Opera lovers know the magnificence of Puccini’s Tosca, and opera novices are in for an unforgettable introduction to the art form when the mainstage production plays at Joan Sutherland Theatre at Sydney Opera House through July and August.
Tosca is the first mainstage production that John Bell, Artistic Director of Bell Shakespeare, has directed for Opera Australia (he directed Madama Butterfly for Oz Opera). He says, “Tosca is a dark story, but one alleviated by Puccini's glorious music, which celebrates the heroism of those who choose death over loss of liberty.”
The complex and controversial opera features star sopranos Alexia Voulgaridou and Cheryl Barker in the title role with tenors Yonghoon Lee and Diego Torre; the role of Scarpia will be played by baritone John Wegner. Romanian-born conductor Christian Badea has been welcomed back by Opera Australia; in an interview with Life & Leisure, Badea said that although the production premiered in Rome, the political and religious themes still ring true.
“There is something which has made these works still be effective with a human population that has changed quite drastically in the last 100 years, since the operas were composed,” Badea said. “The world has changed, our way of living has changed, but there are some things that are in us that are perennial.
“And that’s what Puccini himself addressed. So for me, the music, the score is the Bible. If you respect the score, the piece will explode to life.”
Thanks to Opera Australia, we have a double pass to give away, valued at $442. Head over to the competition page to enter.
Tosca: Puccini runs until August 31 at Sydney Opera House. tickets can be purchased here.
- Eventfinda
