Jacques Offenbach's THE TALES OF HOFFMANN - AUGUST 18-26
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Our major theatrical production for 2018
DIRECTOR David Brennan MUSICAL DIRECTOR Luke Spicer Jacques Offenbach's grand fantasy opera, The Tales of Hoffmann was the composer's final work and premiered in Paris in February 1881, (without the now very famous Venice Act). Offenbach did not live to complete the opera, having died four months before the premiere. It is considered by many to be his "masterpiece" and is based on three short stories by the German author and poet E.T.A. Hoffmann, who is also the opera's main character. It is a firm staple and favourite in the repertory of opera companies worldwide. This year is Rockdale Opera Company's 70th anniversary and we are very proud to present this new production of Offenbach's most cherished work, not seen on the Rockdale stage since 1994. The opera is filled with wonderful and dramatic opportunities for superb singing from a large cast of principals together with the ensemble. Amongst its most familiar music is the celebrated Doll Song and the very well-known Barcarolle.
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ROCKDALE TOWN HALL
Saturday 18 August 7:30PM Sunday 19 August 2:00PM Saturday 25 August 7:30PM Sunday 26 August 2:00PM TICKETS ADULTS $50 CONCESSION $45 CHILDREN (under 12) $35 |
THE TALES OF HOFFMANN PRODUCTION TEAM
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David Brennan, DIRECTORDavid Brennan has performed as a leading artist for all major Australian opera companies and was a resident principal at Opera Australia from 1988 to 2001. His roles include the title role in Don Giovanni, Count Almaviva (Marriage of Figaro), Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte), Escamillo (Carmen), Sharpless (Madame Butterfly) and more than 50 others. He appears in Opera Australia’s DVDs of La Traviata, Turandot and Die Fledermaus. David’s directing credits include Donizetti’s Elixir of Love, Verdi’s Masked Ball and Mozart’s Don Giovanni. In 2006 he graduated as a PhD from the University of Newcastle.
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Luke Spicer, MUSICAL DIRECTORA graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium, Luke Spicer has furthered his studies in Freiburg, Manchester, and Siena. Luke has conducted programs with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and is currently the Music Director of the Opera Australia NSW Schools Tour. He is also the Principal Conductor of the Sydney University Symphony Orchestra, and the Associate Conductor of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.
Photo credit: Lucien Fischer |
Rockdale Opera Company's 2018 70th Anniversary Season
To celebrate this milestone, there will be three special performances during the year, an exhibition at
Rockdale Library and a book for sale – a photographic history of the Company.
Rockdale Library and a book for sale – a photographic history of the Company.
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First up, on April 7th, we are pleased to announce the return of the very popular Rendezvous at Orlofsky’s Cabaret. This special concert in cabaret style, features young up and coming singers together with the Rockdale Opera Ensemble in a program of highlights from opera, operetta and the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Enjoy a complimentary drink and a plate of nibbles in a relaxed atmosphere, along with the passion of opera, the sparkle of operetta and the merriment of G&S.
In August (18th, 19th, 25th and 26th) we present our major theatrical production, Jacques Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann - a wonderful grand opera with opportunities for marvellous singing by the Company and featuring the well-known and very beautiful Doll Song and the glorious Barcarolle. Click on Auditions for details of dates, bookings and audition requirements. On November 17th/18th, our 70th Anniversary will culminate in a Gala Concert, a celebration of the glorious music performed by the Company over the past 7 decades. More details will be available about this next year. We hope to have the involvement of many past performers, famous and otherwise! In addition to our three productions at the Rockdale Town Hall, Rockdale Library will be mounting an exhibition celebrating the history of the Company. This will open at the end of May, close to the date Rockdale Municipal Orchestra and Opera Company staged its first production of Faust in 1948. There are plans for the exhibition to transfer to Mascot Library later in the year |
Bookings for our Gala, will be available later in 2018
ROCKDALE OPERA COMPANY CO PATRONS DANIEL SUMEGI & JOSÉ CARBÓ
A message from Daniel Sumegi“As Australia’s oldest opera company, Rockdale Opera Company has provided a much needed platform for young aspiring professionals to ‘tread the boards’ alongside the people that make up the bulk of the company - the true opera lovers. I made my solo debut at Rockdale 31 years ago as Fiorello in The Barber of Seville alongside the beautiful Deborah Riedel. Having then sung in four other productions with ROC in my early days, I moved out into the wider vocal world - where I have proudly been singing professionally since 1988.
Rockdale Opera Company is very much a community organisation and has been generously supported by the Rockdale City Council for many generations.The word ‘Rockdale’ resonates so powerfully throughout the operatic family and I sincerely hope this invaluable cornerstone of our culture continues to flourish”. |
A message from José Carbó"As an up and coming singer, I was fortunate to have performed five roles with the company. Since establishing my professional career, I now consider it an honour and a responsibility to ensure there continues to be a platform which will enable the company to further prosper and adapt to the requirements and demands of present day live operatic entertainment. It is vital we succeed so future generations of singers can continue to have the opportunity and a platform where they can learn their trade and ply their craft and gain much needed and valuable performance experience, as I and all that came before me have had."
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Proudly Sponsored by Bayside Council
(Formerly Botany Bay & Rockdale City Councils) click here for a list of our sponsors for 2017 Find out how you can become a sponsor or advertise with us here |
