Following a string of major Wagnerian successes (Rienzi, Tannhauser, Lohengrin, Tristan and Isolde, The Flying Dutchman), Melbourne Opera is thrilled to present the pinnacle of operatic excellence, indulgence and excess – Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
Commencing with the first of the Ring’s four operas, Das Rheingold from 3 February, the company will stage the following three operas progressively over the next three years, culminating with a multi-million dollar performance of Wagner’s full Ring Cycle in 2023.
Mounting a production of Wagner’s epic Der Ring des Nibelungen is regarded as the height of any opera company’s achievement and Melbourne Opera is particularly proud to be mounting four new productions of the epic Ring operas, in addition to a performance of the full Ring Cycle, with an all Australian cast and creative team.
“Given the current problems facing the industry this is a very significant announcement for Victoria,” said company director Greg Hocking. “More than 140 Victorian singers, musicians, creatives and technicians will be employed in the production and we can’t wait to see the beloved Regent Theatre spring back to life after months of darkness and lockdown.”
The production will be the first major show back on in Melbourne after the lockdown and will feature the beautifully renovated Regent Theatre with appropriate audience social distancing. There is an 80 piece orchestra (including 7 harps) spilling into the front stalls which will also meet social distancing requirements.
A superb Australian cast has been assembled led by acclaimed international Wagnerian Warwick Fyfe as Wotan, alternating with Eddie Muliaumaseali’i, James Egglestone as Loge, Simon Meadows as Alberich, Lee Abrahmsen as Freia, Roxane Hislop as Erda and Sarah Sweeting as Fricka.
Michael Lapina plays Mime, with Steven Gallop and Adrian Tamburini as the giants and Jason Wasley and Richard Divall Emerging Artist Darcy Carroll as Froh and Donner. Two other recent Richard Divall Emerging Artist Programme graduates Rebecca Rashleigh and Louise Keast have been cast as the Rheinmaidens.
The production is directed by Wagner specialist Suzanne Chaundy and designed by Andrew Bailey with renowned international Wagnerian maestro Anthony Negus (acclaimed for his MO productions of Tristan and Isolde, The Flying Dutchman and Fidelio) and David Kram conducting.
Das Rheingold
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne
Season: 3, 5 & 7 February 2021.
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, vist: www.melbourneopera.com for details.
Image: Eddie Muliaumaseali’i to star in Melbourne Opera’s production of Das Rheingold (supplied)