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Opera Australia’s inventive Viaggio a Reims

by Heather Leviston 27th May, 2019
by Heather Leviston 27th May, 2019

Composed in 1825 for the coronation of King Charles X of France, it has taken nearly two centuries for Rossini’s Il Viaggio a Reims (The Journey to Reims) to be staged in Australia. It was only in 1983, after American musicologists Philip Gossett and Janet Johnson had painstakingly reconstructed the lost manuscript from fragments tracked down across Europe, that the opera’s revival in 1984 became possible. Since then, it has become a popular vehicle for showcasing operatic talent. And now it is our turn thanks to Opera Australia’s cooperation with Dutch National Opera and Royal Danish Opera.

Virtuoso singing, visual splendor, delightfully inventive direction by Damiano Michieletto and an equally inventive melodious score are the main ingredients of this co-production. They go a very long way to compensate for any lack of coherent plot, which was sometimes made even more confusing by transferring the action from the original Golden Lily hotel, teeming with travellers and staff to an art gallery, where the line between characters and art works becomes so blurred as to be almost Dadaesque.

During the interval, one gentleman cheerfully (and loudly) asked a fellow member of the audience whether he knew what was going on. Those surrounding him seemed to be in a similar state of bemusement but also not really concerned because they were all having such an entertaining time. When most of the main characters were handed coat hangers with large name boards after interval, it appeared to be a witty acknowledgment that many in the audience needed a little help to remember just who was who.

An extensive cast of characters rivaling Game of Thrones represents the attributes of various European nations, which culminates in each presenting a short solo reflecting national characteristics – from God Save the King to the German Kaiser equivalent – for the coronation scene. The art works that form part of Paolo Fantin’s set design also provide a clever cultural cross-section of visual art, including mobile works by Van Gogh, Goya, Velasquez, Haring, Picasso, Magritte, John Singer Sargeant and Frieda Kahlo. The dance component is created via a sculpture of The Three Graces, charmingly brought to life by a comely trio of dancers clothed in little more than white paint.

With 14 leading roles plus 3 secondary ones it is impossible to do justice to the work of all members of such an ensemble cast in a review. Unfortunately, due to being stricken with laryngitis, Lorina Gore was unable to sing the taxing principal soprano role of Corinna the poetess (created by diva of the day Giuditta Pasta) as advertised; the good news was that Spanish soprano Ruth Iniesta, who had already sung the role in Vienna, was available. We were introduced to her alluring singing in the off-stage aria about the importance of peace and brotherly love to graceful harp accompaniment. A lovely voice and charming presence made her an audience favourite. The other singer who, yet again, was greeted by an enthusiastic reception was Warwick Fyfe. Among a cavalcade of fine singers his Barone di Trombonok was rich-voiced and commanding.

Julie Lea Goodwin provided dramatic impetus in Act 1 and added a lovely clear soprano line to the ensembles throughout the opera. But it was Australian soprano Emma Pearson’s brilliant Contessa di Folleville that raised the evening’s performance to even greater heights – in several respects. She sang the challenging florid aria with ease, and her reactions to her loss of luggage and eventual reunion with her shoes was comedy gold; it was “bel canto” at its exciting best as she revelled in the vocal fireworks.

Notable performances also came from Spanish tenor Juan de Dios Mateos as the passionate young Chevalier Belfiore and baritone Giorgio Caoduro as the Italian antiquarian Don Profondo. Caoduro was vocally and dramatically assured, negotiating the “catalogue aria” with panache as bidders in the auditorium aisles eager to secure the art works being auctioned off added to the excitement. Teddy Tahu Rhodes gave his role of painter Lord Sidney resonant bass notes and some nice comic touches as he immersed himself voluptuously in the painting he was restoring – once again removing his shirt!

Although Shanul Sharma had some trouble with cutting through larger ensembles, especially when singing from a reclining position in a “tableau vivant”, his vocal agility and extraordinary stratospheric upper register were valuable assets to his portrayal of Count Libenskof, a Russian general and rival for the hand of the Polish Marquise Melbea, sung with warm full tone by a lively Sian Sharp.

A momentary rhythmic faltering during the final ensemble as the scrim curtain descended for the climactic visual “coup de théâtre” was quickly remedied by the always attentive and dynamic conductor, Daniel Smith. He elicited fine playing from Orchestra Victoria as a whole, but made special acknowledgement of the excellent contribution of the solo flute and harp during the curtain call.

If David McVicar’s production of Così fan tutte left you with an unsavoury aftertaste, then Michieletto’s production of the work that established Rossini’s name in Paris is the perfect palate cleanser. This exceptional production is not to be missed – not just by opera lovers, but also by anybody with an interest in theatre and the arts in general.

 

________________________________________________

Heather Leviston reviewed Opera Australia’s production of “Il Viaggio a Reims” at Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre on May 24, 2019. Further performances are scheduled for May 28 and 30, and June 1 (matinee).

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Heather Leviston

Heather Leviston has devoted much of her life to listening to classical music and attending concerts. An addiction to vocal and string music has led her to undertake extensive training in singing and perform as a member of the Victoria State Opera chorus and as a soloist with various musical organisations.

As a founding academic teacher of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she has had the privilege of witnessing the progress of many talented students, keenly following their careers by attending their performances both in Australia and overseas.

As a reviewer, initially for artsHub, and also for Sounds like Sydney, she has been keen to bring attention to the fine music-making that is on offer in Australia, especially in the form of live performance. Heather is a valued member of Classical Melbourne’s editorial team, with her reviews of opera and vocal music valued by performers and audiences alike.

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Events Calendar

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  • June 2022

Calendar of Events

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2 events, 30

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

Flinders Quartet
May 30 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

A program with common threads, linking lives that are centuries apart. Program Clara Schumann 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op.16 Melody Eötvös…

$29 – $40
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

Flinders Quartet
May 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

A program with common threads, linking lives that are centuries apart. Program Clara Schumann 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op.16 Melody Eötvös…

$29 – $40

1 event, 31

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

The Consort of Melbourne: Ancient texts brought to life with luscious vocal harmonies.

$45 – $55

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

June 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

With a voice that speaks volumes in every note, Ferruccio Furlanetto is one of the greatest basses of our time. Over…

$53 – $149

0 events, 2

1 event, 3

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 4

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

3 events, 5

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

June 5 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

In this concert we explore facets of the world of acheiropoieta: literally “not hand made”, but more specifically miraculous images of…

$15 – $20
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

June 5 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2022 Bach Competition, dedicated to young musicians passionate about JS Bach will soon be open for entries. Entrants…

Free
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

2 events, 6

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

One of the finest players of his generation. Celebrated London-based Australian pianist, Jayson Gillham is known for his bright toned clarity…

$59 – $79
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 7

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

3 events, 8

11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

June 8 @ 11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

A performance of commanding exuberance, grace and sensitivity. Program Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Les petits riens, K.Anh.10/299b Antonio Rosetti - Symphony…

$42 – $49
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 9

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

2 events, 11

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

0 events, 12

0 events, 13

0 events, 14

0 events, 15

2 events, 16

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

COLLIDE Collide make their debut at ADCH with a showstopping program of exceptional works. With a surprise item at the end,…

$24 – $44
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute. Program Antonín…

$30 – $143

1 event, 17

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

3 events, 18

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

Saint-Saëns and Dvořák Artists Rick Prakhoff - conductor Roy Theaker - violin Kalina Krusteva - cello Program Saint-Saëns – Havanaise Op…

$15 – $45
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

JS Bach’s Double Violin Concerto is the glowing centrepiece of a Bach family reunion that celebrates this greatest of all musical…

$25 – $171

1 event, 19

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute. Program Antonín…

$30 – $143

2 events, 20

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

JS Bach’s Double Violin Concerto is the glowing centrepiece of a Bach family reunion that celebrates this greatest of all musical…

$25 – $171

1 event, 21

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

2 events, 22

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

1 event, 23

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

1 event, 24

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 24 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

2 events, 25

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

May 30
May 30 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

May 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

May 31
May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

June 1
June 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
June 3
June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 4
June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 5
June 5 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

June 5 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 6
June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 7
June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8
June 8 @ 11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

June 8 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 9
June 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 10
June 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11
June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
June 16
June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 17
June 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18
June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 19
June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 20
June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 21
June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22
June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 23
June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 19
June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 20
June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 21
June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22
June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 23
June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 24
June 24 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25
June 25 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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