots). In 2015 Kirilie The Princess and the Pea Guglielmo for Gertrude Gretel) and The Williamson Pinafore). in Nanjing as well as a was a member of Opera and The Snow Queen. Opera. Girl (The Difficulty of concert tour of China and Australia’s Victorian Touring Music theatre credits She designed her first Crossing a Field). On the Singapore with Melbourne He has appeared as and Outreach production include Noel Weiderberg mainstage production for concert platform Michelle Opera, and performing soloist for the Deutsche of Hansel and Gretel, in the national production Victorian Opera in 2018, has performed as a soprano in Victorian Opera’s Radiophilharmonie, Neue performing the roles of of Shout -The Musical for Debussy’s Pelleas and soloist in Carmina Burana, productions of William Tell Philharmonie Frankfurt, Gretel/Witch/Mother/Fairy. Jacobsen Entertainment Melisande. Mozart Requiem, Handel and Pelléas et Mélisande. Klassikphilharmonie Kirilie has performed the and eight seasons for The Dixit Dominus and Kodaly Juel has been a participant Candice has interned Hamburg and the Karlsruher Australian National Anthem Production Company. Missa Brevis. in the Lisa Gasteen National with the Royal Opera Barockorchester. at the MCG and Adelaide His recent concerts include Opera School and has House Covent Garden, Oval as part of the Cricket A Little Night Music marks City of Stonningon 2017 also been the recipient of The State Theatre of Australia Commonwealth his debut with Victorian Christmas In The Park. the Acclaim Awards Chief South Australia and will Test series. Opera. Justice’s Award. design Madeline Lee for State Opera of South Australia in October. BIOGRAPHIES

16 17 Stage rehearsals: Cast of A Little Night Music

SOPHIA WASLEY NANCYE HAYES AM TIERNAN MCLAREN MAT VEREVIS ELISA COLLA SIMON GLEESON Fredrika Armfeldt Madame Armfeldt Frid Henrik Egerman Anne Egerman Fredrik Egerman Australian singer Sophia Nancye Hayes AM is an Tiernan is a 19-year- Mat Verevis is an Australian A graduate of the Australian Helpmann Award winner, Wasley commenced vocal accomplished actor, dancer, old bass-baritone with actor/singer/songwriter. Institute of Music, Elisa’s Simon Gleeson is best lessons in 2013. singer, choreographer and VOYCE (Victorian Opera’s Graduating from WAAPA professional musical theatre known for his acclaimed director. She began her Youth Chorus Ensemble). in 2012 (Music Theatre), credits include Nessarose portrayal of Jean Valjean In 2016, Sophia auditioned career with J.C. Williamson Tiernan has been taking he is best known for his in the Australian and in Les Misérables and has and was accepted for Theatres as a chorus vocal lessons since 2014, performance as Barry Mann international tour of Wicked credits that span the main VOYCE (Victorian Opera’s member in My Fair Lady. presently with Angela in Beautiful: The Carole (GFO), Understudy Cosette stages of Australia and Youth Chorus Ensemble). She went on to star in many Wasley. While attending King Musical which earned in Les Misérables (Cameron London’s West End. During the same year, major musical productions St Michael’s Grammar him a 2018 Helpmann Mackintosh/Michael Sophia performed the Theatre credits include: including Sweet Charity, school, he participated in Award for Best Male Actor Cassel Group), Maria in principal role of Saint An Ideal Husband, Hay Chicago, Sweeney Todd, Guys two European choir tours in a Supporting Role in a West Side Story (Packemin Teresa for Victorian Fever and Rupert (MTC); and Dolls and 42nd Street. and many productions, Musical and a Green Room Productions) and most Opera’s Youth Opera, Oklahoma!, Curtains and Nancye has performed for including the title role in Award nomination. Other recently Cinderella in Into Four Saints in Three Chess (The Production The Production Company, Bye Bye, Birdie!. Tiernan credits include Lazarus - The The Woods (Bloom Creative Acts. In 2017, Sophia Company); Les Misérables Melbourne Theatre undertook acting training Production Company, Torch Productions). performed the roles of – West End, London Company, Ensemble Theatre, at 16th Street Actors Song Trilogy - Darlinghurst Cricket, Pepik and Fox In 2017 Elisa was chosen by and Australia (Cameron STCSA, Opera Australia, Studio. He works as a Theatre Company, Down Cub for Victorian Opera’s Dame Julie Andrews to play Macintosh); Harbour Victorian Opera, GFO, and casual stage mechanist with Under - Abe Forsythe, Cunning Little Vixen. the role of Eliza Doolittle and The Republic of The Hayes Theatre, which is Victorian Opera and the Aladdin - State Theatre, The Following this, in 2018, for the remainder of the Myopia (STC); Love Never named in her honour. Melbourne International Voice (Top 12) Season 3, Sophia performed Yniold Melbourne season of My Dies (Gustave Stage Comedy Festival, and is an and Boys in the Band - SMA for Victorian Opera’s Nancye has received Fair Lady (Opera Australia/ Productions); Imagine Engineering and Commerce prod. production of Pelléas et Lifetime Achievement GFO) after previously This (West End); The Far student at Monash Mélisande. Awards from The Green Mat is thrilled to be joining understudying the role. Pavilions (West End); University. Tiernan’s most Room Awards, The Sydney the cast of A Little Night Elisa was a 2013 finalist in Certified Male, Three Presently, Sophia is recent performance was Theatre Awards and The Music. the prestigious Rob Guest Sides and The Silver Lake; studying for a Bachelor as Romeo in Monash Helpmann Awards. Nancye Endowment Award. Shoes (Sadler’s Wells) of Music in Classical Shakespeare Company’s was honoured with an OAM and Southwark Fair (Royal voice at WAAPA, Perth, production of Romeo and in 1981 and an AM in 2014. National Theatre, London). where she is studying Juliet (2019). voice with Emma Mathews. BIOGRAPHIES

20 21

ALINTA CHIDZEY ALI MCGREGOR SAMUEL DUNDAS VERITY HUNT-BALLARD Petra Desirée Armfeldt Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm Countess Charlotte Malcolm Alinta is a captivating Ali McGregor started her A graduate of the Melba As one of Australia’s most leading lady – and a multi career as a principal soprano Conservatorium of Music versatile leading ladies, award winner. She will with Opera Australia Melbourne, Samuel Dundas Verity is best known for her soon play Velma Kelly in performing over 25 roles made his opera debut Helpmann Award winning Chicago (Gordon Frost and winning a Green Room with Opera Queensland, performances as Mary Organisation). Award in 2004. She then before joining Victorian Poppins and Charity Hope ran away with the circus in Opera’s Artist Development Valentine in Sweet Charity, Well known for her sassy the form of hit Spiegeltent program and subsequently for which she also won a portrayal of Anita in show La Clique and has since Opera Australia’s Moffatt Sydney Theatre Award and West Side Story, Alinta performed everywhere from Oxenbould Young Artist two Green Room Awards. also starred in Hugh Glastonbury to Carnegie program. Samuel has since Verity’s other stage credits Jackman: Broadway to Hall. Her children’s album performed many leading include: The Sydney Oz, A Gentleman’s Guide Jazzamatazz was nominated roles with Opera Australia, Symphony Orchestra’s to Love and Murder, Jesus for an ARIA award in 2014 Victorian Opera, West Funny Girl in Concert; Vivid Christ Superstar, The Music and in 2015 she was awarded Australian Opera, New White (MTC); Hello Dolly!, of Andrew Lloyd Webber, a Green Room Award for her Zealand Opera and Lost and Guys and Dolls (TPC); The Show Boat, Singin’ in the contribution to cabaret. Found Opera. In concert, he Last Five Years; Shane Warne Rain, Chess, Cats and has sung with the Adelaide, the Musical Concert; Jersey Mamma Mia! Artistic Director for Melbourne, Tasmanian, Adelaide Cabaret Festival Boys, The Rocky Horror Television credits include West Australian and Sydney from 2016 to 2018, she Show; Eureka; Virgins; and Wentworth, Winners Symphony Orchestras, recently debuted her show Metro Street, winning a & Losers, The Dr Blake Australian Youth Orchestra, Yma Sumac: The Peruvian Theatre Critics Award for Mysteries and Neighbours. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Songbird at the Sydney Best Female Performance. and Auckland Philharmonia. Verity is featured on many A songwriter/recording Opera House. In 2018, Ali Samuel was the recipient of cast recordings and has artist, Alinta has released conceived and starred in the 2013 Lady Fairfax New appeared on television in albums with Alinta and Victorian Opera’s critically York Scholarship and the The Doctor Blake Mysteries. the Jazz Emperors and acclaimed new work Lorelei. inaugural Dame Heather Hook Turn Orchestra. Begg Award in 2014.

Backstage: Verity Hunt-Ballard

BIOGRAPHIES (Countess Charlotte Malcolm)

22 ABOUT US

Reimagining the potential of opera, for everyone.

Based in Melbourne, Victorian Opera around the world, and collaborate with is a national leader in presenting Australia’s leading companies, venues unforgettable opera experiences. As and learning institutions. The next the state opera company of Victoria, generation of talent is developed from we are committed to making creative the ground up through the Victorian and accessible opera for everyone, and Opera Youth Chorus Ensemble evolving the art form in adventurous (VOYCE) and our innovative Access All ways. Areas: Livestream Program. As part of our commitment to developing the art From opera diehards to first-timers, form, we also stage opera annually in over 30,000 people experience Tasmania. our work annually through live performances and streamed events Recognised for our unique voice and throughout Victoria. We premiere at contribution to the country’s operatic least one new Australian work each year landscape, Victorian Opera became and have staged 22 new works since the an Australian Major Performing Arts company formed in 2005. company in 2019. While we do not have our own opera Victorian Opera inspires eclectic house, we do perform in Victoria’s best audiences with an imaginative approach theatres and concert halls, choosing to opera, and we invite you to join us. our venue to suit the scale of each Visit victorianopera.com.au to discover production and to give our audiences more about the company through the best possible experience. Some of blogs, videos and podcasts. our wonderfully characteristic venues include Arts Centre Melbourne, Palais Theatre, Melbourne Recital Centre and

The Coopers Malthouse. We employ hundreds of people across @VictorianOpera #VictorianOpera the creative industries, recruit some of the finest singers from Australia and

25 OUR TEAM

FOUNDING MUSIC DIRECTOR Finance Assistant Claire Voumard Richard Gill AO Office AdministratorSilvana Vaxelaire

VICTORIAN OPERA BOARD MARKETING & TICKETING Chairman Genevieve Overell Marketing, Media and Sales Manager Roger Box, Vivienne Corcoran, Siobhan Henri Marron Lenihan, Selina Lightfoot, Stephen Marketing Content Producer McIntyre, Grant Powell, Anna Pitt Beata Bowes (Board Observer) Media and Communications Executive Scott Whinfield EXECUTIVE CRM and Ticketing Executive Artistic Director Dr Richard Mills AM Nichole O’Duffy Chief Executive Officer Graphic Designer Sharni Morter Elizabeth Hill-Cooper

ARTISTIC, ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTION Development Manager Head of Music Phoebe Briggs Louise O’Loughlin Repetiteur Phillipa Safey Philanthropy Executive Peter Garnick Company Manager Luke Hales Development Coordinator Rhylla Mitchell Assistant Company Manager Candice MacAllister SEASON STAFF Education OfficerIoanna Salmanidis Head Mechanist Rowena Davies Production Manager Eduard Inglés Head LX Peter Darby Technical and Operations Coordinator Costume Supervisor Kate Glenn-Smith Peter Darby Wardrobe Staff David Anderson, Production and Music Coordinator Lara Barwick, Jan Hooper, Emma Ikin, Carlos E. Bárcenas Amelia Peace, Jillian Wilson VOYCE Director Angus Grant Millinery Phillip Rhodes Hats FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Wigs Trent Whitmore, Silvan Mitrovski, Interim Finance Executive Andrew Dressman Stephen Sweeney

26 THANK YOU

PATRON-IN-CHIEF Bob Garlick David Joseph Jill Page OAM & Roy Page The Hon. Linda Dessau AC, Governor of John & Gaye Gaylard Graham McCallum & Mary Kehoe Dr Fay Pearl Dr Jennifer George & Canon Matthew Williams The Hon Rod Kemp & Daniele Kemp Greg J Reinhardt Victoria Mary-Jane Gething & Joseph Sambrook Alun & Patricia Kenwood Ralph & Ruth Renard Daniel Goodfellow & Matthew Burgess Angela & Richard Kirsner Dr Nigel Simpson FOUNDING BENEFACTORS Murray Gordon & Lisa Norton Prof Kathy Laster Michael Smith & Sonia Fuenteseca The Late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC Linda Herd Paul & Glenys Lejins Neil Twist Lady Potter AC Dr Garry Joslin & Prof. Dimity Reed AM Dr Anne Lierse Caroline Vaillant Ian Kennedy AM & Dr Sandra Hacker AO Douglas & Rosemary Meagher Catherine Walter AM LEADERSHIP SYNDICATE ($40 000+) Richard Laslett & Colin Gunther Gillian Montgomery Ken and Merle Morris Jane Hemstritch Peter Lovell & Michael Jan Greg Noonan Secret Admirers (3) Hans & Petra Henkell Ian Merrylees Jillian Pappas & George Pappas AO Tomasz & Elzbeita Romanowski Jane Patrick & Robert Evans BEQUESTS Ian Baker & Cheryl Saunders Keith Chivers & Ronald Peel ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($10 000+) Jenny Anderson John & Elisabeth Schiller Prof John Rickard John & Diana Frew Graeme Bawden & Len de Kievit Phillip & Sue Schudmak Vivienne & Dr Richard Reed Jane Hemstritch Lesley Bawden Craig D’Alton & Peter Sherlock John & Thea Scott Suzanne Kirkham Frank & Danielle Chamberlin Lynne Sherwood Dush Shan Peter & Anne Laver Richard Laslett & Colin Gunther Lady Southey AC James Syme Siobhan Lenihan Jane Kunstler David Valentine Andrea Tappe Simone Lourey Tony Wildman & Robert Gibbs Diana and Robert Wilson Prof Hugh Taylor AC & Dr Elizabeth Dax AM Hans & Petra Henkell Secret Admirers (4) Secret Admirers (3) Chris & Helen Trueman Don and Angela Mercer Caroline Travers OAM and Richard Travers OAM Maureen Wheeler AO & Tony Wheeler AO SILVER PATRONS ($1 000+) Ian Watts OAM & Rex Swanson Dr John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Igor Zambelli and Jenny Lee Judith Augustine If you are interested in becoming a Russell Waters and Marissa Barter-Waters Secret Admirers (6) PLATINUM PATRON ($5 000+) Victorian Opera Patron, or having a Laurie Bebbington & Elizabeth O’Keeffe confidential discussion about leaving a gift Beth Brown Kirsty A Bennett BRONZE PATRONS ($500+) to Victorian Opera in your Will, please Peter and Jenny Hordern Nancy Bomford Seonaid Alexander contact Louise O’Loughlin, Development Kaye E. Marion Box Family Prof Dennis Altman AM Manager on (03) 9001 6405 or email Ruth & Tom O’Dea Stuart Brown Jenny Anderson [email protected] Grant Powell & Sally McCutchan Anthony Buzzard & Dr Pamela Craig Lesley Bawden Michael Rigg & Gerard Condon AM Pam Caldwell Ines & Dr Donald Behrend Marian & Ken Scarlett OAM Beatrice & Richard Donkin Philip Benjamin & Sandy Benjamin OAM Current at time of printing. Joy Selby Smith Dr M Elizabeth Douglas Stephen & Maura Best Greg Shalit & Miriam Faine Dr Helen M Ferguson Ms Shirley Breese Bill Fleming Dr Jennifer Coghlan-Bell & A/Prof Simon Bell GOLD PATRONS ($2 500+) Brian Goddard Brian & Kaye Dempster Joanna Baevski Nance Grant AM MBE & Ian Harris Dennis Freeman Susan Brownrigg Hartmut & Ruth Hofmann Angela Kayser Alan Chuck & Wendy Hughes Chuck Dr Alastair Jackson AM Irene Kearsey PATRONS Earl of Wilton Simon L Jackson & Brian Warburton Jocelyn & Andrew McLeish

28 29 OUR PARTNERS

We acknowledge and thank our partners who make our work possible.

Government Partners

OFFICIAL PARTNER Foundation Partner University Partner Awards ODGERS BERNDTSON EXECUTIVE SEARCH

Trusts and Foundations Major Partners We stand out for our deep client relationships, a refreshing focus on candidate care, and a fresh thinking, collaborative culture.

For over 50 years, Odgers Berndtson has helped some of the world’s biggest and best organisations find exceptional senior talent to drive their agendas.

We deliver executive search, assessment and development to businesses and Official Partners Media Partners organisations varying in size, structure and maturity. We do that in more than 50 sectors, whether commercial, public or not-for-profit, and draw on the experience of more than 250 partners and their teams in 30 countries. Supply Partners Odgers Berndtson’s strength lies in the partnerships we develop to address that need. We form strong relationships with the most talented people, with those seeking them and between our own teams globally to bring both sides together. It is because of our deep, and lasting partnerships that our clients can acquire, develop and retain outstanding leaders.

Performance Partners www.odgersberndtson.com.au SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE

A5_Ad_Vic Opera.indd 1 5/21/2019 11:27:30 AM UPCOMING EVENTS

Heroic Bel Canto The best of Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini Celebrate the inimitable art of bel canto with superstars Jessica Pratt and Daniela Barcellona. Experience an evening of vocal prowess with a mix of rare gems and favourites. 14 July 2019 | Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Costume Circle Appeal 5 Fridays in August To bring the charming new work The Selfish Giant to the Friday night wine, cheese and music stage, we need your generous support. Join us at Horti Hall, the home of Victorian Opera, for a series of relaxed, intimate Friday night performances, recitals and Your gift will contribute to the making of The Giant’s garb cabarets. Socialise with fellow music lovers over wine and cheese. and the Children’s enchanting costumes. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August 2019 | Horti Hall, Hemstritch Studio

To donate, visit The Selfish Giant victorianopera.com.au/costumecircle Charming melodies bring Oscar Wilde’s fairy tale to life This beautiful new opera, featuring a cast of emerging artists, will touch the hearts of audiences of any age with its subtle humour and real musical substance. 17, 18, 19 October 2019 | Gasworks Theatre, Albert Park

The Barber of Seville The funniest night you can have at the opera Prepare for an evening of laughs with Rossini’s most popular opera. This madcap masterpiece is a paean to impertinence that will make you beam with joy and grin with delight. 12 and 14 December 2019 | Melbourne Recital Centre

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r e F i T Loves, Links and Liaisons Loves, A Little Night Music A Little Night victorianopera.com.au

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