My second project for 2023 with Pinchgut Opera is Legrenzi‘s Giustino singing the roles of Polimante, Erasto, and Ombra. I will be joined by some familiar colleagues but also many new ones which is always exciting - and part of the melting pot of the theatre and in particular the Pinchgut family.
From the Pinchgut Opera Website
A triumph by one of the most important opera composers in Venice in the late 1670s
and re-imagined by one of Australia’s most talented and insightful directors,
we present Giustino by Giovanni Legrenzi, directed by Dean Bryant.
While Legrenzi’s operatic output was small, he was praised for “exceeding the expectations of many in cultivating charm and delight”, and Giustino is one of his great successes. It’s a classic rags-to-riches story of the peasant Giustino who, through a series of adventures and magical interventions, ultimately becomes the Emperor of Rome. Gods, ghosts and sea-monsters spring to life in Legrenzi’s spectacular operatic setting.
Making his directorial debut for Giustino is Dean Bryant, who is well known for his sensitive and insightful staging of main stage operas and musicals in Australia and internationally.
A feast for countertenor lovers, Giustino features three: American Nicholas Tamagna makes his Pinchgut debut in the title role, and English star Owen Willetts (The Coronation of Poppea, 2017) makes his anticipated return, alongside Australian favourite Russell Harcourt (Artaserse, 2018). Soprano Lauren Lodge Campbell and tenor Jacob Lawrence both return to Pinchgut after standout performances in Monteverdi’s The Return of Ulysses (2019).
Giustino exemplifies the heart and soul of Pinchgut Opera: bringing together the finest Baroque specialists to discover one of the forgotten treasures of the past in a fresh and exciting context.
PROGRAM
Giustino (1683) by Giovanni Legrenzi
CITY RECITAL HALL, SYDNEY
Thu 25 May 7pm | Sat 27 May 2pm | Sun 28 May 5pm | Tue 30 May 7pm | Wed 31 May 7pm
Running time 3 hours, including 20 minute interval
Tickets $62 - $225
Under 35s from $62