Otago Festival of the Arts - Monteverdi's L'Orfeo

Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo (The Story of Orpheus) of 1607 isn’t quite the first opera ever written, but it’s the first great one. Opera Otago’s new production will present this classic and timeless love story, which is both authentic and contemporary in its staging. Monteverdi tells the story of the great musician who goes down to the world of the dead to rescue his wife Eurydice.

Opera Otago is proud to have gathered a strong production team headed by Director Jacqueline Coats who directed Cosi fan tutte in 2008 and conductor Matthew Leese, early music specialist, now resident in the USA – and brother of opera singer Anna Leese.

Dunedin choreographer Daniel Belton makes his first foray into Opera with his original dance sequences. Set design is by Wellington Designer Brian King and lighting designer is Martyn Roberts.

Heading the cast is Rebecca Ryan (Euridyce) and Daniel Carberg (Orpheus). L’Orfeo will be accompanied by the Southern Sinfonia. The opera will be sung in John Drummond’s new English translation.

The Mayfair Theatre will transport you to heaven and Hades with this Italian Master’s magical fusion of Greek mythology, classical opera and glorious melody. This will be beautiful and memorable theatre.

Event listed by OFA

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