Defying Tyranny – Conductor Anthony Negus talks about Fidelio
In the 250th anniversary year of Beethoven’s birth, Melbourne Opera is tackling his only opera, Fidelio. Conductor Anthony Negus discusses the work’s power and the influence of one of its greatest interpreters. This article appeared in the January-Feburary 2020...
Herald Sun Aria with Melbourne Opera – 95th Anniversary Final
Established in 1924, the Herald Sun Aria is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious prize for emerging classical singers. This October, watch the drama and anticipation unfurl as five finalists compete for the crown, accompanied by the Melbourne Opera Orchestra under...
Melbourne Opera presents Vincenzo Bellini’s dramatic masterpiece Norma
Following the critical and public success of The Flying Dutchman, Otello and Roberto Devereux, Melbourne Opera is once again turning its attention to acclaimed bel-canto operas. From 17—24 September the company will stage Bellini’s masterpiece Norma, at the Athenaeum...
RDEAP Newsletter – Issue Three
The Richard Divall Emerging Artists Programme is now entering a second year of operation. We are thrilled to announce we have recently received a commitment of three years support from the Ian Potter Foundation. The programme is tremendously grateful for such...
RDEAP Newsletter – Issue Two
As the end of our first year of the program quickly approaches we thought it timely to share some of the activities and news from the Richard Divall Emerging Artists Programme. Achievements Congratulations to program members: winner of the Herald Sun Aria competition...
RDEAP Newsletter – Issue One
The Richard Divall Emerging Artists Programme is up and running. We are thrilled to introduce our emerging artists (from left to right) Alison McIntosh Deszcz (soprano), Stephen Marsh (baritone), Michael Dimovksi (tenor), Darcy Carroll (bass-baritone), Michael Lampard...
ABC Classic FM The Music Makers – Rival Queens
It's a rare occasion that we get to roll out the red carpet for a royal visit to the Music Makers studio. Not one, but two Queens join us this week: Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elisabeth I, the central characters in Donizetti's bel canto tragedy Maria Stuarda (Mary...
Der Freischütz – preview The Age
Der Freischutz (The Marksman), a gothic horror opera long dismissed outside Germany as ludicrous, has ridden changing entertainment fashion to make a rare reappearance in Melbourne. Its supernatural themes are no longer alien in an entertainment world dominated by...
Opera’s star soprano returns in full voice
The 10th anniversary of Melbourne Opera is both a cause for celebration and regret for star soprano Antoinette Halloran. Without Melbourne Opera she would not have had the chance to broaden her career options but also laments the hiring of so many overseas opera stars...
