Visions of Verdi - Later Operas

About Visions of Verdi - Later Operas

The Opera and Song Collective invites you into the passionate, conflicted world of Verdi’s magnificent later operas.

For sweeping melodies brimming with passion, pathos, intrigue and stirring patriotism, no opera composer surpasses Italy’s Giuseppe Verdi. Be captivated by stunning singing in narrated, semi-staged excerpts from five of his greatest mature works, performed by some of Australia’s finest singers.

Our selections from I Vespri Siciliani, Un Ballo in Maschera, La Forza del Destino, Don Carlo and Otello promise thrilling arias, ardent duets and electrifying ensembles.

Featured artists include sopranos Louise Keast as Elena, Leah Thomas as both Leonora and Eboli, Kerry Nicholson as Amelia, Emma Häll as Elisabetta, Jillian Halleron as Desdemona, Emily Turner as Oscar, Maria Hemphill as Tebaldo, and Alya Meyer as the Voice of Heaven. Our mezzos are Jill Sullivan as Ulrica and Angelique Tot as Preziosilla. Tenor Hongxin Jiang returns in the demanding roles of Riccardo and Don Carlo, while Matt Gaskin entertains as Trabucco with his band of soldiers while our baritones play opposite characters of noble idealists and villains. Tristan Entwistle sings the loyal Rodrigo while Michael Lampard takes on both the overbearing Renato and the scheming Iago.

With the virtuosic four hands of Claire Howard Race and Martin Lijauco at the grand piano — all in the stunning setting of Mosman Art Gallery’s Grand Hall — this is a Verdi celebration not to be missed.

Programme highlights include Amelia’s heartbreaking “Morrò, ma prima in grazia”, Ulrica’s ominous incantation “Re dell’ abisso,” Leonora’s impassioned “Pace, pace mio Dio” and the magnificent tenor-baritone duet “Solenne in quest’ora” from La Forza del Destino. In the second half, you will hear Princess Eboli’s exotic “Song of the Veil”, the latter part of moving final duet between Don Carlo and Elisabetta, Desdemona’s “Ave Maria”, Iago’s chilling creed from Otello, and we bring the afternoon to a rousing close with the stirring chorus and Elena’s dazzling Bolero from I Vespri Siciliani.

If you love Italian opera, if you love Verdi, if you love fine singing, or if you are even just curious, this afternoon of splendid music is for you!

For further information see www.toscartists.com