During the centenary year of the ANZAC landing in Gallipoli, Victorian Opera presents Remembrance – a new work based on songs from the World War One era – in a moving tribute in story, song and image.
Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director and composer Richard Mills has specially arranged popular songs of the wartime era alongside the poetry and prose of Australian author and two-time winner of Miles Franklin Literary Award, Rodney Hall to share a uniquely Victorian experience of war.
“Songs and poetry combine to share a moment in our country’s history; a moment that exemplifies our nation’s courage, loyalty and identity,” said Richard Mills, Artistic Director Victorian Opera.
Using audio-visual materials sourced primarily from the National Library of Australia and the Australian War Memorial, Remembrance will be a journey through historic moments of the ANZAC legacy – from the Declaration of War, to enlistment and training, the Gallipoli and Somme campaigns and finally, the return home.
Much-loved Australian performer David Hobson leads a cast consisting of students of the Master of Music (Opera Performance), run in partnership by Victorian Opera and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne.
The new work will be performed with Orchestra Victoria at Hamer Hall on Thursday 13 August before hitting the road and touring the State’s regional centres. Joining Hobson and the cast will be a large community choir made up of singers from each location the production visits.
“The centenary of the Great War is an event of national importance. Victorian Opera can provide unique musical resources to enrich the narrative,” said Rodney Hall, Writer and Director.
Writer / Director: Rodney Hall Cast: David Hobson, Kate Amos, Carlos E Barcenas, Nathan Lay, Elizabeth Lewis, Emma Muir-Smith, Michael Petruccelli, Cristina Russo, and Matthew Tng Arrangement / Conductor: Richard Mills Video Compilation / Lighting Design: Peter Darby
Remembrance
Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performance: Thursday 13 August 2015 – 7.30pm
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or online at www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Remembrance will also be presented at Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo (15 August); The Cube, Wodonga (31 August); West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul (3 September); and Eastbank Centre, Shepparton (12 September) and is presented with assistance from the National Library of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and Museum Victoria. For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: courtesy of Victorian Opera