Opera Hunter's La Traviata On Stage
Lake Macquarie's Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima and Opera Hunter are delighted to present a new production of Verdi's masterpiece La Traviata in English at the MAP mima in Speers Point Park in a semi-staged version.
Opera-lovers of all ages can attend the performance on Friday, 14 October at 7pm, or Sunday, 16 October at 3pm. Enjoy beautiful music, stunning performances with wine and cheese on the banks of Lake Macquarie.
Adapted from the novel The Lady of The Camellias by French writer Alexander Dumas Jr, composer Verdi tells the story of Dumas' Marguerite Gautier (Violetta Valery), her lifestyle as a high-class and expensive Parisian courtesan, her love for Armand Duval (Alfredo Germont), and the forces of society and family that wrenched them apart. Verdi's beloved music is full of extraordinary passion, drama and excitement. Opera Hunter will present the English National Opera translation.
Violetta will be sung by soprano Ashlee Woodgate, who has recently completed a Masters of Music (Performance Teaching) at The University of Melbourne and has performed many roles in Australia and internationally, including Susanna in Opera Hunter's The Marriage of Figaro and Zerlina in Don Giovanni.
Alfredo will be sung by Sydney-based, prizewinning tenor Sam Elmi, known to Opera Hunter audiences as a principal soloist in concerts, oratorio and opera. Baritone Tristan Entwistle sings Germont, mezzo-soprano Anthea Harrington will play the part of Flora, soprano Galatea Kneath sings Annina, tenor Ellery Durrant sings Gaston, baritone James Walker is Baron Duphol, and Michael Saunders plays Doctor Grenville.
Soloists, the Opera Hunter Chorus and Opera Hunter Orchestra are conducted by Christopher Bearman OAM, while Michael Blaxland OAM directs the production. Music Director is Mercia Buck OAM, while costumes are designed and realised by the very talented Melanie Hunt.
Opera Hunter is very grateful for the council's support and encouragement of the arts in the Hunter Region and for the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative.
Tickets and more information are available at arts.lakemac.com.au. For all Opera Hunter enquiries, please email Mercia Buck at mbuck@exemail.com.au
