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

Samuel Dundas (Voss) and Emma Pearson (Laura)

Voss at State Opera of South Australia

Cherie Boogart (Mrs Bonner), Emma Pearson (Laura) and Jessica Dean (Belle)

By Brian Angus, 08 May 2022

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“a story that touches the Australian soul”

Reviewed at Adelaide Festival Centre, Festival Theatre, Adelaide on 7 May 2022

Meale, Voss

State Opera South Australia

Richard Mills, Conductor

Stuart Maunder, Director

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

State Opera South Australia Chorus

Samuel Dundas, Johann Ulrich Voss

Emma Pearson, Laura Trevelyan

Jessica Dean, Belle Bonner

Rachel McCall, Mercy, Rose Portion

Cherie Boogaart, Mrs Bonner, Mrs Judd

Michael Petruccelli, Frank le Mesurier

Nicholas Jones, Harry Robarts

Mark Oates, Lieutenant Tom Radclyffe

Jiacheng Ding, Mr Topp

Pelham Andrews, Judd, Mr Bonner

Joshua Rowe, Palfreyman

Jeremy Tatchell, A reporter

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

The Turn of the Screw: Stuart Maunder directs powerful in Adelaide

Brian Angus, 30th April

A full-on production of Britten’s The Turn of The Screw produces richness and awe, with a magnificent cast and musical excitement from the baton of Britten scholar Paul Kildea.

****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.