This March, the Brisbane Bel Canto Festival returns for its second year – at its centre, Rossini’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella) presented by Opera Queensland in the Concert Hall – QPAC.
La Cenerentola is a tale of heart and humour full of clever disguises, unlikely heroes, a midnight ball and the kindness of one very determined young woman.
Set to the sparkling and exquisite music of Rossini, La Cenerentola swaps pumpkin carriages and fairy godparents for an evening of magical music and theatrical mischief.
An invitation to the Prince’s Ball arrives, but the gentle and warm-hearted Angelina (Cinderella) is overlooked by her selfish stepsisters and father Don Magnifico.
Kindness, however, can conjure an unpredictable magic; when Cinderella captures the heart of Prince Ramiro, it’s not the slipper that fits, but her heart that shines. This is an enchanting night at the opera offering joyous conclusion that fairy tales can come true.
There are plenty of laughs, thanks to the antics of Magnifico and Dandini, a pair of scheming stepsisters, and a mix-up at the ball. Add some dazzling singing and you’ve got a night at the opera offering the rare and joyous conclusion that fairy tales really can come true.
Direced by Laura Hansford, Rossini’s take on Cinderella stars rising talents Mara Gaudenzi as Angelina (Cinderella), Petr Nekoranec as Prince Don Ramiro, Sarah Crane and Hayley Sugars as the haughty stepsisters, alongside a strong cast of Opera Queensland artists.
“La Cenerentola is at its core tale of heart and humour. I am excited to flip the classic Cinderella story on its glass slipper and welcome everyone to a Once Upon a Time that is brimming with clever disguises, midnight balls, unlikely heroes and the triumph of kindness.” said director, Laura Hansford.
Conductor: Richard Mills AM | Director & Designer: Laura Hansford | Featuring: Mara Gaudenzi, Petr Nekoranec, Samuel Dundas, James Roser, Shaun Brown, Sarah Crane, Hayley Sugars, Opera Queensland Chorus, Queensland Symphony Orchestra | Costumes: Karen Cochet & Bianca Bulley | Lighting: Christine Felmingham | Assistant Director: Eugene Lynch | Chorus Master: Narelle French
La Cenerentola (Cinderella)
Concert Hall – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performances: 4 & 8 March 2025
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
For more information, visit: www.oq.com.au for details.
Image: Opera Queensland presents La Cenerentola – photo by Paul Blackmore