Pacific Opera - La sonnambula July 31, 2009

Pacific Opera
Presents
La sonnambula
From July 31
Five performances only

Directed by Christine Douglas
Conducted by Andrew Greene

Pacific Opera Australia’s leading company for the development of up-and-coming Australian opera
singers will perform La sonnambula at the Glen Street from July 31 until August 8.
Staring Roy Best and Eva Kong, La sonnambula (The Sleepwalker) has not been performed in Australia since 1965. Sung in Italian this semi serious opera follows the journey of sleepwalker Amina who ends up in the wrong man's bedroom. La sonnambula is in two acts, with music by Vincenzo Bellini to an Italian libretto by Felice Romani. There will be subtitles in English.

“We are really excited to perform at Glen Street Theatre, this a new venue for Pacific Opera and is perfect for this production,” said director Christine Douglas. “La sonnambula is a wonderful opera because it combines youthful love, jealousy, anger and a happy ending with the most beautiful music.”

Christine Douglas has previously directed operas including The Magic Flute, Hansel & Gretel, Cosi fan Tutte & the Barber of Seville.

Leading the orchestra is Music Director Andrew Greene. He is currently the director of Opera Australia's Young Artist Program.

“La sonnambula is a piece full of gorgeous melody and music,” said Andrew Greene. “It’s exciting to
perform it in Australia for the first time in 44 years as it deserves to be heard and appreciated.”


The title role of Amina (the titular sleepwalker) with its high tessitura is renowned for its difficulty, requiring a complete command of trills and florid technique, this will be played by Eva Kong. Eva was born in Seoul, South Korea and learned piano from age three. After finishing high school, she studied opera under the guidance of Soprano Jung Won Park in South Korea and recently performed as the soprano soloist in the Saint Saens Requiem at the Sydney University Great Hall

In the lead tenor role of Elvino, is popular Operatunity Oz winner Roy Best who came to national prominence in his televised performance of the Duke in Opera Australia’s Rigoletto at the Sydney Opera House. Roy has performed with some of Australia leading performers including Marina Prior and Dame Joan Sutherland.

Other cast members include; Julia Malczewksi as Lisa, Amanda Hutton as Teresa, Adrian Tamburini as Rodolpho and Byron Watson as Alessio.Nida graduate, Simone Romaniuk set design and she is also assisting Ailsa Paterson with the costume design.

Pacific Opera provides performance opportunities and professional development to up-and-coming Australian opera singers. The company enables young artists to remain in Australia and fully develop their potential under the supervision of practicing industry professionals.

www.pacificopera.com.au

Pacific Opera
Presents
La sonnambula
Director Christine Douglas
Conductor: Andrew Greene
Starring
Roy Best, Eva Kong,
Julia Malczewksi, Amanda Hutton,
Adrian Tamburini and Byron Watson

July 31 @ 8pm
August 6,7,8 @ 8pm
matinee August 2 @ 2:30pm
Glen Street Theatre
Box Office Cnr Glen Street & Blackbutts Road
Belrose NSW 2085
July 31 at 8pm Opening Night
August 2 at 2.30pm
August 6,7,8 at 8pm
Prem $68
Adults $59
Conc $55
Free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult
Bookings through Glen Street Theatre Box Office Tel:02 9975 1455 or www.glenstreet.com.au

Official Website: http://www.pacificopera.com.au