The final operatic masterpiece by Richard Strauss and Clemens Krauss, Victorian Opera is thrilled to present, Capriccio, for one night only on the Palais Theatre stage, under the baton of one of the world’s leading conductors, Simone Young AM.
Set in the opulent and artistic world of 18th-century Paris, the opera weaves a lyrical and philosophical narrative that delves into the depths of human emotions. Capriccio tells the story of Countess Madeleine who is being courted by two different men; Flamand the composer and Olivier the poet.
This poignant tale revolves around the theme of love, art, and the age-old question of which is more powerful: music or words?
With a distinguished career spanning decades and gracing renowned stages at the Vienna State Opera (Elektra and Die Fledermaus) and the Metropolitan Opera (Der Rosenkavalier), Young, is considered a world-leading Strauss specialist and will bring an insight into every note and nuance of Capriccio.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Young’s musical journey began at an early age. Her passion for conducting blossomed during her studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Throughout her career, she has held prominent positions Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne (2017-2020), Principal Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic (1998-2002); Artistic Director of Opera Australia (2001-2003); Principal Guest Conductor of the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon; Artistic Director of the Hamburg State Opera and Chief Music Director of the Hamburg Philharmonic (2005-2015). Ms Young is the current Chief Conductor of Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Victorian Opera has assembled a stellar cast and creative team to bring this musical masterpiece to life. The production features world-class vocalists, Samuel Dundas, Vida Mikneviciute and Deborah Humble, each adding their own distinct flair to the characters they portray.
The performance is also presented with the ANAM orchestra (Australian National Academy of Music) featuring some of the most exciting young talents working in classical music today.
“An opera is an absurd thing. Orders are given in song; politics is discussed in a duet. One danses around a grave, and dagger thrusts are dealt out in music.” – Clemens Krauss, from the Libretto for Capriccio
Conductor: Simone Young AM | Assistant Conductor: Simon Bruckard | Featuring: Vida Mikneviciute, Samuel Dundas, Deborah Humble, Michael Schade, Stephen Marsh, Simon Meadows, Kathryn Radcliffe, Carlos E. Bárcenas Ramirez, Michael Petruccelli, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Paul Batey, Paul Biencourt, Alastair Cooper-Golec, Nicholas Cowall, Eamon Dooley, Douglas Kelly, Aleksander Pokryshevsky, Kiran Rajasinga, ANAM Orchestra
Capriccio
Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Performance: Thursday 31 August 2023
Information and Bookings: www.victorianopera.com.au
Image: Victorian Opera presents Capriccio (supplied)