Friday 5 August, 7.30 pm
Opera Australia will embark on its 26th annual national tour with a new production by Director Priscilla Jackman of Gioachino Rossini's The Barber of Seville, appearing at Dubbo Regional Theatre on Friday 5 August. In a contemporary Australian reimagining of the production, award-winning director Jackman brings a hipster aesthetic to the famous barber Figaro and presents leading lady Rosina as more than just a pretty face. The story has been set in the real-life Victorian town of Seville, nestled amongst the renowned Yarra Valley wine region.
Opera Australia's Artistic Director, Lyndon Terracini, has impressed the ongoing value the national tour has in increasing audience access to world-class performances.
"It is a key opportunity and a great pleasure for Opera Australia to bring exceptional talent to a broad range of audiences, particularly those living in regional areas. Many of this cast are coming directly from acclaimed seasons at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne to perform in a premiere production for audiences right in their hometowns."
"We are particularly thrilled to be working with a Director of Priscilla Jackman's calibre, who has created this wonderful production that brings forth the fun and frivolity of Rossini's music," he said.
The Regional Children's Chorus program continues as a mainstay of the national tour under the direction of Children's Chorus Master Kate Stuart. Vivienne Winther, Director, Macquarie Conservatorium, has been working with the local youth choir to prepare them to join the professional cast in rehearsal and performance. The children will experience the excitement of performing onstage alongside the outstanding cast, to an audience of family, friends and their broader communities.
Vivienne Withers said, "This is the fourth Opera Australia production for the Conservatorium's Youth Chorus. It's such an exciting experience for our students to perform on the big stage in full costume with professional singers, an orchestra and a conductor. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment, but the vocals and stage skills they develop are quite impressive; this year they've learn to sing in Italian."
