Directing
In a small Japanese town, Ko-Ko is appointed to the unenviable position of executioner. Knowing he must successfully perform before the appearance of the Mikado in a month's time, Ko-Ko finds a suitable victim in Nanki-Poo, who is distraught over his unrequited love for the maiden Yum-Yum. Nanki-Poo agrees to sacrifice his life if he is allowed to spend his remaining days with Yum-Yum, who is betrothed to Ko-Ko. Opera Australia production filmed at The Arts Centre Melbourne.
Chen Shi-Zheng helms Puccini's spectacular opera on Sydney Harbour, starring Dragana Radakovic and Riccardo Massi. A sleek, modern production featuring contemporary cinema, Chinese acrobatics, and breathtaking fireworks. Steering away from traditional styles, this lavish production presents a sleek, modern China, blending spectacular staging with elements of modern cinema and breathtaking Chinese acrobatics. The drama unfolds on a stunning set designed by Dan Potra, featuring a shimmering 18-metre-tall pagoda and a colossal, 60-metre fire-breathing dragon whose tail morphs into the Great Wall. Dragana Radakovic stars as the icy princess Turandot, alongside Riccardo Massi as Calaf, the mysterious prince determined to win her love or face the executioner’s blade. With a cast of over 70 performers, brilliant fireworks lighting up the night sky, and a soaring score that includes the legendary aria ‘Nessun dorma’, this is an unmissable, open-air cinematic event.
Puccini's tale of love and honour is brought to life by the world-renowned Opera Australia on a magnificent water stage, suspended over Sydney Harbour.
Marjorie grew up in Winchelsea in country Victoria, Australia, dreaming of becoming an opera star like Dame Nellie Melba. In 1928 she went to Paris to study opera without knowing a word of French and having never heard of Richard Wagner. In 1941, at the height her success, she was tragically cut down by polio and became completely paralysed. With the help of Australian nurse, Sister Kenny, Marjorie regained movement in her upper body and resumed her career in a wheelchair. In 1955, MGM made a movie of her life, "Interrupted Melody", starring Eleanor Parker and Glenn Ford, which won an Academy Award.
Director Constantine Costi helms Verdi’s tragic masterpiece against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, starring Stacey Alleaume as the doomed courtesan Violetta alongside dashing tenor Rame Lahaj as Alfredo. Brian Thomson’s vibrant set design features a showstopping Swarovski crystal chandelier suspended over a vast stage, perfectly evoking a whirlwind world of glamorous Parisian parties. Australian-Mauritian soprano Stacey Alleaume delivers a magnetic performance as Violetta, sharing an intense chemistry with Kosovo-born tenor Rame Lahaj as her passionate lover, Alfredo. Conductor Brian Castles-Onion expertly guides the orchestra through the effervescent drinking song ‘Brindisi’ and the soaring emotional heights of ‘Sempre Libera’, making this a truly unforgettable evening under the stars.
La Traviata, one of the world's best-loved romantic operas is performed under the stars on a floating, mirrored stage in Sydney Harbor, with the city, Opera House and Harbor Bridge acting as a stunning backdrop. Giuseppe Verdi's captivating music is performed with the orchestra concealed in a studio beneath the stage to ensure the finest amplified sound combines with the superlative singing of the cast.
