Location:
Westpac Mayfair Theatre - Dunedin
Details:
In March Opera Otago brings the first Australasian production of Salieri's Falstaff, to the Mayfair Theatre, South Dunedin. Salieri was the most successful opera composer in Mozart's Vienna, and Falstaff is one of his best and most charming comic operas, full of rapid action and wonderful music. The opera has enjoyed great success in recent years in Europe and America, the news of this opera coming to Dunedin is already attracting attention from opera lovers beyond this city. Starring as Falstaff is outstanding young Australian baritone Derel Welton. A prize winner in the prestigious 2005 Herald Sun Aria competition Derek also won a year's full scholarship to the Guildhall of Music and Drama in London in the final of the 2005 Australian Mathy Awards. Local singer Fiona Henry sings Mrs Ford and Auckland tenor Derek Hill sings Mr Ford. Matthew Landreth and Claire Barton perform as Mr & Mrs Slender, and Amanda Cole and Bruce McMillan play the servants Betty and Bardolph. Holly Mathieson is musical director for the production, and Hugh Spiers is designer. The stage director is Wellington's Jacqueline Coats. The Southern Sinfonia provides the orchestral support.This opera takes place in the Mayfair Theatre, South Dunedin, on Saturday March 25th 8pm, Sunday March 26th 3pm, Tuesday March 28th 8pm, Thursday March 30th 8pm and Saturday April 1st at 8pm.
