Victorian Opera has announced a date and venue change for its upcoming production of Franz Schubert’s The Friends of Salamanca. The Youth Opera will now be staged at Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne on 1 – 2 October 2021.
Schubert’s The Friends of Salamanca could be the script of a Hollywood rom-com: Friends fall in love with each other’s friends under the kiss of the Spanish sun.
Between castle parties and grape harvests, our hot-blooded Spaniards are out to woo their loves. But can they outwit the conceited Count Tormes? Never fear, there are only happy endings in this feel-good singspiel.
Emma Muir-Smith returns to Victorian Opera to direct the production and devise new English Dialogue. A former Young Artist with the company, Muir-Smith received a Green Room Award for her work as the librettist on Victorian Opera’s new Australian opera, The Selfish Giant, based on Oscar Wilde’s short story.
Muir-Smith will work alongside distinguished conductor Fabian Russell, who will lead Victorian Opera’s first Youth Orchestra. The production features singers and musicians aged 15 – 25 years old and offers these young performers a unique opportunity to develop their craft under the guidance of their state opera company.
Presented as part of Victorian Opera’s Quarter 4, subscription tickets to The Friends of Salamanca go on sale on Thursday 12 August ahead of single tickets on Thursday 26 August.
This production has been made possible by a generous gift from Professor Emeritus Barbara van Ernst AM.
The Friends of Salamanca
Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performances: 1 – 2 October 2021
Information and Bookings: www.victorianopera.com.au
Image: The Friends of Salamanca – courtesy of Victorian Opera