An exciting open air Carmen in Adelaide

By Brian Angus, 24 March 2019

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“Sherman’s Carmen was powerfully convincing as she began her seduction”

Reviewed at Victoria Square, Adelaide on 23 March 2019

Bizet, Carmen

State Opera South Australia

Oliver von Dohnányi, Conductor

Stuart Maunder, Director

Emma Brockliss, Costume Designer

Helen Sherman, Carmen

James Egglestone, Don José

Morgan Pearse, Escamillo

Emma Pearson, Micaëla

Wade Kernot, Zuniga

Samuel Dundas, Moralès, Le Dancaïre

Desiree Frahn, Frasquita

Bethany Hill, Mercédès

Adam Goodburn, Le Remendado

Wesley Hiscock, Lighting Designer

State Opera South Australia Chorus

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Jonathan Dove’s excellent opera Flight touches down in Australia

Sandra Bowdler, 8th May

Jonathan Dove’s opera Flight earns its title as the most popular modern opera with this excellent ensemble performance in Adelaide, its Australian premiere.

****1

State Opera South Australia enliven Lucia di Lammermoor

Sandra Bowdler, 16th November

A hoary old production of an operatic warhorse is brought to quite energetic life by a sparkling cast and excellent musical and dramatic performance.

***11

Australian beachside fun in Adelaide Così fan tutte

Sandra Bowdler, 5th September

Così fan tutte is a fun-filled night at the State Opera of South Australia, well cast and continuously entertaining without sacrificing musical or vocal values.

****1

Stravinsky's Nightingale takes flight to open the Adelaide Festival

Sandra Bowdler, 1st March

A piecemeal evening of high musical values as the Adelaide Festival opens with short Stravinsky pieces rather than the usual substantial opera.

***11

Lauren Fagan and Kang Wang excel in Adelaide's new Traviata

Brian Angus, 25th August

Sarah Giles directs a no-frills production for the State Opera of South Australia, but one that brims with emotion.

****1

Richard Meale’s Voss revived in all its brilliance in Adelaide

Brian Angus, 7th May

Sometimes referred to as “the great Australian opera” ,Voss has had few Australian airings since its 1986 premiere. This new production shows why it is held in such high regard.

****1

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Brian Angus

Brian is a lover of opera, and has enjoyed attending operas for over forty years. Brian has very catholic tastes; favourite classic composers are Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi, contemporary composers John Adams and Jake Heggie, and a curiosity about Stockhausen’s music. He is always seeking opportunities to expand his appreciation of the world of music and opera.