Renowned Australian director Elijah Moshinsky, one of the greats in opera and theatre, with an international career spanning more than 30 years, has been announced as a recipient of the Opera Australia Trophy, first presented to Dame Joan Sutherland in 1990. The Trophy is Opera Australia’s highest honour and is awarded for service to the Company.
To coincide with the revival season of Moshinsky’s production of Massenet’s classic Werther, Moshinksy will be honoured by Opera Australia in recognition of his unrivalled contribution to the country’s operatic industry.
Moshinsky has a long and distinguished history with Opera Australia, directing more than fifteen original productions over the course of his career including audience favorites such as Rigoletto and La Traviata, both of which are still in the company’s repertoire today.
When speaking of his career and being awarded the Opera Australia Trophy Elijah Moshinsky said: “When I left Australia to continue my studies at Oxford, I was already theatre and opera mad,” he said. “I had always wanted to return and reform performance in Australia.
“After an invitation from Sir Edward Downes to direct the Australian premiere of Wozzeck, I was taken up by Moffatt Oxenbould who threw at me the entire history of Opera to present in Australia. It was a glorious period. Slowly, by example, I had the opportunity to show something new and challenging to opera in Australia. My artistic aim was to keep loyal to Australia and my devotion and commitment to that aim has lasted from 1976 until today.”
“There have been many champions of my work, especially Lyndon Terracini, and I am thrilled to be offered this wonderful award for the continuity of work provided. I am deeply touched and honoured by the Award more than I can express. I live in England, where my children are, but my heart is in Australia. I still import Cherry Ripes.”
Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director at Opera Australia said: “Elijah Moshinsky is one of opera’s great directors and it has been a privilege for Opera Australia to collaborate with him on so many productions over the years,” he said. “Elijah has a rare talent for creating timeless productions that resonate with audiences and it is a joy to be witness to his work.
We are saddened Elijah could not be with us to receive the award in person however we are tremendously proud of the distinguished history we have shared with him and he will always remain a much admired member of the Opera Australia family.”
The Opera Australia Trophy has been sent to Mr. Moshinsky in the United Kingdom. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Elijah Moshinsky (supplied)