Profile reviews
14The orchestra responded with some of the finest playing this season, with Oliver von Dohnanyi in the pit relishing all the nuances of this outstanding score.
Oliver von Dohnanyi has a sure feel for the score’s rolling phrases, his greatest achievement is to make a clear distinction between spirit and human worlds, the latter more hard-edged, the former more impressionistic. His players take close array. A production to savour.
Past Production Reviews
6Tenor Sascha Zarrabi showed off his pleasing tenor with convincing performances in the roles of the monk, Missail, and a boyar.
Boris Godunow am Landestheater: Viel Pathos und ein Schuss Hollywood
Verdi’s La Traviata is one of the most enduring and popular operas of the standard Western canon. It tells the story of socialite and courtesan Violetta and her love for Alfredo, which is so strong it leads her to leave him for his own good. Oh, and she is also dying of consumption, which used to be a popular plot point in the 19th century. Possibly because so many people did, in fact, die of consumption. Some of Verdi’s most lyrical and accessible music is to be found in this work, which is one of the reasons it is often recommended as a great “beginner’s” opera. This latest iteration sees Opera Queensland, West Australian Opera, and our own State Opera pool resources to deliver some fine theatre.
Absolute revelation is the Norwegian Lise Davidsen, who puts her voice of amazing flow and dynamic and expressive resources at the service of her Isabella (the "novice from Palermo" of the original title). Also dazzling, vocally and by humor, the bass Christian Hübner, a delicious Brighella
