The Opera Studio Melbourne I Gertrude Opera I December 2014
Credits
Opera is a LOVE-JOB - as much as we might wish otherwise, no hourly rate could equate to the heart and soul and sheer dogged effort that is poured into getting opera on stage. And whilst we sometimes, in the thick of looming performances, question the incessant demands and toll of preparing and presenting opera in public, there is no denying the reward: the joy of creating, singing and working with the many people who bring productions and events of The Opera Studio - Gertrude Opera to life.
Heartfelt thanks to every one who contributes - our board - creative teams - production people - artists, young and ‘old’ - donors - supporters - volunteers - what a truly wonderful tribe of dedicated and generous people you are.
I hope you enjoy 2014 in review, and look forward to your involvement in a sensational program in 2015.
People
Board Committee of Management
Bill Gillies (Chair)Linden Golding (Dep. Chair)Nick Catton (Treasurer)Robert TaylorJeremy VincentHelen NoonanWill FowlesAnton DunhillLinda Thompson (Artistic Director)
Creative TeamLinda Thompson Artistic & Stage DirectorTheresa Borg Stage DirectorPeter Corrigan DesignerGreg Carroll Lighting DesignerJason Bovaird Lighting DesignerAmelia Carroll Costume Designer
Music TeamWarwick Stengards Guest ConductorDr David Kram Conductor, CoachRick Prakhoff Guest ConductorKatherine Day Chief Repetiteur (Mar - Aug)Pamela Christie Chief Repetiteur (Aug - Nov)Irina Cherkassi RepetiteurPeter Baker RepetiteurEvan Lawson Assistant Conductor
Production TeamMatthew Nash Stage & Production ManagerCamille Cargill Assistant DirectorBrenden Osborne Lighting Operator
2014 IN REVIEWEntering our second half-decade - our sixth year in which, thanks to many dedicated, generous souls, we continue to punch well above our weight, and continue to thrill, impress, learn and inspire.
March 2014, our Young Artists came together, a diverse group with similar purpose: to perform opera excellently, convincingly, to be the best they could be. Thrown together to present a public performance of arias and duets at Ravenswood, the historic home of Dr David & Margaret Young, our singers and young trainee repetiteur introduced themselves to our Friends and Supporters, spoke a little about their backgrounds and prior study, and through performance, sent a ripple of excitement through the packed ballroom. Potential, excitement, energy and promise palpable; they each brough their indivicual voice and style to the program, and engaged with their new peers onstage, and with the enthusiastic crowd Some new to opera, some not; all in wonder at the
reverberent quality of a human being making their body into an instrument of music, story and drama to amaze and thrill; such can only be truly experienced live. Our supporters and Friends mingled afterwards with our young performers, with the now ubiquitous chicken sandwiches, and through this one special night, we were not a group of individuals but a tribe of operatic artists and appreciators, having senses expanded and minds opened: by possibilities, common theads of humanity, and a glimpse into the lives of others. Our artists invigorated by the reception of their audience, the audience thrilled by the privilege of witnessing these young artists bravely baring their souls to a room full of old and new Friends.
In
Right, top:Tenor Blake Bowden (Gertrude Johnson Fellow 2013) as the Magician in THE CONSUL at fortyfive downstairs. Alissa Andraski (2014) as Anna GomezDirector THERESA BORG Designer PETER CORRIGANBottom: Soprano Alexandra Ioan as Pamina, tenor Damien Noyce (Gertrude Johnson Fellow 2014) as Monostatos in THE MAGIC FLUTE at The AthenauemDirector LINDA THOMPSONCostume Design AMELIA CARROLL
EUGENERAGGIOHenkell Family Fellowship 2014
Bass BaritoneBorn AdelaideStudiedAdelaide, Sydney
Major Roles this year:John Sorell(THE CONSUL)Papageno(THE MAGIC FLUTE)Figatroll(FIGATROLL)Scenes: Dr Miracle (TALES OF HOFFMANN)Sulpice(DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT)
RADA TOCHALNAHenkell Family Fellowship 2014
SopranoBorn UkraineStudiedSwitzerland
Major Roles this year:Foreign Woman(THE CONSUL)First Lady(THE MAGIC FLUTE)Silly Goat(FIGATROLL)Scenes: Antonia’s Mother(TALES OF HOFFMANN)Norina(DON PASQUALE
ALISSA ANDRASKIUSA - Van Straten-Turley Foundation Young Artist 2014
SopranoUS CitizenBorn WisonsinStudiedChicago
Major Roles this year:Anna Gomez(THE CONSUL)Papagena(THE MAGIC FLUTE)Milly Goat(FIGATROLL)Scenes: Lisette(THE SECRET MARRIAGE)Dorabella(COSI FAN TUTTE)
SUNG SUNHONG
BaritoneBorn KoreaStudied Korea, ItalyAustralian Citizen
Major Roles this year:Mr Know-it-All(FIGATROLL)ScenesToreador(CARMEN)Pagliacci(PAGLIACCI)Rigoletto(RIGOLETTO)
On Stage - snapshots2014 Young Artists of The Opera Studio Melbourne
ALEXANDRALIDGERWOODNnnce Grant AM, MBEYoung Artist 2014
SopranoBorn MelbourneStudiedMelbourne
Major Roles this year:Anna Gomez(THE CONSUL)Second Spirit(THE MAGIC FLUTE)Silly Goat(FIGATROLL)Scenes: Antonia(THE TALES OF HOFFMANN)Manon(MANON)Pamina (cover)
DAMIEN NOYCEGertrude Johnson Fellowship 2014
TenorBorn WollongongStudiedSydney
Major Roles this year:Policeman(THE CONSUL)Monostatos(THE MAGIC FLUTE)Willy Goat(FIGATROLL)Scenes: Jaquino(FIDELIO)Manon
TAMZYN ALEXANDER
SopranoBorn MelbourneStudiedMelbourne
Major Roles this year:Vera (devised)(THE CONSUL)First Spirit(THE MAGIC FLUTE)Silly Goat(FIGATROLL)Scenes: Antonia(THE TALES OF HOFFMANN)Manon(MANON)Pamina (cover)(THE MAGIC FLUTE)
MEGANSTELLER
Trainee RepetiteurBorn MelbourneStudiedMelbourne
Major Taks this year:Scenes fromMenotti(THE CONSUL)Mozart(THE MAGIC FLUTE)Rossini(FIGATROLL)Massenet(MANON)Mozart(THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO)
OPERA: ELITE = EXCELLENT
“ANYONE WHO THINKS OPERA IS AN ELITIST ART FORM SHOULD VISIT GERTRUDE OPERA’S NEW PRODUCTION OF THE
CONSUL BY MENOTTI...FINE SINGING AND INTELLIGENT DIRECTION...GERTRUDE OPERA – THE PERFORMING ARM OF THE
OPERA STUDIO MELBOURNE – HAS PULLED TOGETHER A COMPELLING ACCOUNT, AND PERFORMED IT MOST ABLY.
I CAN’T SAY ENTERTAININGLY, NOT FOR ANY FLAW, BUT BECAUSE THIS OPERA IS SO UNRELIEVEDLY GRIM AND TRAGIC.”
Barney Zwartz THE AGE May, 2014
triving for e x c e l l e n c e in opera is not for the faint-hearted.
As debate rages unending as to the validity of subsidy and funding of so-called ‘elite’ endeavours, opera companies and training programs unashamedly strive for the particularly high level of skill, presentation and expression that the artform’s creative collaborators demand. And people from all walks of life love it; in awe of that indefinable mixture of natural inclination and superior skill that transforms a mere human into an instrument that tells stories. Sounds simple, but it is oh, so complex: to move and sing and react, in someone else’s shoes, literally, and ultimately, to be believed.
Much can be achieved on a one-to-one basis in a teaching Studio situation. But it is only in communicating and collaborating with peers, creative and production teams, in a theatrical seating, for an expectant public, that the artform thoroughly lives.
Taking stock of 2014, we discover we have presented more than 34 public performances: for the general public, for Asylum-Seekers, for Elderly Citizens, for School Children, and for our Friends and Supporters. Opera cannot surely become more inclusive than that.
S
‘Great work from Australia’s premiere training program for young singers’
Brian Castles-Onion, Conductor
FebruaryCULTURE PROJECTFUNDRAISER, at the home of Julian Burnside, QC, AO & Kate Durham Guest Speaker: Hon Dr Barry Jones AC
NovemberMozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE at The Athenaeum TheatreCollins Street, Melbourne (x3)
JuneLunchtime POP UPs at Collins Place, Melbourne (x3)
School Holiday Opera:FIGATROLL Music by Rossini Upstairs at The Athenaeum (x10)
AprilSOIRÉE in the Ballroom at Ravenswood, hosted by Dr David & Mrs Margaret Young, Guest Speaker: Frank Van Straten, OAM
POP UP Performances at Collins Place, Melbourne
SeptemberOPERA STUDIO CONCERT WEEK5 concerts in 6 days
A TASTE OF OPERA Beechworth, 3hrs north of Melbourne
A TASTE OF OPERA hosted by Susan Breen-Clarke at Richmond Uniting Church
OctoberA TASTE OF OPERA Gala Concerts at Mia Mia, in regional Victoria
POP UP Performanceat nab Docklands
POP UP Performance at Arts Centre Melbourne Forecourt.
MarchMASTER CLASS on stage at the National Theatre, St Kilda
MayCULTURE PROJECT:
Menotti’s Pulitzer-PrizeWinningTHE CONSULat fortyfive downstairs, Flinders Lane, Melbourne (x 4)
AugustMID WINTER SOIREE at The Opera Studio, Church St, Richmond Soup provided by Food & Wine Co.
Public MASTER CLASS with US Stage Director Chuck Hudson
DecemberARIA at The Astor:Fundraising event, hosted by The Astor: free film screening & LIVE ARIA JUKEBOXwith Dr David Kram, piano
The Consul. (Menotti)fortyfivedownstairs 45 Flinders Lane, MelbourneDirector Theresa BorgDesigner Peter CorriganLighting Peter CarrollConductor Rick PrakhoffPiano Katherine DayCast:Linda Thompson, Belinda Prakhoff,Kerrie Ann Bolton, Adrian McEniery, Simon Meadows, Blake Bowden, Glaston Toft, Rada Tochalna, Alissa Andraski, Tamzyn Alexander, Alexandra Lidgerwood, Damien Noyce
Photos: Jeff Busby, Lyz Turner-Clark
The Consul Gian Carlo Menotti
“Fine singing and intelligent direction...a compelling account”(The Age)“Bravo to all involved. Stunning work and so much beautiful singing!” (Bel Canto)“All aspects (direction, music direction, performers, design etc etc) were excellent. Well done for being bold and staging a rarely seen work which speaks so well to modern times” (P. Burgess)
Culture Project
To my dear friends: the special people who sang with me and who made the production live, those who came to see, who sent well wishes and encouragement, and those who wished they could have seen.. THE CONSUL has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life - giving voice to people who are often voiceless, through the art form that I love - that is so often unfairly portrayed as frivolous and unnecessary.
Whatever your politics or opera tastes, the plight of human beings seeking to escape persecution or extreme hardship was brilliantly expressed by Menotti, and I am so very proud of our version, realised on a shoestring and through the generosity of artistic and kind souls.
Next year’s CULTURE PROJECT is a bold theatrical treatment of Benjamin Britten’s CURLEW RIVER, dealing with the madness that is grief, and the after-effects of stolen children. At fortyfivedownstairs. May 30 - June 7, 2015
Belinda Prakhoff (Secretary)Simon Meadows (Mr Kofner)Kerrie Ann Bolton (Mother)Adrian McEniery (Assan)Linda Thompson (Magda)Glaston Toft (Police Chief)
“The singing was magnificent” StageWhispers, May 2014
MozartTHE MAGIC FLUTEAthenaeum TheatreNovember 6, 7 & 8Described as ‘effervescent’, ‘fresh, funny and respectful’, as having ‘plump simplicity’, ‘refreshingly entertaining’ - exactly as we had hoped! Our one act English version of The Magic Flute drew newcomers to opera and aficionados alike, and the reactions and cheers were heartwarming.
Thanks be to our heaven-born-music-makers: Conductor Warwick Stengards, Assistant Conductor Evan Lawson, Chief Répétiteur Pam Christie, and our fabulous ‘magic’ little orchestra. Jason Bovaird, lighting designer extraordinaire, truly is a wonder, as are Amelia Carroll and our unsung backbone, Matthew Nash. Camille Cargill, Megan Steller – your help was invaluable.
My colleagues who brought their professionalism and wholehearted energy to our production, our Board, Donors and in-kind supporters (especially Staging Rentals & Construction Services ) and last but not least, to the Opera Studio Young Artists who grew bold and more than held their own in significant role debuts on the opera stage.
Small but mighty, we are indeed. To those people who donated, and those who bought ickets – you are stars. Theatre, especially opera, needs more people like you. And we at Gertrude Opera are truly appreciative of your support.
TopRhiannon Stevens, Tamzyn Alexander, Alexandra Lidgerwood Middle:Belinda Prakhoff, Rada Tochalna, Karen Van Spall Bottom:Tamzyn Alexander, Alexandra Lidgerwood Rhiannon Stevens, Eugene Raggio
THE MAGIC FLUTE (Mozart)Aristic Director Linda Thompson Conductor Warwick Stengards Assistant Conductor Evan LawsonStage Director Linda ThompsonAssistant Director Camille CargillSet Design Gertrude OperaLighting Design Jason BovairdCostume Design Amelia CarrollChief Repetiteur Pam ChristieChief Music Coach Dr David KramStage Manager Matthew Nash
CASTTamino Juan Enrique GuzmanPamina Alexandra IoanQueen of the Night Joelene GriffithFirst Lady Rada TochalnaSecond Lady Karen Van SpallThird Lady Belinda PatersonSarastro David GouldPapageno Eugene RaggioPapagena Alissa AndraskiMonostatos Damien NoyceFirst Spirit Tamzyn AlexanderSecond Spirit Alexandra LidgerwoodThird Spirit Rhiannon Stevens
MAGIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRAFlute Derek Jones Violin 1 Edwina KayserViolin 2 Kirsty GreigViola Amanda FairsCello Stephen HughesBass Ian Willmot Piano Pamela Christie
From topEugene Raggio, Joelene Griffith, Juan Enrique Guzman, Alexandra Ioan, David Gould
Below:Magic Flute Company
2014 Major Supporters
Henkell Family Fund Urquhart Charitable Fund Gertrude Johnson Estate
Van Straten Turley Foundation Alice Amy McDonald Trust Bell Charitable Fund
Mr Bill Gillies Dr David & Margaret Young Nance Grant AM MBE
Tom & Ruth O’Dea Opus 50 Charitable Trust Dr Paul & Sue Niselle
Lindy Golding Jeremy Vincent Anton Dunhill Andrew Blogg & Pascale Foestner Ian Hardingham, QC Campbell & Vicki Thomson Andrew Kildey Barbara & Robert Paterson Erin & John Lidgerwood Gabrielle Buxor Andrew Myer & Kerry Gardner Michael & Sylvia Kantor Robert Taylor & Peter Hannah
Geoffrey Mould Maureen Mulligan Jenny O’Donnell Cynthia Johnson Jasmine Ruffilli Colin Bernard Jamie Moffatt Ian Mitchell & Maree Bach Helene Teichmann Nancy CaloMatthew Barclay Debbie Brady Sally Sharman Dr Nancy Gillies
Annie Jones Peggy Cole Rod Dalziel Margaret & John Dumesny Amanda Fieldhouse Fiona Gillies Tracey Habron Stuart Hamilton Ronnie Hobday Magdalena Kuzbicki Roger Leong Warwick Loveless Rob McKenzie Susan Breen-Clarke
Friends of The Opera Studio Melbourne
2014 DONORS I SUPPORTERS I PARNTERS I VOLUNTEERS
Generous, enlightened organisations and individuals, without whom we would not exist:
2014 Donor Circle
Venue Partners
St Ignatius Parish, Richmond The Athenaeum Theatre
National Theatrefortyfivedownstairs
Accomodation & Event Hosting Partners
Dr Nancy GilliesJeremy Vincent (Cotterville)
Dr David & Mrs Margaret Young Julian Burnside AO, QC & Kate Durnam
Catering PartnersRicky Holt Catering I Food & Wine Co.
PR-Publicity (Magic Flute)Zilla & Brook
Chief VolunteersMatthew Nash (Production-Stage Management) Lyz Turner-Clark (photography)
Caitlin Granowski (wardrobe) Karen Dunwoodie (costume - wardrobe) John Lidgerwood (transport) Catherine Manning (FOH) Michelle Parker (FOH, Admin)
RMIT (crew) Fergus Nash (FOH) Camille Cargill (Ass Director) Amelia Carroll (Wardrobe) Greta Nash (Video) Hannah Gurry (Wardrobe) Josh Apter (ASM)
Thanks also to:OPERA AUSTRALIA
The Athenaeum Theatre Management & Stafffortyfivedownstairs Management & Staff
3MBS-FMASRC
GERTRUDE OPERA IS THE PERFORMING ARM OF THE OPERA STUDIO MELBOURNE, A REGISTERED NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION. DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. DGR, TCC, ATO REGISTER OF CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS
Production PartnersPeter Corrigan Greg Carroll
Gloss Creative - Amanda HendersonStaging Rentals & Construction Services
Manifesto Brands - Matthew Nash Moving Lights - Jason Bovaird
PRESS
Limelight Magazine, Feb 2014
We believe in opera as a dynamic force in our twenty-first century lives, and link strands of humanity through storytelling using opera, an inspirational, multi-faceted artform. In facilitating the theatrical development of highly trained, aspiring operatic artists, we transport, excite and engage the public through youthful possibility, quality, excellence and indomitable spirit of opera-as-theatre, in traditional and non-traditional venues, for a truly diverse audience.
www.theoperastudio.com.au I www.gertrudeopera.com.au
The Opera Studio Melbourne I Gertrude Opera
Rehearsal - Performance Studios: 371 Church Street, Richmond
Postal Address:P.O. Box 529 East Melbourne VIC 3002