The Monk, a gothic chamber opera by Steven Stanke
He is Madrid's most revered monk. Rosario is his devoted friend. Or so he believes.
Watch Ambrosio’s world begin to unravel when Rosario reveals a dangerous secret — one that pulls him from sanctity into obsession, desire, and moral collapse. One performance only at 8pm on Saturday, 28 February at Rockdale Town Hall. The opera's duration is approximately 90 minutes (no interval). Tickets are $50, and includes a pre-performance talk by composer Steven Stanke at 7.15pm on the genesis of the opera.
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Rockdale Opera Company proudly presents the world premiere of a new Australian opera in a workshop performance of The Monk, a gothic chamber opera by Steven Stanke.
Inspired by Matthew Gregory Lewis’s notorious 1796 novel, The Monk is set in Madrid, where piety, desire, and the supernatural collide. This gripping tale centres on Ambrosio, a celebrated monk whose ironclad virtue begins to crumble when he confronts temptation in its most beguiling forms. From its atmospheric opening scenes within the cloistered monastery to its seductive encounters, spectral visitations, and final harrowing downfall, The Monk conjures a world of mystery, passion, and moral peril. With its haunting music, intense drama, and shadowy gothic aesthetic, this bold new work promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of human frailty and forbidden desire. CAST AMBROSIO (the Monk) - Daniel Verschuer ROSARIO/MATILDA (a monk) - Elizabeth Cooper ANTONIA (a young villager) - Galatea Kneath LEONELLA (Antonia’s aunt) - Camilla Wright FATHER PABLOS (a monk) - Brett Crocker DEMON (a youth) - Jeremy Potts Musical director: Steven Stanke Pianists: Teoman Ayhan Ozbakir and Areg Hakobyan |
Meet the composer, Steven Stanke
Did you know? Steven Stanke was a key musical contributor to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, arranging and recording over 30 national anthems for the medal ceremonies.
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We are thrilled to spotlight Steven Stanke, the composer of The Monk—Rockdale Opera’s bold new gothic chamber opera and world premiere on 28 February.
Steven is a distinguished Australian composer, conductor, and scholar, with a career spanning opera, orchestral music, and community performance. He studied composition and conducting at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and the University of Melbourne, completing a PhD focused on Australian opera—bringing both creative imagination and deep operatic knowledge to his writing. Steven has long been an integral part of Rockdale Opera. He has served as Musical Director for numerous productions including La Traviata, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Bohème, Suor Angelica & Il Campanello amongst others. Today, he is Rockdale Opera’s Resident Musical Director and a member of our committee, helping shape the artistic direction of Australia’s oldest continuing opera company. Beyond Rockdale, Steven has led major ensembles and projects across Australia, including Artistic Director roles with Sydney Independent Opera and Symphony Central Coast, and previously served as Director of Music for the Royal Australian Navy. With The Monk, Steven turns his formidable musical imagination to gothic drama, crafting haunting atmospheres, psychological tension, and richly expressive vocal writing. This world premiere marks an exciting new chapter for Rockdale Opera and for Australian opera. |
