tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91321149559276501492011-12-23T19:34:25.576+11:00Dan Vohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655821494258159946noreply@blogger.comBlogger3531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-41142522148961618652011-01-24T11:26:00.008+11:002011-04-30T05:34:04.656+10:00

Last year I met met a cast member of one the Alien films and was prompted to go back to watch the quadrilogy. I was shocked to realise that I hadn't actually seen Alien. I'd seen clips and parodies and thought I'd seen it, but no. Watching it I see why it spawned to many sequels. It's a genuine masterpiece of film. Scott and Giger are a wonder team and I lament that fact that they never completed

Dan Vohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655821494258159946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-24130274592034952452011-01-22T10:35:00.012+11:002011-01-22T12:06:06.221+11:00

Hannah More once said 'Going to the opera, like getting drunk, is a sin that carries its own punishment with it.' I couldn't agree more with More. In fact, I dare say I've felt the punishment over the last few months like a sledgehammer hangover headache that just never goes away.After almost two years on air, towards the final weeks of the show, the mere thought of opera drained me of any

Dan Vohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655821494258159946noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-36286378535623127302010-08-07T18:43:00.004+10:002010-08-07T19:31:30.686+10:00

Be vewy, vewy quiet. I have a secret. Actually, with as little fanfare as possible, I would like to announce that very soon The Fool and The Opera will go on permanent hiatus. This past week I've been working on the final interviews for our major funding body the Australia Music and Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP) project and there will be a final push of promotions once the interviews with

DVnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-41382301487658185252010-07-18T12:28:00.010+10:002010-07-18T12:54:17.872+10:00

Victorian Opera’s latest offering is Benjamin Britten’s 1954 chamber opera, The Turn of the Screw. Based on a novella by Henry James, it is a complex, enigmatic work about a governess and two children and is set in an English country house.The governess (Danielle Calder) is hired to look after Miles (Takshin Fernando) and Flora (Georgina Darvidis) with assistance from a housekeeper, Mrs. Grose (

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-84667279310584456612010-06-06T12:39:00.008+10:002010-06-06T13:04:12.638+10:00

It was an inspired choice by Malthouse Theatre and Victorian Opera to revive Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s The Threepenny Opera for a 21st century audience. It is especially apposite in the new millennium where criminals seem to receive the sort of publicity once reserved for rock stars and footballers.Brecht and Weill based the work, written in 1928, on John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera, which was

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-7945399653398279772010-05-16T10:00:00.006+10:002010-05-16T19:44:38.091+10:00

Opera Australia’s final offering for the Melbourne autumn season is Johann Strauss’s Fledermaus (The Bat). Originally set in 19th century Vienna, Lindy Hume’s production transports it to New York in the 1930s. In a sumptuous Manhattan apartment Rosalinde (Antoinette Halloran) is being serenaded by her former admirer Alfred (Stephen Smith), initially disguised as a window cleaner. Her husband

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-60696355591013412362010-05-10T13:43:00.006+10:002010-05-15T14:45:28.575+10:00

Following the success of Bliss Opera Australia has recorded another hit with a beautifully realised and sung La sonnambula. It’s the first time that OA has presented Bellini’s gem and it proves to be the perfect showcase for the talents of soprano Emma Matthews and maestro Richard Bonynge.Set in a Swiss village it is the tale of Amina (Matthews) who is to be married to Elvino (Jorge Lopez-Yanez).

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-48920306001040628702010-05-02T20:00:00.004+10:002010-05-02T20:13:37.777+10:00

Brett Dean’s Bliss has been a long time in the pipeline. Back in 1999 Simone Young, then the newly appointed Music Director of Opera Australia, approached Dean about writing an opera. The work was championed by the late Richard Hickox during his period as Music Director, and librettist Amanda Holden’s invitation to be part of the project occurred in early 2007. I’m pleased to say that it has been

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-58803962130733195052010-04-26T14:13:00.009+10:002010-05-04T22:15:28.810+10:00

Puccini’s Tosca is one of the best known works in the operatic repertoire and it is here given a new production by Christopher Alden, which originated with Opera North in the UK.It’s been quite a controversial production, with the design team being booed in Sydney, and it’s easy to see why. The setting is modern day and all three acts take place on the same set, a dingy church basement. The

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-50872489615428156302010-04-14T18:26:00.004+10:002010-04-19T13:27:59.396+10:00

Hey all, I'm back, yes your good ol' foolish Dan Vo has returned for another stint on the cyber-typewriter. I've been missing you all and I can't wait to get back into the swing of writing about all the fantastic operatic goodliness that is happening in Melbourne. You'll soon gather why I choose the title of this post to be return of the "Mac". Tonight I'll be taking my deviously little SYNer

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-2782638359112863862010-03-26T09:38:00.007+11:002010-03-26T09:49:01.874+11:00

Melbourne Opera presented Rossini’s Barber of Seville at the Athenaeum Theatre between March 10th and 21st.Count Almaviva (Roy Best pictured) has fallen in love with the beautiful Rosina (Sally-Anne Russell), ward of the cranky Dr Bartolo (Ian Cousins). With the assistance of his friend Figaro (Phillip Calcagno), a barber, the count attempts to woo his beloved but is frustrated by Don Basilio (

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-80084465050733039592010-03-24T18:08:00.007+11:002010-03-24T18:32:48.030+11:00

Magnormos has announced the Australasian premiere cast of [title of show]: it is David Spencer (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as Jeff, Michael Lindner (Mary Poppins) as Hunter, Laura Fitzpatrick (The Thing About Men) as Susan and introducing Lara Thew (Damn Yankees) as Heidi. The show premieres on Friday 30 April and will run through to Saturday 15 May.Book ticketsAs well Magnormos have

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-54233404425553836042010-03-17T19:52:00.005+11:002010-03-17T20:08:03.468+11:00

The Melbourne Bach Choir and Orchestra Choir of St Michael's Grammar School present JS Bach's St Matthew Passion at 7.30pm this Friday 19 March at All Saint's Anglican Church, East St Kilda.Featuring a stellar cast of soloists including Joshua Bloom, who has perfomed at New York's Met, Paul McMahon, Jacqueline Porter, Belinda Paterson, Edmund Choo, Christopher Tonkin and Matthew Thomas, member of

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-68939322052973907552010-03-17T08:07:00.006+11:002010-03-18T07:20:16.216+11:00

Victorian Opera’s second presentation for 2010 is a double bill of two rarely performed 20th century works, William Walton’s The Bear and Jacques Ibert’s Angelique.The Bear was originally a short early play by Anton Chekov. Apparently tenor Peter Pears suggested to Walton that it should form the basis of a short opera.The widow, Popova, (Jessica Aszodi) is in mourning for her husband who has

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-64824266161167906032010-03-15T18:19:00.007+11:002010-03-17T20:11:23.730+11:00

It's a hit! Opera Australia's long awaited new Australian opera, Bliss, by composer Brett Dean and librettist Amanda Holden, has debuted at the Sydney Opera House to rave reviews. Based on the novel by Peter Carey, it was also made into a film in 1985 by director Ray Lawrence.The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age opera critics have been unanimous in their praise for all aspects of the

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-23135463198840267272010-03-14T17:40:00.005+11:002010-05-10T12:51:01.192+10:00

In Good Company presents a fully staged version of Bizet's popular Carmen at Lithuanian House, 44 Errol Street, North Melbourne on Friday 26 March at 7:30PM and Sunday 28 March at 4PM. Featuring Olivia Cranwell (currently performing in Angelique for Victorian Opera) as Carmen, Carlos Barcenas as Don José and recent Fool and the Opera guest and former JOY 94.9 presenter Christian Gillett as Zuniga

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-3254996462928366312010-03-13T17:27:00.003+11:002010-03-13T17:36:41.212+11:00

Last Sunday at 6pm JOY 94.9 welcomed a new opera and classical music program to its stable. It's called The Queen of the Night and is hosted by Tim Perry, a young man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of classical music.Last week Tim celebrated movie music with selections from Lawrence of Arabia, Platoon, American Beauty and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, among others.So tune in tomorrow night at

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-78946517917350349372010-03-08T09:48:00.004+11:002010-03-13T17:26:45.636+11:00

Vicky Jacobs was the musical director for Another Opening Another Show which played at Chapel off Chapel between March 3rd and 7th. Featuring Simon Gleeson, Rosemarie Harris, Daniellie Matthews and hunky James Millar performing songs from Broadway flops it was a fabulous show. Jacobs really caught my attention though when she said that Our Time from Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along is

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-27838069581565363802010-03-07T10:17:00.006+11:002010-05-10T12:55:42.190+10:00

South Australian company Co-Opera will be presenting Puccini's La Boheme at a number of venues in coming weeks, including performances at Stawell, Kyneton, South Morang and Wangaratta, along with two Melbourne venues.Directed by Nick Carroll with Musical Direction by Brian Chatterton the opera will feature two sopranso alternating in the role of Mimi, Sara Lambert and Joanne McWaters. Ernst Ens

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-51307973365157380232010-03-06T11:12:00.008+11:002010-03-06T12:33:30.584+11:00

The centrepiece for Paul Grabowsky's Adelaide Festival was the Australian premiere of Gyorgy Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre. It was a co-production between Theatre Royal de la Monnaie, Brussels; the English National Opera; Barcelona's Gran Teatro de Liceu and Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. And what an astounding piece of operatic theatre it was! Directors Valentina Carrusco and Alex Olle from La Fura

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-3799626678534430142010-02-28T17:30:00.001+11:002010-02-28T17:39:05.906+11:00

Join us tonight for the last episode of The Fool and The Opera! Post Mardi Gras, Personal Masseuse and Peach Melba.Live on JOY 94.9 in 20 minutes!

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-29874670614788082102010-02-24T07:42:00.006+11:002010-02-25T07:11:20.047+11:00

Veteran baritone John O’May has performed in more professional Sondheim productions than anyone else in the country. He’s played Bobby in Company for the Sydney Theatre Company, The Baker in a benefit concert of Into the Woods for the AIDS Trust of Australia in 1992, Benjamin Stone in an ill-fated production of Follies, and most memorably, John Wilkes Booth in Assassins and Fredrik Egerman in A

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-15202418570289260732010-02-23T21:51:00.003+11:002010-02-23T21:51:00.513+11:00

The next offering from Victorian Opera this year is an unusual pairing of two one-act operas, William Walton's The Bear and Jacques Ibert's Angelique.The Bear is based on a one-act play by Anton Chekov and is described as a caricature of love and promiscuity peppered with affectionate parodies of Puccini, Strauss, Britten and Offenbach.Angélique drives all the men in her life to distraction –

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-89689448791937621882010-02-21T22:27:00.000+11:002010-02-21T22:27:00.331+11:00

Opera Australia and ABC2 TV will present a live broadcast of Bliss‘ second performance from the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday 17 March. The performance will be relayed to Federation Square and cinemas throughout Australia. In addition, ABC‘s Artscape program will be filming a "making of" documentary about Bliss to be aired at 10:00pm on Tuesday 16 March.Based on the novel by Peter Carey, Bliss

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-77865419455014294022010-02-21T16:34:00.006+11:002010-03-14T10:07:29.076+11:00

I'm back! Yes today marks the return of Dan Vo on The Fool and The Opera in it's penultimate show!We're resting over Autumn to give me some time to get some rest and relaxation and indulge in a series of massages and facials. Before all that spendiferousness though, I return to give you of what we've got on The Fool and The Opera. To help me out today is the gorgeously fabulous Christian

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-82877929138488302782010-02-20T21:12:00.003+11:002010-02-20T21:12:00.234+11:00

This much-anticipated revival of Richard Eyre's sensational 1994 production for The Royal Opera is a striking visual feast creating a gorgeous backdrop for soprano Renée Fleming and company to soar with some of the most poignantly tuneful music in all of opera.The six-performance sold-out run of Giuseppe Verdi’s eternally popular opera left London spellbound. Joseph Calleja is Alfredo and Thomas

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-50692126808702451522010-02-19T22:13:00.002+11:002010-02-19T22:13:00.066+11:00

French superstar countertenor Philippe Jaroussky (pictured) was recently crowned France's 2010 Opera Singer of the Year. This is the second time Philippe has won the coveted award. His first win was in 2007, the same year he made his Australian debut on the Brandenburg stage in French Passion and Italian Masters. On March 1 & 2 Philippe will join the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra on stage for

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-84204244350681725612010-02-18T20:48:00.004+11:002010-02-18T22:10:48.648+11:00

The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra's Bloom 2010 Concert Series at the fabulous Melbourne Recital Centre consists of 6 concerts, imaginatively titled Profusion, Birdsong, Enchanted, Wildflower, Desire and Blaze.Of particular interest to opera lovers are Profusion which features Sara Macliver on Sunday March 21 at 2.30pm and Enchanted with star soprano Emma Matthews which will be presented on Thursday

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-39782030910871829222010-02-17T20:34:00.009+11:002010-02-20T18:21:30.246+11:00

From Opera to Broadway… Under the StarsMorning Star Estate, Mt ElizaFeaturing sensational Australian performers, Pot-Pourri.The pre-show performance will feature stunning young pianist Stefan Cassomenos.Be enchanted and entertained by the greatest hits of Pavarotti and The Three Tenors, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Carmen, Edith Piaf, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, IL DIVO, Andrea Bocelli

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-22708156468485356812010-02-16T19:47:00.005+11:002010-02-16T20:14:13.190+11:00

Cabaret Latte is a four piece vocal ensemble which will present a mix of Broadway, pop and classical favourites with wit and musical savoir faire. There'll be sensational show stoppers from Broadway, a cheeky look at the world of opera and some fascinatin' rhythms. Cabaret Latte transforms your all time favourites into tasty bite-sized morsels that anyone can digest. From Mikado to My Fair Lady,

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-39988424477589029022010-02-15T15:20:00.004+11:002010-02-21T10:57:44.156+11:00

International star Sally-Anne Russell (pictured) headlines as Rosina with Phillip Calcagno as Figaro, Margaret Haggart as Berta, Operatunity Oz star Roy Best as Count Almaviva, Ian Cousins as Dr Bartolo and David Gould as Basilio.Rossini's hilarious 'Barber Of Seville' remains one of the most popular and entertaining of operas. Melbourne Opera's production played to sell out houses in 2007 and

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-59546878757139502942010-02-14T18:59:00.001+11:002010-02-14T19:06:29.371+11:00

The Damnation of Faust is a one night only choral spectacular presented by Victorian Opera. It features Julian Gavin as Faust, Tania Ferris as Marguerite, Pelham Andrews as Mephistopheles and David Hibbard as Brander, backed by the Victorian Opera Chorus and Orchestra Victoria.The Arts Centre, Hamer HallFriday 19 February, 7.30pmWatch a video about the concertBookings

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-67698012230766226212010-02-13T14:48:00.005+11:002010-02-14T16:49:12.633+11:00

Star crossed lovers, a dream lover and an icy Princess. Yes all this love in the air can mean only one thing, it's Valentine's Day. Join summer host Paul Williamson for arias of love from Gershwin, Gounod, Bellini, Giordano, Berlioz, Verdi and Puccini.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-91949304918490972522010-02-11T21:59:00.004+11:002010-02-11T22:15:44.399+11:00

The New York Met's new production of Bizet's Carmen by Richard Eyre will have two additional screenings at Cinema Nova this Saturday and Sunday at 11.30am. Featuring Elina Garanca as Carmen, Roberto Alagna as Don Jose and, in a last minute replacement, New Zealand bari-hunk Teddy Tahu Rhodes (pictured) as Escamillo (wearing a particularly colourful and snug-fitting outfit in Act 4) this is a very

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-50824446467082263922010-02-11T17:52:00.003+11:002010-02-11T18:07:16.013+11:00

The Rainbow of JOY appeal is about the GLBTI community investing in the future of GLBTI community radio.JOY 94.9 is a gay and lesbian, independent, non-profit organisation supported by members, volunteers and sponsors. JOY 94.9 plays a major part in the life of our community, supporting our diverse GLBTI community groups and covering the issues that are important to us and we want to continue to

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-26732600132201361842010-02-08T22:02:00.007+11:002010-03-15T18:10:25.194+11:00

On Saturday February 27 you can soak up music from your favourite operas at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Richard Gill conducts the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, with the Victorian Opera Chorus and soloists Mylinda Joyce, Roxane Hislop, Jacob Caine and Samuel Dundas.Opera Highlights in the Bowl will feature overtures, choruses and arias from The Magic Flute, Rigoletto, Tannhäuser, Eugene Onegin, Il

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-59406250129113402722010-02-06T08:58:00.005+11:002010-02-06T09:04:58.908+11:00

A South American mission, two pairs of lovers and the Liebestod. We hear the remainder of the interview with Alex Budd, General Manager, Melbourne and Enterprises, for Opera Australia. Alex’s music choices are Monteverdi and Britten. As well there’s a quirky track from a movie soundtrack, and selections from Puccini, Bizet and Wagner.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-40587011885383845792010-02-05T07:52:00.009+11:002010-02-11T18:55:22.548+11:00

Yes I know we've mentioned this concert by Aria Co. before, but when my friend Melanie Adams sent through this flyer with its fabulous photo I just had to add another post. By the way I interviewed Melanie on the show on January 24th and you can hear that interview by checking out our podcasts.This should be a great concert on Wednesday 17th February at 6pm at the Melbourne Recital

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-1872277835656446432010-02-01T09:28:00.002+11:002010-02-02T17:48:46.804+11:00

The City of Stonnington presents Opera in the Park in the Victoria Gardens, High Street, Prahran on Saturday February 6 at 7.30pm. The program features soprano Antoinette Halloran, mezzo Suzanne Johnston, baritone Christopher Tonkin and tenor Jason Wasley (pictured). They are supported by a chorus of students from the Melbourne Opera School with musicians from the Australian National Academy of

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-5315421852010889972010-01-28T21:10:00.003+11:002010-01-28T21:19:47.872+11:00

A religious radical, a genial General Manager and a date with the devil. Alex Budd, General Manager, Melbourne and Enterprises for Opera Australia, joins summer host Paul Williamson to talk about his background and his love of opera. That's Alex with his sons Harry and Jasper. We'll hear tracks by Gershwin, Calvin Bowman and Berlioz, while Alex's choices are Verdi and gay composer Samuel Barber.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-146433197546585852010-01-24T08:47:00.007+11:002010-01-28T21:08:13.020+11:00

The New York Met's production of Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier will play three more sessions at Cinema Nova, today, Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th. The featured performers are Renee Fleming as the Marschallin, Susan Graham as Octavian, Christine Schafer as Sophie and Kristinn Sigmundsson as the oafish Baron Ochs. All the principals are in fine voice with Graham and Sigmundsson making the

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-55951394048859667452010-01-23T07:06:00.004+11:002010-01-28T21:08:54.650+11:00

Four bitching Jews, three lush female voices and a soprano with an aria. Special guest Melanie Adams, soprano and member of Aria Co, joins summer host Paul Williamson to talk about operatic training, repertoire, voice types and Aria Co's upcoming series of concerts at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Melanie's musical selections are Villa-Lobos, Nicolai, Thomas and Richard Strauss.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-57213929234320222762010-01-18T16:03:00.013+11:002010-02-05T08:01:02.622+11:00

A magical summer evening of songs and arias inspired by Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream and other selected poetry. Featuring extracts from Purcell's Fairy Queen, and works by Rautavaara, Strauss, Verdi and Haydn.Bookings:http://www.melbournerecital.com.au/main.taf?erube_fh=tessitura&tessitura.submit.CalendarPerfLink=1&PerfNo=931

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-82515527458134120782010-01-16T09:01:00.002+11:002010-01-18T16:01:24.166+11:00

Queen of Carthage, Sister Angelica and a rip roaring mezzo. Join summer host Paul Williamson and special guest Rebecca Bywater, a chorus member of Victorian Opera, to hear about the role of the chorus in operas. Rebecca's musical selections include Purcell, Puccini, Verdi and Rossini.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-13304682927680863662010-01-12T21:54:00.012+11:002010-01-12T22:20:33.831+11:00

Thinking about a visit to Canberra to check out the Masterpieces from the Musee D'Orsay in Paris? Well why not combine it with Opera by Candlelight on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Carl Rafferty is presenting Opera by Candlelight on February 6 and 7. Full details and online bookings available at:http://www.operabycandlelight.com/

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-57227113393766523762010-01-11T17:31:00.019+11:002010-01-12T22:21:37.504+11:00

Rapidly rising Chicago born soprano, Takesha Meshé Kizart, had the Sydney Opera House audience on its feet after Friday night's premiere of Puccini’s Tosca. Kizart, who is the grand-niece of music legends Muddy Waters and Tina Turner, earned high praise from The Australian’s reviewer, Murray Black. Rosario La Spina and John Wegner also received plaudits. But the production team did not fare so

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-51775216181346572792010-01-09T17:12:00.006+11:002010-01-09T17:41:29.700+11:00

The New York Met has done it again! Their new production of Offenbach's Tales of Hoffman is a winner! Directed by Bartlett Sher, it features a fabulous cast. 31 year old Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja takes on the title role and does a brilliant job. He is very capably supported by American bass-baritone Alan Held as the four villains. But it was the women who were the shining lights for me. South

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-17377212081219243082010-01-09T08:41:00.006+11:002010-01-09T10:00:27.125+11:00

Castrati, cross dressing and an evening prayer. This week Paul Williamson and Dan Vo delve into the art of the castrati, the boys who sacrificed their most precious asset, and the travesti, which is the Italian word for male characters sung by women. We'll hear arias from Handel and Mozart along with a beautiful Beethoven quartet.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-67519966593798332072010-01-02T09:59:00.011+11:002010-01-05T18:26:29.658+11:00

The Fool and the Opera welcomes the New Year with devastating duos, bel canto magic and more of Melbourne's Mr Music. Join summer host Paul Williamson for tracks by Bellini and Rossini and hear what else Peter Burch had to say about opera, Verdi and Richard Strauss.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-32114486159005033212009-12-19T08:13:00.003+11:002009-12-20T17:34:16.197+11:00

Christmas gaiety, the late Miss Eartha and a joyous ode. Like everyone else we're counting down to Christmas, so in the words of Mel Brooks we're going to keep it light, keep it bright, keep it gay. Join summer host Paul Williamson for a gay romp through tracks from Broadway, operetta, cabaret and opera. We'll pay tribute to a unique woman who died on Christmas Day last year, and we'll celebrate

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-19531283989463730382009-12-14T12:57:00.011+11:002010-01-09T10:02:09.974+11:00

The Fool and the Opera presenter-on-leave Dan Vo consorts with the enemy in search of national opera secrets...I have to confess that I spent time on the weekend with someone who should actually be my sworn enemy - Joel Carnegie from Music in Melbourne on fine music broadcaster 3MBS (he scooped the Yvonne Kenny interview). I feel like a dirty double agent trading secrets with someone from another

DVnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-25888505489340470202009-12-13T11:14:00.010+11:002009-12-14T10:46:35.505+11:00

Guest reviewer Anthony Grigg enjoys a steamy and intense night at the opera.Composer: Andre Previn; Librettist: Philip Littell, based on the play by Tennessee Williams. Performance: Opera Australia, Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne, 12 December 2009A steamy and humid night was had at the opera for the final performance of Opera Australia’s production of Andre Previn’s A Streetcar Named Desire.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-43789827648047187852009-12-12T09:03:00.007+11:002009-12-14T10:47:28.092+11:00

A Real Life Duo, Melbourne’s Mr Music and two handsome men.Join blog reviewer and summer host Paul Williamson to hear two of Australia's leading ladies sing Sondheim. Peter Burch, Musica Viva's Concert Manager and opera reviewer for The Australian gives us some insights on the art of reviewing and waxes lyrical about Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Puccini.We'll also play a track featuring two of

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-81863652786874113422009-12-07T17:52:00.010+11:002009-12-14T10:48:05.032+11:00

Shakespeare Under The Stars returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne with Glenn Elston's production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.This summer we celebrate the 21st Anniversary of Shakespeare Under The Stars in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with a Gala performance on Monday 21 December, the same date as the first season began. The season continues

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-81853140867380953282009-12-06T10:51:00.001+11:002009-12-14T10:48:37.543+11:00

The Fool and the Opera celebrates its 1st birthday with literary luminaries, dynamic divas and a touch of magic! Join host Dan Vo and blog reviewer Paul Williamson as they explore works by Shakespeare, Thomas Mann and Tennessee Williams which have been turned into operas by Thomas, Gounod, Puccini, Benjamin Britten and Andre Previn.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-45424822066434421292009-12-04T22:35:00.008+11:002009-12-04T22:56:33.029+11:00

Now to you lads and lasses in the blogosphere, he is a man who needs no introduction. As for you radio and podcast listeners, he should be a familiar voice to you as well - however I will still do the right and proper thing and introduce you formally to the magnificent Paul Williamson.A regular reviewer on this here blog, Paul will be taking a dive into the deep end and actually host the entire

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-82397896631812614042009-12-04T22:10:00.008+11:002009-12-14T13:57:24.244+11:00

The Fool and The Opera host Dan Vo boards ship for a holiday awaySo things are winding down for me from all the exhausting work at JOY 94.9. I've handed over the station acting General Manager-ship to the wonderful Danae Gibson and will be handing over hosting-ship to the fabulous Paul Williamson for Summer.Therefore that gives me a bit more time to think about a whole bunch of other ship. So

DVnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-82812592684952447642009-12-03T22:07:00.005+11:002009-12-04T22:27:03.645+11:00

Opera in the MarketBookingsDelightful Australian soprano Tiffany Speight (currently performing in Opera Australia's Cosi fan tutte) and internationally renowned tenor Rosario La Spina (currently performing in Opera Australia's Aida) will be joined by conductor Benjamin Northey , a choir of 150 voices and the 65 member Melbourne Youth Orchestra for two performances at the Queen Victoria Market in

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-845459045179566722009-11-30T21:59:00.006+11:002009-12-04T22:30:46.221+11:00

Check out the grand finale of the recent Franco Zeffirelli production of Turandot at the New York Met.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-56267192501271763332009-11-30T18:10:00.009+11:002009-12-04T22:32:17.564+11:00

Carols at the ConventBookingsPopular Melbourne based mezzo soprano, Suzanne Johnston, is the star attraction at the Carols at the Convent concert at the Abbotsford Convent, St Helier's Street this Saturday, 5th December at 6.45pm.You're invited to bring a picnic rug for the open-air festivities in support of the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank. The program includes communal carols such as Good King

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-46748367139187579052009-11-29T17:31:00.003+11:002009-11-29T17:33:15.612+11:00

Here's a bit of a pre-show treat for you all, it features one of our guests tonight, the amazing Hadleigh Adams and some other exceptional artists talking about opera and their participation in the Mathy Awards 2009.

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-47147940353634310302009-11-29T16:47:00.006+11:002009-11-29T19:35:36.531+11:00

Red ribbons, fantastic fairy tales and a broom sweeps clean.Today, I will be visited by three very special guests. Hadleigh Adams will join us again to talk about his upcoming concert for the Positive Living Centre for World AIDS Day where one of the keynote speakers will be the eminent Justice Michael Kirby.His colleagues Andrea Katz and Stacey Alleaume from the Opera School Melbourne will also

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-41385320948497123782009-11-25T17:36:00.012+11:002010-03-08T09:46:45.588+11:00

December 2, 8, 12 7:30pm,and December 5 1pmThe Arts CentrebookingsRunning time (approx): 3 hrs & 20 mins (inc 2 x 20 min interval)Opera Australia presents A Streetcar Named Desire.A Streetcar Named Desire is about the journey of the once beautiful Blanche Dubois who turns up on her sister's New Orleans doorstep looking for refuge from her crumbling life.It is here that the drama unfolds, as

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-67048786015308165462009-11-23T18:22:00.009+11:002009-11-30T16:14:57.600+11:00

Guest review by Anthony Grigg, a New Zealand born and Melbourne-based opera lover who has been attending operas for nearly 50 years, yet is still learning about and appreciating the intricacies of this complex art form. Music by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartLibretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, translated by Jeremy SamsOpera Australia, State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre, MelbourneDo you want to know what

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-70397807352668862472009-11-23T17:53:00.016+11:002009-11-30T21:58:52.950+11:00

Out lesbian and award-winning soprano Patricia Racette (pictured) proved to be an insightful, if not delightful, host of the latest presentation by The Met in HD, Puccini's mammoth Turandot. The production and set design is by the renowned gay director Franco Zeffirelli and it shows the possibilities of a large budget. Racette conducted intervews with all four principals, veteran bass Samuel

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-64656929008185603612009-11-21T09:36:00.007+11:002009-11-25T22:18:25.794+11:00

Historical headliners, rival queens and a triumphal march. Join Blog Reviewer Paul Williamson to explore some of the historical events which have inspired operas by Handel, Donizetti and Verdi. As well we celebrate the birthday of a gay English composer and a regal Australian soprano. All that, and we hear from Warracknabeal's most famous son.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-72023181851172981122009-11-15T20:30:00.011+11:002009-11-25T08:31:29.072+11:00

The Fool and the Opera Reviewer Paul Williamson is a bit frustrated with the excesses of the Aida staging, but as usual still finds plenty to likeAida is grand opera at its grandest, containing scenes requiring full and large chorus, processionals, dancers and animals, dealing with affairs of state, religion and the heart and, of course, expressing intense human emotions and passion. It is also

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-71245432941680517952009-11-15T20:04:00.005+11:002009-11-15T20:22:15.175+11:00

Wotan's Farewell and Magic Fire Music from Die WalkureJohn Wegner, one of Australia's great Wagner singers joins the MSO for the moving Wotan's Farewell which closes the second opera in Wagner's mighty Ring of the Nibelung.Angry with his daughter Brunnhilde for disobeying his will, Wotan, King of the Gods, puts her to sleep on a rock with a ring of fire, where only the bravest of heroes may

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-21091967760896481632009-11-12T09:00:00.006+11:002009-11-30T18:24:35.130+11:00

November 19. 21. 24, 27December 3, 5, 9, 12 7:30pm, except 12 Dec 1pmThe Arts CentreRunning time (approx): 3 hrs (inc 1 x 20 min interval)BookingsCosi - the school for lovers. Opera Australia presents a distinctly modern take on Mozart's bittersweet romance Cosi Fan Tutte, which is set in 1960's Australia.It follows a domestic tale of two young couples, and their journey through innocence,

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-68056971599155913532009-11-10T23:05:00.007+11:002009-11-10T23:41:39.174+11:00

I know, I know... I've been told many a time... I sound like a pirate when I try to pronounce the names of operas and arias in other languages on the show. I also know it's been irritating those of you who can speak Romantic languages or know a thing or two about opera.Now I'm not an egomaniac, but there seems to be a whole movement behind getting me to properly pronounce and accurately

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-84755416034734819922009-11-06T09:00:00.005+11:002009-11-07T09:17:02.054+11:00

Sunday December 13 at 5pmMelbourne Town HallCorner Swanston and Collins StreetsBookingsHandel’s MessiahFor over 150 years the RMP has been presenting Handel’s immortal masterpiece to the people of Melbourne in what is now a world record sequence of unbroken annual performances. A great tradition.Soloists:Tiffany Speight - sopranoSally-Anne Russell - mezzo sopranoDavid Hobson - tenor (TBC)Hadleigh

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-85490342936651961562009-11-05T09:00:00.016+11:002009-11-30T18:25:08.776+11:00

Nov 12-14, 8.00 pmThe Arts Centre, Hamer HallBookingsMelbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Master Series 9: Emma MatthewsThis concert was originally due to feature Sumi Jo but she has been forced to withdraw under doctors' orders.The MSO is thrilled to announce Emma Matthews as Sumi Jo's replacement for these concerts.Conductor Alexander ShelleyMusic and arias by Bellini (The Capulets and the

DVnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-33133476185036000592009-11-04T09:00:00.011+11:002009-11-30T18:25:32.938+11:00

November 11,14,17,25,28 & December 1,4,7,10 at 7.30pmThe Arts CentrebookingsGrand opera does not get much grander than Aida. So when one of Australia's true visionaries, Graeme Murphy, directs a new production of Verdi's epic tale, it is an occasion not to be missed.The King's daughter Amneris is in love with Radames, and hopes they will marry. Radames, however, is in love with her Ethiopian

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-28190584905903177612009-11-03T09:48:00.006+11:002009-11-03T10:04:51.133+11:00

Have you ever wondered what the Habanera from Bizet's Carmen would sound like in a Chinese language? Well check out this YouTube video to find out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqI4h1uODng

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-904460444377260372009-11-01T17:31:00.008+11:002009-11-30T18:27:22.372+11:00

Movies, Mayhem and the Moon - The Fool and the Opera goes to the movies.With gay heroes, Valkyries in full flight and Mozart's Marriage of Figaro. Join host Dan Vo and blog reviewer Paul Williamson as we do a quick romp through some of the famous opera arias and themes which have made their way onto movie soundtracks.

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-73057052346381341182009-10-28T20:09:00.008+11:002009-11-14T10:17:37.824+11:00

Gyorgy Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre will have its Australian Premiere at the 2010 Adelaide Festival. It is a co-production of the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie, Brussels; English National Opera, London; Gran Teatro de Liceu, Barcelona and Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.It will be sung in English by a stellar international cast which includes Japanese American countertenor Brian Asawa (pictured as Ptolemy

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-33484176587817679192009-10-28T19:46:00.010+11:002009-10-28T20:08:26.903+11:00

2010 German-Australian Opera Grant Finale More than Opera presents the Finalists Concert of this year's competion at BMW Edge, Federation Square at 3pm on Saturday 14 November. The four finalists will each present 2 arias before the winner is announced. Previous winners include Angus Wood (pictured).Entry is free but an RSVP is essential. Check out http://www.mto-gaog.com/ to download a

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-55469118159971255412009-10-27T11:00:00.003+11:002009-11-04T22:25:44.885+11:00

The Fool and the Opera would like you to join us at this fantastic operatic free event!FATO regulars Dan Vo, Paul Williamson, Jed Gilbert will be there wearing surreptitious disguises (green carnations) and carrying inconspicuous rainbow brollies and we want you to come along and join our bohemiam picnic (that means you bring your own food and wine).Opera Australia present Puccini's La Boheme at

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-91794901244245255462009-10-25T17:25:00.004+11:002009-10-25T17:38:51.170+11:00

The phantom, the gallant crew and the dancing queen. In the lead up to the almighty Broadway at Bedtime live extra-extravaganza for their 200th show, we're going to be the warm up act and get you in the mood for a night full of broadway show tunes. So, for tonight only, you can forget all about the Queen of the Night, because we're rolling out the red carpet for the Queen of the Desert!It's opera

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-51745231979500282472009-10-22T16:10:00.003+11:002009-10-22T16:23:25.058+11:00

Before I am reminded once more that broadway is not opera, wait for it - there are two operatic names on the bill. See if you can spot them!In a special fundraiser event this coming Sunday October 25, Broadway at Bedtime will broadcast live from a musical theatre spectacular at the Alma Sports Club from 7pm to celebrate their 200th show. It's going to be a fantastic night, so please join Will and

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-23362664294248780572009-10-17T09:00:00.002+11:002009-10-28T19:52:22.623+11:00

Oct 24 2009 to May 20 2010Cinema Nova, CarltonBookingsThe Met Opera Season tickets at NovaCinema Nova is delighted to announce a fresh season of thrilling performances in an exciting all-new programme from the New York Met. Those of you who have enjoyed the previous seasons shown at the Nova know it’s best to get in early to get tickets, as these sessions continually sell out. You can now buy "

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-57074761921978261792009-10-12T14:02:00.004+11:002009-10-12T14:05:10.518+11:00

What do Liza and opera have in common? Wait for it and you will see.In the meantime, start spreading the news, because we have a very special JOY 94.9 fundraiser raffle - two tickets to the fabulous Liza Minelli concert at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday October 25.This concert is sold out so the only way you can see this show now is by winning tickets! Each Liza Minelli raffle ticket is just ten

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-66066406072471149732009-10-11T22:51:00.007+11:002009-10-11T23:33:03.604+11:00

Given the popularity of our little David Gandy post last night, I thought you may like another midnight snack. This time the lad is English model Sam Way and as you can see from the picture above he's been a popular underwear model too. In fact, you can catch him in so many campaigns, sometimes it feels like you're seeing double (not that that's a problem).This video is filmed by fashion

DVnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-63345497088758546262009-10-11T17:04:00.003+11:002009-10-11T17:38:44.026+11:00

French skippies, musical revolutionaries and the resistance.This week we use Sebastien Izambard from Il Divo (pictured above - he's the French one in a black suit and tie) as our 'muse' for themed show that features French music à gogo.Given that this is an opera show, that means we'll spend very little time in France itself and end up visiting all corners of the world, from Brussels to Melbourne

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-80796069069364530602009-10-11T00:44:00.006+11:002009-10-11T00:59:04.379+11:00

In case you can't tell by the timing of this post, I'm an insomniac. So I here I am trawling the internet for good opera and handsome men. I had to laugh a bit when I found this video, using the insomniac's theme song to provide aural pleasure for a behind the scenes video of the 2008 Dolce and Gabbana calendar shoot with dashing British model David Gandy. Take a peek and I'm sure it will keep

DVnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-79889061281099008472009-10-10T09:00:00.001+11:002009-10-10T09:00:03.172+11:00

October 17 at 7 pmBalgownie Estate, Vineyard Resort & Spa Yarra ValleyBookingsOpera in the VineyardsTickets are limited, so hurry to be part of this magnificent celebration amidst the vineyards!For further details please call 1800 675 875Bookings through Ticketek call 132 849This year’s opera spectacular is a must! Join us for a mesmerizing and mischievous performance as internationally acclaimed

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-71922183145867666502009-10-05T22:15:00.006+11:002009-10-05T22:40:41.742+11:00

Young opera singers strut their stuff - one night only!Jessica Aszodi, Melanie Adams, Gaetano Bonfante, Matt Thomas, Peter De Jager and Hana Crisp perform well loved and lesser known gems of the operatic and art song repertoire.Horti Hall, 31 Victoria Street, Melbourne (corner Russell and Victoria Streets)7.30pm Thursday 15th OctoberTickets $20/$12 available at the doorSupport these talented

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-39331685794238881762009-10-05T18:04:00.012+11:002009-10-05T18:33:55.567+11:00

Giacomo Puccini (1858 – 1924) is the composer of four of the most popular operas in the firmament, namely La Boheme (composed in 1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904) and Turandot (which was unfinished when Puccini died, but premièred in 1926 with two scenes completed by Franco Alfano).Tosca is a melodrama par excellence. Based on a play which Victorien Sardou wrote as a vehicle for the

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-71029263596930870882009-10-04T16:53:00.005+11:002009-10-04T17:19:39.363+11:00

Unreserved bastards, unforgiving bitches and utter berks.This week we indulge in the darker side of the human character and introduce you to some pretty wicked and depraved characters in opera who fall to the temptation of the seven sins - lust, greed, despair, wrath, gluttony, vanity and apathy - you name it, they've been there, done that.Promised for the show will be overly and overtly

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-80802447669504115472009-10-02T09:00:00.005+10:002009-10-02T09:00:00.643+10:00

Oct 9 - 25Fed SquareIndulge in the cream of Australian and international cultural events.bookingsMelbourne International Arts Festival has an outstanding reputation for presenting unique international and Australian attractions in the fields of dance, theatre, music, opera, visual arts, free and outdoor events.In 2009, the event runs for 17 days from 9 – 25 October, with performances throughout

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-72603587485715727652009-09-30T22:32:00.003+10:002009-09-30T22:48:54.935+10:00

Catherine Zeta-Jones (pictured left) will play the role of Desiree Armfeldt in a major Broadway revivial of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's A Little Night Music.The legendary Angela Lansbury will co-star as Madame Armfeldt. Lansbury is the winner of 5 Tonys and Zeta-Jones picked up an Oscar for her role as Velma Kelly in Chicago.This is the first time Night Music has been on Broadway since

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-27978659360182592872009-09-29T22:47:00.004+10:002009-09-30T22:04:47.663+10:00

Beethoven given good workout by Opera AustraliaWhen Opera Australia announced that Lisa Gasteen was to sing the title role in Beethoven’s Fidelio I immediately slotted a Sydney visit into my calendar. Gasteen was forced to withdraw with a neck injury and her replacement Nicole Youl has also been unwell. So it was Elizabeth Stannard (recently seen as Ariadne for Victorian Opera) who performed the

Paul Williamsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-25005682671759211042009-09-27T18:03:00.005+10:002009-09-27T18:49:37.541+10:00

Operatic fanaticism, scabies ridden mattresses and bouncing divas.Today we have the absolutely gorgeous Antoinette Halloran, Australia's Puccini soprano, who lives up to her name by joining me on the show today to talk about her role in Melbourne Opera's Tosca. We talk about all the obligatory things like jumping off parapets onto scabies ridden mattresses, Puccini's love of sopranos, yet we've

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-80786542867774503302009-09-25T12:40:00.001+10:002009-09-25T12:40:00.285+10:00

Sasha Waltz & GuestsMedea Opera by Pascal DusapinText by Heiner MuellerFeaturing Vocalconsort Berlinand Melbourne Symphony OrchestraThe blood-soaked myth of Medea, the original scorned woman, is given new life in this groundbreaking dance-opera that comes to Melbourne following a rapturous world premiere season in Europe. Staged in 2008 at the leading German operahouse, the Staatsoper Unter den

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-67148181609084640022009-09-20T18:19:00.003+10:002009-09-20T18:27:03.512+10:00

On today's show operatic topography, September issue and love letters.On today's show I elicit as much sympathy as possible as I move into a new demographic and drop off into the zone where community broadcast no longer considers as "youth".I'll also have a chat with the charming Brett Sheehy about the upcoming Melbourne International Arts Festival and in particular Medea the dance opera, that

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-60602293772501381042009-09-20T09:00:00.004+10:002009-09-30T22:25:33.055+10:00

September 30th – 14th October 2009Athenaeum TheatreTosca by Giacomo Puccini5 Melbourne performances only:Wednesday September 30 - 7.30pmSaturday October 3 - 7.30pmSunday October 11 - 2pmTuesday October 13 - 7.30pmWednesday October 14 - 7.30pmFeaturing Antoinette Halloran, Adrian McEneiry and Gary Rowley.

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-67619613580047718052009-09-13T17:38:00.004+10:002009-09-13T17:49:11.682+10:00

Twenty volunteers, two pearl fishers and one perfect day.On today's I talk to operatic superstar, nay superspunk David Hobson. Prepare your bibs lest you drool during the interview (as I did). The embarrassment was I used this as part of the intro to the interview and David paused and ask "... really?", so I've cut it from the start and just gone straight to the business.There's a peculiar mix of

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-60407851210215162922009-09-07T09:00:00.003+10:002009-09-30T22:30:06.288+10:00

Monday 14 September, 11am & 1.30pmBookingsthe Arts Centre, Hamer HallA Choral Journey from Baroque to Bohemian Rhapsody!The Arts Centre presents Australian Boys Choir with The Vocal Consort.Australia’s first and finest boys’ choir, the Australian Boys Choir will be joined by their ‘big brothers’, The Vocal Consort, in a stunning choral concert as part of the much-loved Morning Melodies program on

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-27548779000574840312009-09-06T17:32:00.003+10:002009-09-06T17:42:52.760+10:00

Today we delve into operatic propaganda, cross dressing and intersellar basterds.On the anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand - the catalyst for World War I, the Great War or The War to End of All Wars, we're going to look at the music of war. The lighter and darker sides. Life and death. Honour and horror.It's a musical journey episode today and we're going to focus on

DVnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132114955927650149.post-38282821472337831852009-09-01T09:00:00.002+10:002009-09-29T22:30:03.564+10:00

Music in the RoundSunday September 20, 1pmRobert Blackwood Hall, Monash Academy of Performing Arts, Monash University ClaytonBookings or 9905 1111As part of the Robert Blackwood Hall Concert Series 2009 curated by Artistic Director Jeffrey Crellin on Sunday September 20 a Music in the Round will be held for audience members to enjoy a diverse afternoon of orchestra, jazz, chamber music and new

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