Spend an evening under the stars as Victorian Opera presents Georges Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers on Thursday 22 April at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Balmy sea breezes carry the perfume of French romanticism in this impassioned opera about brotherhood and love. Old friends Nadir and Zurga are reunited and vow to never again let love for a woman threaten their camaraderie. When a mysterious priestess arrives in the fishing village, their bonds of friendship are tested.
Maestro Richard Mills conducts Orchestra Victoria together with a gifted cast and chorus, including soprano Kathryn Radcliffe as priestess Leïla, bass-baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes as high-priest Nourabad, and tenor Carlos E. Bárcenas and baritone Stephen Marsh as old friends Nadir and Zurga. Elizabeth Hill-Cooper directs this semi-staged concert production.
The Pearl Fishers established Bizet’s reputation in the Parisian music world at only 24; ten years later would come Carmen. The opera features one of the most beloved duets ever written Au fond du temple saint, recognisable for its inclusion in Peter Weir’s film Gallipoli and commonly celebrated in ABC Classic FM’s Classic 100. Beyond its famous duet, The Pearl Fishers is a treasure trove of music and lyricism.
A chocolate box opera to enjoy under the moonlight, iconic venue the Sidney Myer Music Bowl offers a range of COVID-Safe seating with private decks and socially distanced seating available. Pack your picnic and dive into a soul-stirring night at The Pearl Fishers!
Conductor: Richard Mills Stage Direction: Elizabeth Hill-Cooper Featuring: Kathryn Radcliffe, Carlos E. Bárcenas, Stephen Marsh, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Victorian Opera Chorus, Orchestra Victoria Stage Manager: Meg Deyell Deputy Stage Manager: Marina Milankovic Sound Engineer: Jim Atkins Costume Supervisor: Mel Serjeant Costume Assistant: Amelia Peace Hair and Makeup: Linda Cowell
The Pearl Fishers
Sidney Myer Music Bow, Melbourne
Performance: Thursday 22 April 2021 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.victorianopera.com.au
Image: The Pearl Fishers – artwork courtesy of Victorian Opera