To mark its 10th anniversary, Melbourne Opera are proud to announce a restaging of their highly successful first opera, the world acclaimed La Traviata for a limited season at The Athenaeum Theatre and at Monash University’s Alexander Theatre.
The opera is the highlight of Melbourne Opera’s Verdi Festival – celebrating the 200th Birthday of Italian master composer Giuseppe Verdi, and features the shining star of Antoinette Halloran as the doomed courtesan Violetta.
One of Australia’s most accomplished international singers, with frequent appearances on national TV and radio, Antoinette was first discovered by the Melbourne Opera when she performed in The Magic Flute in 2003.
“It is an absolute pleasure to be returning to the atmospheric beauty of The Athenaeum for Melbourne Opera’s 10th Anniversary! They are the company who believed in me first and we have made so many great memories together,” says Ms Halloran.
Some years ago, Antoinette was a judge on ABC TV’s Operatunity Oz where she discovered the indisputable talent of Roy Best. Roy’s life has since been transformed from building houses to garnering standing ovations at the Sydney Opera House. Now, he will play opposite she who discovered him, as he takes on the role of Alfredo to Antoinette’s Violetta.
Relying entirely on philanthropic support, Melbourne Opera is second only to Opera Australia as the most active opera company in the country. They have consistently discovered and worked with some of Australia’s biggest international singers, and boast a loyal audience and steadfast community of performers and creatives.
Opera and theatre director Suzanne Chaundy directs Melbourne Opera’s production of La Traviata. Having directed major productions for Opera Australia, WA Opera and the Victoria State Opera, Suzanne is also renowned for her direction of globally touring outdoor theatre productions and many other text-based theatrical works. Her Melbourne Opera debut production of Cosi Fan Tutte in 2012 saw her nominated for a Greenroom Award for Best Director Opera.
“La Traviata has a strong, dramatic storyline married to the most compelling and glorious music in the repertoire,” says Ms Chaundy.
“That’s why it’s the most performed opera in the world. It is a great opportunity to work in the deeply detailed and motivated approach that is the hallmark of my theatrical work.”
“It is also very exciting to be sharing my La Traviata debut with such a talented singer as Antoinette Halloran as she creates her first Violetta!”
The Athenaeum Theatre, the home of Melbourne Opera productions, is proven to provide a wonderful experience of grand Italian opera with its superb acoustics within historic beauty of Melbourne’s oldest theatre.
As the theatre is transformed to accommodate the sweeping drama of the world famous La Traviata, brought to life by amazingly accomplished singers, audiences of all ages are invited to a truly memorable theatrical experience!
La Traviata
The Athenaeum Theatre – 188 Collins Street, Melbourne
Season: 11- 20 September 2013
Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton
Performance: 11 October 2013
Bookings: 13 28 49 or online at: www.ticketek.com.au
For more information, visit: www.melbourneopera.com for details.
Image: Antoinette Halloran as Violetta
