Stellar Cast for Opera Hunter's La Traviata
- intouch Magazine
- Jul 1, 2021
- 3 min read
* PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS, OPERA HUNTERS PRODUCTION OF LA TRAVIATA HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO 18-27 FEBRUARY 2022 *
Opera Hunter is delighted to present a new production of Verdi’s most famous and beloved opera, La Traviata, at the Warners Bay Theatre, 21 July to 1 August.
The story is adapted from the novel The Lady of The Camellias by French writer Alexander Dumas Jr. It tells the tale of high-class courtesan Violetta Valery, her life and times in Paris in the nineteenth century, her love for Alfredo Germont, and the forces of society and family which wrenched them apart.
Director Michael Blaxland sets the work in the late 1880's, depicting both the glamour and the seedy side of the times. There are two casts of principals, the Opera Hunter Chorus and The Opera Hunter orchestra conducted by Christopher Bearman OAM. Costumier Melanie Hunt is creating an exciting new suite of period costumes. Violetta will be sung by brilliant sopranos Ashlee Woodgate and Jenna Robertson; Alfredo is sung by two outstanding young tenors Sam Elmi and Joshua Oxley. The role of Alfredo’s father will be shared by baritones PJ Willis and Tristan Entwistle, and Violetta’s
friend Flora is shared by mezzo-sopranos Anthea Harrington and Joanna Andrew. Violetta’s servant Annina will be sung by Galatea Kneath and Ballina Gee, tenor John Campbell sings Gaston, James Walker is Baron Duphol, and noted Australian bass Michael Saunders plays Doctor Grenvil. Bass Malcolm Young will sing the role of The Marquis D’Obigny, and tenor Stewart McGowan is Guiseppe, Violetta’s servant.
MEET THE STARS
Ashlee Woodgate has a Bachelor of Music with Distinction from Newcastle Conservatorium, an Associate of Music Diploma, and a Master of Music Studies (Opera Performance) at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She has performed many roles, including Susanna in Opera Hunter’s production of The Marriage of Figaro and Zerlina in their production of Don Giovanni.
Scottish-Australian soprano Jenna Robertson has a considerable career both in Scotland and Australia. Among her many roles, she has sung the lead in Manon, Anna Bolena, Nelda in Pagliacci, Laetitia in The Old Maid & The Thief, Lauretta in Pagliacci, Gretel in Hansel & Gretel, Cunegonde in Candide, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and Christine in The Phantom of the Opera.
Iranian born tenor Sam Elmi studied singing in Mashhad with Dr Lada Georgia after completing his medical studies. Since arriving in the Hunter Region, he has studied with Dr Jennifer Barnes and Deborah Humble. He sang Arichino in Bellini’s Beatrice di Teada for the London Bel Canto Festival and Frederick in Opera Hunter’s Pirates of Penzance. He has won prizes in Sydney, Lake Macquarie and Taree Eisteddfods.
Joshua Oxley is a Sydney based tenor. He is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium and won a place in the inaugural ESTIVO Summer School in Verona. His role with Opera Hunter as Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni received high praise. Among many roles, he has sung Tamino in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Jenik in Smetana’s The Bartered Bride and has an extensive Oratorio repertoire. He has twice won the Ronald Dowd Memorial Prize, the BBM Scholarship for Music, and The Joan Carden Award and is a tenor for St Andrews Cathedral.
The extended Opera Hunter chorus of 25 singers has some exciting new members, including sopranos Hannah Burton and Emily Healy, Shonti Hardy and the talented actress Beth Traynor.
Lake Macquarie City Council is the co-presenter of this production, and Opera Hunter is very grateful for the council’s support and encouragement of the arts. Tickets are available online at Sticky Tickets.
Prices are $40 for adults, $35 for a concession, and $100 for a family of four. For more information about the production, or Opera Hunter, contact Mercia Buck mbuck@exemail.com.au on (02) 4943 1672.
