The first great opera comes to Dunedin for the Otago Festival of the Arts

Opera was invented in Europe at the end of the sixteenth century, but the early efforts were very weak. Only in February 1607 did the new art-form really take off, when Claudio Monteverdi's The Story of Orpheus (L'Orfeo) hit the stage in Mantua, Italy. It is now recognized as a work of genius.

Dunedin audiences and visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand have a rare opportunity to hear Monteverdi's L'Orfeo as part of the Otago Festival of the Arts. Presented at the Mayfair Theatre by Dunedin's own professional company, Opera Otago, it will be a spectacular production with wonderful music.

The story tells of the Greek legendary hero Orpheus, the great musician, whose new wife Eurydice is fatally bitten by a snake. Unwilling to accept her death, he descends into the underworld, and through the power of his music persuades Charon the ferryman to take him into Hades. There he is permitted to be reunited with Eurydice, and bring her home, provided he does not look at her before he gains the world of the living. Alas, he breaks the condition, and returns alone. But the god Apollo intervenes and ensures a happy ending.

Starring as Orpheus is American tenor Dan Carberg, and the role of Euriydice is sung by soprano Rebecca Ryan of Invercargill and Dunedin. Both have international careers in the opera houses of the world. Supporting them is a cast of seven singers and two dancers. The opera is usually performed with a chorus, but recent research has revealed that it was originally given by nine singers, each of whom played a variety of roles. This will be the first time the opera has been given in New Zealand in this format.  Opera Otago is committed to providing opportunities for young professional singers, and the other seven singers include Sarah Court, Clare Barton, and five top singers from the University of Otago Music Department's vocal training programme, where they are taught by Isabel Cunningham and Judy Bellingham.

Music Director is Matt Leese, an Otago music graduate working in the States as a specialist in early opera (as well as being Anna's brother). Stage Director is Jacqueline Coats, rapidly making a mark in New Zealand and the director of three previous productions for Opera Otago. Choreography is by Dunedin's dance-master Daniel Belton. Design is by Brian King, Martyn Roberts is Lighting Designer, and Brenda Rendall is in charge of the costumes.

The opera will be performed in English in a new translation by John Drummond, whose translation of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte was a hit two years ago. Professor Drummond has also organized the music for the opera. The Southern Sinfonia is providing orchestral support, together with expert students from the Department of Music.

Opera Otago has a recent history of presenting new and different works to the Otago public. Anthony Ritchie's The God Boy and John Drummond's Larnach were world premieres; Salieri's comic opera Falstaff was a southern-hemisphere premiere; Mozart's Cosi fan tutte was a hit at the last Otago Festival.  Monteverdi's L'Orfeo follows in the tradition, and Opera Otago will continue to carve a special niche in the arts world of New Zealand in the future.

Performances of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo take place on October 10, 12, 13 and 15 at 7.30pm at the Mayfair Theatre, South Dunedin.