VICTORIAN regional touring opera company Lyster Opera is excited to be returning to Milawa in September, presenting a new production of Rossini’s hilarious comedy, The Italian Girl in Algiers.
The opera tells the story of the Sultan Mustafa who is obsessed with all things Italian and yearns for an Italian wife.
He gets more than he bargained for when Isabella, the Italian girl of the title, is shipwrecked and proceeds to take over his court – with an eye on her tenor lover Lindoro, whom the Sultan has enslaved.
Director Jamie Moffat said this early work by Rossini is rarely performed because it is technically very difficult.
“The music was written for very, very accomplished singers,” he said.
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“We are very lucky to have assembled a cast who can really do the score justice.”
Heading the cast as Isabella is mezzo-soprano Alexandra Mathew, who won acclaim for her performance in another Rossini opera, La Cenerentola, which Lyster Opera presented in 2022.
Playing Lindoro, Lyster Opera is excited to have tenor Hew Wagner, taking on one of Rossini’s most demanding roles and rising brilliantly to the occasion.
Those who attended the Lyster Opera's presentation of Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea in Milawa last year, will remember Hew for his great performance as Nero.
Laura Slavin appears as Elvira and Erin Absalom takes on the role of Zulma, with Troy Castle as Taddeo, Christopher-Jack Andrew as Haly, and Jamie Moffat pulling double duty as Mustafa as well as directing.
This new production has musical direction and accompaniment from audience favourite Pamela Christie, with new sets designed by Blair Parkinson, and superb costumes created especially for this tour by Maddy Connellan.
Lyster Opera was named for William Saurin Lyster (1828-1880), an Irish born entrepreneur who made it his mission to provide opera to the growing population of Australia.
The company continues this vision by bringing opera to new audiences in regional areas and since 2018 has toured productions including Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore.
Secure your tickets now for The Italian Girl in Algiers, coming to Milawa Hall on Sunday, September 29 at 2pm, with tickets $40, $35 (concession) and $30 child, available at lysteropera.com.au or by calling 0410 0890 388.
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What's on in brief
Steinway on Stage with Tim Wong
LOCAL pianist Tim Wong will perform a recital as part of Steinway on Stage, a series of intimate twilight concerts which feature Wangaratta’s magnificent Steinway grand piano, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Wednesday, September 18 at 6pm.
With the audience gathered around the piano, Tim - who also play clarinet with the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra and the Wangaratta Concert Band - will play works by Mozart, Scriabin, Beethoven, Brahms and Chopin.
Steinway on Stage is presented in partnership with Wangaratta Arts Council and the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre and tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.
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The Hoffmans at Da Vinci Club
DUO The Hoffmans will perform hits from the 50s to the 90s during a supper dance being held at the Da Vinci Social Club in Wangaratta on Saturday, September 28 at 7.30pm.
Tickets include a delicious supper with drinks available at bar prices (no byo) with tickets $20 for members and $25 for non-members, available by calling Pip on 0409 307 606 or email dvsc.wang@gmail.com.
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Wang Players to present Sherlock Holmes mystery
WANGARATTA Players are preparing for their next production, Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, a comedic version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The play is a wild romp that brings energy and humour as it marches quickly from one scene to the next with sets and characters transforming, often before your eyes.
It will be a challenging and fun production with 37 acting roles that are shared amongst the adult cast, and all those interested in being part of the cast or crew are encouraged to register their interest.
Information sessions and group readings will be held on Friday, September 20 at 5.30pm and on Saturday, September 21 at 10am and 3pm, at the Stage Door Studio in Evans Street.
Anyone unable to attend those times, or those who would like more information (including dialogue for the read-through) can contact wangplayerssecretary@gmail.com.
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Shannon Noll coming to Wangaratta
SHANNON Noll will play at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, October 3 at 7.30pm, as part of his That's What I'm Talking About 20th Anniversary Tour 2024.
Nollsie’s rise to fame as runner-up of the first series of Australian Idol, saw him go from being a farm hand in Condobolin, to one of Australia’s most recognised recording artists and entertainers.
Fans will be treated to a high energy and nostalgic live show featuring songs from Nollsie’s historic debut album as well as hits and fan favourites from his career to date, with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.
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Author to visit Wangaratta Library
COMMUNITY members are encouraged to take the opportunity to hear from author Robert M. Smith, discover his unique perspective on storytelling and connect with fellow book enthusiasts, at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, September 26.
Supported by Edgars Books & News, Robert Smith will discuss his writing and the third novel in his Greg Bowker series, The Granite.
The book tells the story Detective Inspector Greg Bowker's return to the town of his childhood to investigate the murder of an elderly man, one who happens to be Greg’s old school teacher.
His visit reignites boyhood memories of he and his younger brother discovering a blood-covered body on the slopes of a stony, scrubby hill known in the area as the Granite - but are they connected?
The author talk will be held at 6.30pm and bookings are essential via Humanitix or contact library staff on 5721 2366 or library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.
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