Opera Australia and Sydney Festival in association with Circa presents the Sydney Premiere of Opera Queensland’s critically acclaimed reimagining of Gluck’s Orpheus & Eurydice at the Sydney Opera House this January.
This thrilling production will mark Opera Australia’s debut collaboration with internationally acclaimed Circa, presenting a mesmerising fusion of opera and circus, which masterfully blends jaw-dropping acrobatics and digital elements to complement the thrilling score.
Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz directs and choreographs this jaw-dropping feast for the senses, which was celebrated as “a triumph” (Courier Mail) in its world premiere performance by Opera Queensland in 2019.
Praised for bringing “lustre and elegance” (Stage Whispers) to Gluck’s moving score, world-renowned Australian-Chinese conductor Dane Lam will lead the Opera Australia Chorus and Opera Australia Orchestra in this landmark production.
The tragic tale of Orpheus & Eurydice will be brought to life by two exciting talents, both making role debuts in this dynamic production.
Making his Opera Australia debut in the role of Orfeo is French countertenor Christophe Dumaux, who arrives in Sydney after recently performing the titular role in Handel’s Orlando in Madrid. Dumaux has performed extensively across the globe and is renowned for his performances in Handel works.
Recently seen singing on the sails of the Sydney Opera House in Tim Minchin’s Play It Safe, written for the venue’s 50th anniversary, Opera Australia principal soprano Cathy-Di Zhang will return to the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage to perform the roles of Eurydice and Amore.
They will be supported by ten members of the incredible Circa ensemble whose astonishing feats will leave audiences at the edge of their seats, emphasising the high drama and crushing story of love and sacrifice at the core of Gluck’s epic.
“Circa were astonishing, and their incredible athleticism genuinely has to be seen to be believed” – Limelight
Conductor: Dane Lam | Director & Set Designer: Yaron Lifschitz | Featuring: Christophe Dumaux, Cathy-Di Zhang, Circa Ensemble, Opera Australia Chorus, Opera Australia Orchestra | Costume Designer: Libby McDonnell | Lighting Designer: Alexander Berlage | Projection Designer: Boris Bagattini | Choreography: Yaron Lifschitz, Bridie Hooper, Circa Ensemble | Associate Director: Heather Fairbairn | Chorus Director: Warwick Doddrell
Orpheus & Eurydice
Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 12 – 31 January 2024
Information and Bookings: www.opera.org.au
Image: Circa Ensemble – photo by Jade Ferguson