A breathtaking opera that brings the beauty and mystique of the Australian bush to life, Victorian Opera brings to St Kilda’s Palais Theatre, Eucalyptus: The Opera, from 16 – 19 October 2024.
An extraordinary new work by internationally acclaimed composer Jonathan Mills and librettist Meredith Oakes, and based on Murray Bail’s Miles Franklin-winning novel, Eucalyptus: The Opera has been produced by Victorian Opera in collaboration with Opera Australia, Perth Festival and Brisbane Festival
Eucalyptus: The Opera is a compelling fusion of Australian fairy tale and sonorous artistry, set against the backdrop of a magical eucalyptus forest. Unfolding as a lyrical exploration of love and longing, the opera follows the lives of Ellen and her overprotective father, Holland.
Like a modern-day Rapunzel, Ellen is isolated within the lush realm of the forest, until a mysterious Stranger arrives, offering her a glimpse into a world beyond her father’s dominion.
Renowned composer Sir Jonathan Mills AC has translated the beloved fable into a dreamy opera that takes cues from the music of native wildlife and transforms the iconic eucalyptus trees into living characters.
His score takes audiences into the heart of the Australian bush, where love and nature intertwine in a production that celebrates our rich cultural and natural heritage.
Celebrated Australian playwright Michael Gow directs the production, bringing to life Mills’ vivid score and Meredith Oakes’ poetic libretto. Conducting the spectacular Orchestra Victoria and Victorian Opera Chorus, Tahu Matheson will weave a rich tapestry of mysterious melodies and dramatic intensity, capturing the essence of the Australian landscape.
“It is so exciting to have so many producing partners, singers, music staff and design team all collaborating together with a composer and librettist to bring a new work into existence,” said director Michael Gow. “At the same time, how humbling is the trust and responsibility of being given this opportunity. All in front of a live audience.”
Renowned for her compelling performances in State Opera of South Australia’s Sweeney Todd, Bohème on the Beach and The Pirates of Penzance, Australian soprano Desiree Frahn leads the cast as Ellen.
She is joined by award-winning Australian baritone Simon Meadows as Holland, whose outstanding performances include The Barber of Seville, Macbeth and Lohengrin, and emerging operatic star Michael Petruccelli known for Victorian Opera’s Galileo, Capriccio and Parrawang Lifts the Sky.
Eucalyptus: The Opera is an ageless story of love and longing – the poetic and enchanting opera is as much a love letter to the beauty of the Australian bush as it is a captivating story of the human heart.
Conductor: Tahu Matheson | Director: Michael Gow | Featuring: Samuel Dundas, Desiree Frahn, Natalie Jones, Simon Meadows, Michael Petruccelli, Dimity Shepherd, Orchestra Victoria, Victorian Opera Chorus | Set and Costume Designer: Simone Romaniuk | Lighting Designer: Trudy Dalgleish | Cover Conductor: Richard Mills OA | Composer: Jonathan Mills | Librettist: Meredith Oakes
Eucalyptus: The Opera
Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Season: 16 – 19 October 2024
Information and Bookings: www.victorianopera.com.au
Image: Desiree Frahn in Eucalyptus: The Opera – photo by Billie Wilson Coffey