The State Opera Of South Australia's 2016 season celebrates the changing of opera over hundreds of years with the theme: 'Opera. Evolve'.
Celebrating their 40th birthday this year, State Opera SA (SOSA) have created a programme ranging from the classical stylings of Mozart to contemporary fare, celebrating the modern evolution of the art form. In keeping with the evolving motif, productions this year will now span a range of new venues to complement and enrich the the four massive and varied operas that SOSA will be presenting in 2016.
The first production of the year shows in February, and is an adaptation of Mozart's classic 'The Magic Flute'. The Masonic story will be directed by David Lampard and will be staged deep within the Freemasons Great Hall, a unique experience to witness a Masonic opera inside a Masonic Lodge. Mozart's final opera is also undeniably one of his most popular, and SOSA's production will star a range of established and emerging performers including Joanna McWaters and Robert England to do it justice. Lampard will filter the timeless show through a 1950's lens to create a vintage fantasy and bring to life the surreal, mysterious world of 'The Magic Flute', sure to captivate viewers of all ages.
'Cloudstreet!'
May will see the premiere of 'Cloudstreet!', an adaptation of Tim Winton's classic 1991 novel chronicling the lives of two working class Australian families, the Lambs and the Pickles, whose lives are inextricably combined after they come to live together. After a successful play adaptation and television miniseries, the operatic version of this famed story adorns the stage after four years in production. Playing at Her Majesty's Theatre, the production sees internationally-acclaimed opera director Gale Williams team up with the evocative harmonies of composer George Palmer to fully realise this tale of family, love, catharsis and redemption.
'Puccini'
SOSA's birthday celebrations will be rounded out with the final two productions of the year, a double dose of Puccini's greatest works. The first, premiering in September, is the 'Puccini Spectacular'; a collections of soloists performing selections of pieces from some of Puccini's most memorable operas, including: 'La Bohème', 'Tosca', 'Gianni Schicchi', 'La Rondine', 'Madama Butterfly', 'Turandot' and 'Suor Angelica'. Puccini was renowned for writing beautiful arias for the heroines in his stories, and a range of talented female soloists will capture the magic in these melodies.
'Tosca'
The final SOSA production for the year is a staging of Puccini's grandiose opera 'Tosca'. Making a long-awaited return in November at the Adelaide Festival Theatre, Puccini's epic drama will be performed by a cast including actress Kate Ladner, tenor Rosario La Spina and baritone Mario Bellanova. The dramatic tale of love and tragedy will be heightened by soaring choral music, with an accompaniment by the State Opera Chorus. Sung in traditional Italian and presented with English subtitles, 'Tosca' will mark a rousing end to the 2016 season.
All four operas will be accompanied by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and in addition to the main productions, SOSA will also run a range of chamber operas, pop-up operas, masterclasses and artist showcases.
The State Opera South Australia 2016 season begins with 'The Magic Flute' at Freemasons Great Hall, 18- 24 February.
