Latest news with #WestAustralianOpera
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Tim Finn: from the Enz to the Opera
This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. Photo: Tim Finn The story idea came first, the opera came about by chance. Tim Finn had long been fascinated by Tupaia, the Tahitian star navigator who guided Captain James Cook to Aotearoa and then helped the Englishman and his crew communicate with the locals. Tupaia was pivotal in Cook's exploration of New Zealand, but the voyage also cost him his life. He fell ill and died in what is now Jakarta, Indonesia, in December 1770. Finn has been to Tupaia's birthplace, and he'd visited a replica of Cook's ship the Endeavour. One day, the New Zealand pop star found himself talking about Tupaia with the Executive Director of West Australian Opera, Carolyn Chard. She was so taken by the tragic tale, she persuaded him to make it into an opera - which he did help from a few others. From the December 2022 NZ production of "Ihitai Avei'a - Star Navigator" in Porirua. Photo: Stephen A'Court NZ Opera premiered "Ihitai Avei'a - Star Navigator" in 2021. It was co-composed by Tim Finn and Tom McLeod with Tahitian "Orero" or monologue by Célestine Hitiura Vaite. However, we had to wait another four years to hear it on RNZ Concert. Tomorrow's Opera on Saturday broadcast from 7pm features the West Australian Opera Company (fitting perhaps as it was that company's executive director that first suggested it had operatic potential) with tenor Emmanual Fonoti-Fuimoano singing the role of Tupaia, while Teddy Tahu Rhodes plays Cook. Composer and lyricist Tim Finn at the piano during rehearsals for Ihitai 'Avei'a - Star Navigator. Photo: screen grab The opera focusses on the often difficult relationship between the pair, one a European used to thinking his technology and culture were the most advanced on the planet, the other a proud Tahitian who saw no reason to subjugate himself to his fair-skinned hosts. Tim Finn spoke with RNZ Concert host Bryan Crump ahead of the broadcast about the process of creating an opera, and his collaborators Célestine Hitiura Vaite and Tom McLeod. Finn would send song lines to McLeod who would then send back a more fleshed-out operatic score. Hitiura Vaite brought a Tahitian perspective and "Orero" to the opera in the form of a spoken monologue. The Split Enz co-founder (the band's first album Mental Notes turns 50 this July) also did a bit of research down at the opera house - Puccini's music became a favourite. Tupaia would spend the last months of his life on this leaky boat. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal While Tupaia and Cook changed the course of history, their relationship was not a happy one. Cook did not warm to the Tahitian, while Tupaia struggled with the British food Cook insisted that he eat. Crump asked Finn if he considered reprising one of Split Enz's hit songs, "Six Months in a Leaky Boat", for the opera. No, but he is considering writing another operatic piece. Having just turned 73, Finn isn't sure he has another full opera in him, but he's definitely interested in creating a chamber opera, if NZ Opera were interested. "Collaboration's the way to go," he says.
West Australian
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Wundig Wer Wilura In Concert: West Australian Opera to bring second Noongar-language opera to Bunbury
The West Australian Opera will bring the second ever Noongar-language opera to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre in November, written by powerhouse duo Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse. Wundig Wer Wilura In Concert is a portrayal of an ancient Ballardong Noongar story passed down for thousands of generations, of two star-crossed lovers, now known as Mt Bakewell (Walwalling) and Mt Brown (Wongborel) in York, WA. The pair break the bounds of lore and customs in an exploration of family, connection to country, obligation and rebellion, adoration and betrayal, and love and war. The story ultimately asks, 'in the face of catastrophic consequences, how far would you go for love?' The adaption, written by critically acclaimed songwriters and storytellers Williams and Ghouse, follows the success of their celebrated first Noongar language opera, Koolbardi We Wardong, which came to BREC in 2023 with three sold-out shows. Their second opera — which premiered in the 2024 Perth Festival and York Festival — stars an all First Nations cast and is sung entirely in Noongar language with English subtitles, celebrating Aboriginal culture through contemporary music, stunning vocals and rich storytelling. A big cast of principals from the premiere will be heading to the South West, including Williams in a lead role. BREC executive director Fiona de Garis said she was blown away by the power and emotion of the performance in Perth and was delighted when the WAO inquired about bringing the show to Bunbury. 'This semi-staged concert production is a wonderful concept that will allow our community to experience a world-class show with full costumes, lighting and an extraordinary backdrop along with the music and story. 'I am proud of the strong relationship we have built with West Australian Opera and with Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse that led them to offer this opportunity to us.' The WAO will present two concerts in Bunbury on November 7 with a combined schools and general public viewing at 11am and an evening performance with allocated seating at 7.30pm. The opera will also head to Albany on November 5. Director Matt Reuben James Ward said, 'it was an honour to support the telling of this West Australian story with new audiences in the South West and in particular in my hometown of Albany'. WAO executive director Carolyn Chard AM said they were 'deeply passionate about the powerful stories opera tells'. 'When Wundig Wer Wilura played in last year's Perth Festival, we saw how strongly it resonated with audiences and knew we had to share this beautiful story with wider audiences,' she said.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Breathtaking New Production Of La Bohème To Warm Hearts Across New Zealand Mid-Year
Press Release – NZ Opera Audiences will be swept away to the heart of Paris this winter as New Zealand Opera presents a captivating 3-city tour of Puccini's timeless tragi-romance, La bohème. This new production promises a deeply emotional exploration of love, art, and humanity, brought to life by a sensational cast and creative team of international and Kiwi talent. Headlining the stellar ensemble in his highly anticipated New Zealand debut, renowned South Korean tenor Ji-Min Park (La Traviata, La bohème, Don Pasquale), will portray the passionate poet Rodolfo, a role that has garnered Park rave reviews worldwide. Joining him is the welcome return of Australian-Italian soprano Elena Perroni – praised for her emotionally resonant Gilda in NZ Opera's 2024 Rigoletto – as the beloved heroine Mimì. The iconic arias sung by these two characters include the instantly recognisable and profoundly moving 'Che gelida manina' (Your little hand is frozen) and 'Mi chiamano Mimì,' (My name is Mimi) two of the most famous songs in all of opera. Created by international director Bruno Ravella, this new staging will remain true to the bohemian spirit of Puccini's enduring classic. 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be directing a brand-new Bohème for New Zealand Opera,' says director Bruno Ravella. 'It's a joy to reunite with Brad Cohen after working together at West Australian Opera, and I can't wait to dive into this production with such a fantastic cast and three incredible choruses in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. I've set this production in 1947, right after the war. The shadow of death is lifting, and a new, raw energy pulses through Paris as artists return and the era of modernism takes hold. It's a time of bold simplicity—function over ornament— which has driven our design choices. We're creating a stripped-back, striking world that lets the heart of the story shine. That said, these characters are artists, dreamers who see the world through their artistic lens. So even in this minimalist world, I'm using theatricality and visual poetry to elevate the emotional high points, whether joyous or heart-wrenching. Expect passion. Expect beauty. Expect to feel everything.' A powerhouse contingent of Antipodean performers join Park and Perroni, including New Zealand favourite, soprano Emma Pearson (Le comte Ory, Lucia di Lammermoor, La traviata) dazzling in her role debut as Musetta, showcasing her vibrant stage presence and vocal agility. Australian baritone Samuel Dundas (Eucalyptus, La bohème, Tannhäuser) brings humour and depth to the role of Marcello, with New Zealand-born Samoan baritone and 2016 Lexus Song Quest winner Benson Wilson (Carmen, La bohème, Così fan tutte) returning home from London to make his NZ Opera principal debut in the role of Schaunard. US-based New Zealand baritone Hadleigh Adams (Wozzeck, Everest, Partenope) also makes his principal role debut with NZ Opera in the role of Colline and popular Kiwi baritone Robert Tucker (Mansfield Park, The Unruly Tourists, Eight Songs for a Mad King) plays the roles of Benoît/Alcindoro. New Zealand tenor Chris McRae delights in the character role of Papignol. New Zealand Opera Tumu Whakarae General Director Brad Cohen conducts the Auckland Philharmonia for the Tāmaki Makaurau performances, while acclaimed Greek conductor Dionysis Grammenos takes the podium with Orchestra Wellington and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Ōtautahi. Joining forces in each city, the country's finest voices come together as The Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus to deliver Puccini's rousing choruses and on-stage drama. Since its 1896 premiere, Puccini's La bohème has become a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, cemented on 'greatest opera' lists around the world. With its timeless themes of 'truth, beauty, freedom, love', the opera's influence reaches far beyond the stage — inspiring works like the hit musical Rent and Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge. In 2025, NZ Opera brings La bohème to life in this poignant and visually striking new production. Featuring some of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant music ever composed for the stage, this beloved Puccini masterpiece is a must-see event for opera lovers and newcomers alike this winter. Tickets are on sale for strictly limited seasons at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre Auckland, St James Theatre Wellington, and the Isaac Theatre Royal Christchurch. About Director Bruno Ravella Bruno Ravella is an international opera director based in London, UK. Born in Casablanca of Italian and Polish parents, he was educated mainly in France, and made London his home as soon as he graduated. Bruno has just directed Guillaume Tell at the Opera de Lausanne, opening the 24/25 season. Salome at Irish National Opera in March 2024 saw Bruno return to Dublin after the revival of his Der Rosenkavalier. Salome will be revived at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo in the 24/25 season. Just before that, Polifemo by Porpora received a fantastic public response at the Opera National du Rhin. This was the first production of the piece in France, and has just been revived in Lille in the autumn of 2024. This followed Ariadne auf Naxos in Garsington Opera, his 3rd Strauss opera at Garsington, after Der Rosenkavalier and Intermezzo. Der Rosenkavalier was presented by Irish National Opera in March 2023 and was seen at Santa Fe Opera this summer. He returned to Ireland last autumn, directing Donizetti's Zoraida di Granata (1822) opening the season at the Wexford Festival Opera, before directing the 1824 version for the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo this last autumn. About Conductor Brad Cohen Brad grew up in Sydney before studying at Oxford University, the Royal College of Music, and the Royal Northern College of Music. In the decades since, he has led orchestras including the London Philharmonic, the Philharmonia, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo, Stuttgarter Philharmoniker, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Het Gelders Orkest, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Brad has conducted a wide-ranging repertoire at opera companies including English National Opera, New York City Opera, and Opera Australia. Brad was appointed General Director of NZ Opera in 2023. About Conductor Dionysis Grammenos The young Greek conductor Dionysis Grammenos first established himself internationally as a clarinettist, winning a place on the ECHO Rising Stars programme in 2013/14 which led to performances with many major orchestras and in some of the most prestigious venues worldwide. In 2016 he received a Conducting Fellowship at Aspen Music Festival and since this time has conducted widely across the world both in the concert hall and opera pit, including a very last-minute jump-in at the Megaron Athens when he was invited to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra in a performance of Brahms 4, receiving a standing ovation and huge acclaim from both players and audience alike. In July 2024, he will make his USA debut with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He is praised regularly for his innate and instinctive musicianship, the clarity and efficiency of his conducting and his proficiency for shaping the sound of the orchestra. His performances are profoundly expressive, rich in colour and emotion, and he has been described by Die Welt as 'one of the most promising stars of tomorrow'.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Breathtaking New Production Of La Bohème To Warm Hearts Across New Zealand Mid-Year
Audiences will be swept away to the heart of Paris this winter as New Zealand Opera presents a captivating 3-city tour of Puccini's timeless tragi-romance, La bohème. This new production promises a deeply emotional exploration of love, art, and humanity, brought to life by a sensational cast and creative team of international and Kiwi talent. Headlining the stellar ensemble in his highly anticipated New Zealand debut, renowned South Korean tenor Ji-Min Park (La Traviata, La bohème, Don Pasquale), will portray the passionate poet Rodolfo, a role that has garnered Park rave reviews worldwide. Joining him is the welcome return of Australian-Italian soprano Elena Perroni – praised for her emotionally resonant Gilda in NZ Opera's 2024 Rigoletto – as the beloved heroine Mimì. The iconic arias sung by these two characters include the instantly recognisable and profoundly moving "Che gelida manina" (Your little hand is frozen) and "Mi chiamano Mimì," (My name is Mimi) two of the most famous songs in all of opera. Created by international director Bruno Ravella, this new staging will remain true to the bohemian spirit of Puccini's enduring classic. 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be directing a brand-new Bohème for New Zealand Opera,' says director Bruno Ravella. 'It's a joy to reunite with Brad Cohen after working together at West Australian Opera, and I can't wait to dive into this production with such a fantastic cast and three incredible choruses in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. I've set this production in 1947, right after the war. The shadow of death is lifting, and a new, raw energy pulses through Paris as artists return and the era of modernism takes hold. It's a time of bold simplicity—function over ornament— which has driven our design choices. We're creating a stripped-back, striking world that lets the heart of the story shine. That said, these characters are artists, dreamers who see the world through their artistic lens. So even in this minimalist world, I'm using theatricality and visual poetry to elevate the emotional high points, whether joyous or heart-wrenching. Expect passion. Expect beauty. Expect to feel everything.' A powerhouse contingent of Antipodean performers join Park and Perroni, including New Zealand favourite, soprano Emma Pearson (Le comte Ory, Lucia di Lammermoor, La traviata) dazzling in her role debut as Musetta, showcasing her vibrant stage presence and vocal agility. Australian baritone Samuel Dundas (Eucalyptus, La bohème, Tannhäuser) brings humour and depth to the role of Marcello, with New Zealand-born Samoan baritone and 2016 Lexus Song Quest winner Benson Wilson (Carmen, La bohème, Così fan tutte) returning home from London to make his NZ Opera principal debut in the role of Schaunard. US-based New Zealand baritone Hadleigh Adams (Wozzeck, Everest, Partenope) also makes his principal role debut with NZ Opera in the role of Colline and popular Kiwi baritone Robert Tucker (Mansfield Park, The Unruly Tourists, Eight Songs for a Mad King) plays the roles of Benoît/Alcindoro. New Zealand tenor Chris McRae delights in the character role of Papignol. New Zealand Opera Tumu Whakarae General Director Brad Cohen conducts the Auckland Philharmonia for the Tāmaki Makaurau performances, while acclaimed Greek conductor Dionysis Grammenos takes the podium with Orchestra Wellington and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Ōtautahi. Joining forces in each city, the country's finest voices come together as The Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus to deliver Puccini's rousing choruses and on-stage drama. Since its 1896 premiere, Puccini's La bohème has become a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, cemented on 'greatest opera' lists around the world. With its timeless themes of 'truth, beauty, freedom, love', the opera's influence reaches far beyond the stage — inspiring works like the hit musical Rent and Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge. In 2025, NZ Opera brings La bohème to life in this poignant and visually striking new production. Featuring some of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant music ever composed for the stage, this beloved Puccini masterpiece is a must-see event for opera lovers and newcomers alike this winter. Tickets are on sale for strictly limited seasons at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre Auckland, St James Theatre Wellington, and the Isaac Theatre Royal Christchurch. About Director Bruno Ravella Bruno Ravella is an international opera director based in London, UK. Born in Casablanca of Italian and Polish parents, he was educated mainly in France, and made London his home as soon as he graduated. Bruno has just directed Guillaume Tell at the Opera de Lausanne, opening the 24/25 season. Salome at Irish National Opera in March 2024 saw Bruno return to Dublin after the revival of his Der Rosenkavalier. Salome will be revived at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo in the 24/25 season. Just before that, Polifemo by Porpora received a fantastic public response at the Opera National du Rhin. This was the first production of the piece in France, and has just been revived in Lille in the autumn of 2024. This followed Ariadne auf Naxos in Garsington Opera, his 3rd Strauss opera at Garsington, after Der Rosenkavalier and Intermezzo. Der Rosenkavalier was presented by Irish National Opera in March 2023 and was seen at Santa Fe Opera this summer. He returned to Ireland last autumn, directing Donizetti's Zoraida di Granata (1822) opening the season at the Wexford Festival Opera, before directing the 1824 version for the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo this last autumn. About Conductor Brad Cohen Brad grew up in Sydney before studying at Oxford University, the Royal College of Music, and the Royal Northern College of Music. In the decades since, he has led orchestras including the London Philharmonic, the Philharmonia, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo, Stuttgarter Philharmoniker, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Het Gelders Orkest, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Brad has conducted a wide-ranging repertoire at opera companies including English National Opera, New York City Opera, and Opera Australia. Brad was appointed General Director of NZ Opera in 2023. About Conductor Dionysis Grammenos The young Greek conductor Dionysis Grammenos first established himself internationally as a clarinettist, winning a place on the ECHO Rising Stars programme in 2013/14 which led to performances with many major orchestras and in some of the most prestigious venues worldwide. In 2016 he received a Conducting Fellowship at Aspen Music Festival and since this time has conducted widely across the world both in the concert hall and opera pit, including a very last-minute jump-in at the Megaron Athens when he was invited to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra in a performance of Brahms 4, receiving a standing ovation and huge acclaim from both players and audience alike. In July 2024, he will make his USA debut with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He is praised regularly for his innate and instinctive musicianship, the clarity and efficiency of his conducting and his proficiency for shaping the sound of the orchestra. His performances are profoundly expressive, rich in colour and emotion, and he has been described by Die Welt as 'one of the most promising stars of tomorrow'.
