On the 100th anniversary of composer Giacomo Puccini’s death, Victorian Opera presents its highly anticipated production of La Rondine (The Swallow) at the Palais Theatre this August.
Puccini’s gift for mesmerising melodies shines through in La Rondine, exploring the gaiety of 19th Century Paris, the bittersweet sorrow of regret and the sensuality of young love. Bringing the music to life, is internationally acclaimed conductor Tobias Ringborg alongside Orchestra Victoria.
A poignant, wistful, and romantic masterpiece, Puccini weaves between tragedy and comedy to tell the timeless love story of a Parisian courtesan, Magda, and her naive and ardent admirer, Ruggero.
La Rondine begins with Magda’s nostalgia for the giddy freedom of youth as a working girl and for first love. Like a swallow escaping its gilded cage, Magda dons a disguise and visits a nightclub filled with students, artists and lovers.
There, she finds refuge from the prying eyes of young men to join Ruggero, who does not recognise Magda through her disguise. It takes mere moments for the two to fall in love. Magda must make a crucial decision.
Will she fly away to a life with Ruggero in the French Riviera, while shackled to this ongoing lie? Or will she return to the life she knows, one devoid of love?
Directed by Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Stuart Maunder, La Rondine is an opera in three acts, with a libretto written by Giuseppe Adami and based on text from the German of Alfred Maria Willner and Heinz Reichert.
“I can’t think of a better way to mark the centenary of the death of Giacomo Puccini than to be able to bring to the stage the first Melbourne performances of his late masterpiece La Rondine,” said Stuart Maunder.
“This is a fascinating work, ridiculously tuneful, stylish, intelligent, poignant, joyous, sensual, subtle, full of wit, elegance and with a sophisticated intensity. It is never sentimental, never morose and never grand. Just great.”
An exceptional cast will deliver a unique rendition of Puccini’s masterpiece, bringing both experience and fresh energy to the Melbourne stage.
Leading the production is the internationally acclaimed soprano Kiandra Howarth, whose powerful voice has captivated audiences across prestigious opera houses. Howarth returns from Europe to take on the role of Magda.
Joining her is acclaimed tenor and favourite of New York’s famed Metropolitan Opera, Won Whi Choi playing Ruggero. Plus, Nina Korbe, a distinguished artist who recently wowed audiences in Opera Australia’s West Side Story, will take on the character Lisette.
The cast will also include the forever charming, Victorian Opera veteran, Teddy Tahu Rhodes as Rambaldo; and Victorian Opera Prize winner, Douglas Kelly as Prunier.
Conductor: Tobias Ringborg | Director: Stuart Maunder | Featuring: Kiandra Howarth, Won Whi Choi, Nina Korbe, Douglas Kelly, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Sarah Prestwidge, Michaela Cadwgan, Syrah Tori, Victorian Opera Chorus, Orchestra Victoria | Set and Costume Designer: Richard Roberts | Lighting Designer: Gavan Swift | Assistant Conductor: Phoebe Briggs | Associate Designer: Louisa Fitzgerald | Assistant Director: Kate Millet
La Rondine
Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Season: 8 – 10 August 2024
Information and Bookings: www.victorianopera.com.au
Image: Kiandra Howarth stars as Magda in La Rondine – courtesy of Victorian Opera