Calling all opera lovers and music enthusiasts!
The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music presents the Melbourne Mini Opera Festival, a delightful weekend of free performances showcasing the talents of its up-and-coming opera stars. Immerse yourself in a diverse program featuring two double bills, each performed on both Saturday and Sunday.
In our first session, experience the world premiere of a brand-new student-composed opera, The Storm, based on the violent storm and flooding of Creswick in 2022. Also, enjoy the comedic charm of Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief, directed by Professor Jane Davidson.
In the second, delve into the psychological drama of Barber's A Hand of Bridge and Menotti's chilling The Medium, each brought to life under the masterful guidance of guest director Beverly Blankenship (Berlin).
Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or simply curious to discover the next generation of operatic talent, or a student considering your music future, this festival is the perfect opportunity to be captivated by beautiful music, compelling stories, and the raw energy of rising stars. So come along, support the future of opera, and enjoy a weekend filled with unforgettable musical moments.
The Storm
Original creator/singers:Qiulian Axtens, Nicholas Beecher, Lisette Bolton, James Billson, Genevieve Droppert, Sofia Imperatore, Chloe James, Jesse Linke, Saskia Mascitti, Metehan Pektas, Mitchell Sanders, Noah Straughan, Maria Woolford.
Creator/percussionist: Brynn Jacka
Original Project guided by Gillian Howell, Sarah Woodland and Jane Davidson with Meta Cohen.
Across the weeks between August and October 2023, the opera students undertook a creative project exploring the impact of the storm that hit Creswick in January 2022. This work is presented in the form of a “mini-opera.” The team was privileged to interview storm-affected residents, and their words inspired the piece.
Content Warnings: This opera includes loud percussive effects and may generate uncomfortable feelings for those affected by the events depicted.
Directed by Jane Davidson:
The Old Maid and the Thief
Gian Carlo Menotti
Love, laughter, and larceny collide in Menotti's "The Old Maid & the Thief"! This charming mini-opera whisks you away as a lonely spinster encounters a clumsy thief. Mistaken identities, witty wordplay, and captivating melodies weave a delightful tale of love and transformation. Perfect for opera lovers and newcomers alike!
Content Warnings: This opera includes loud and sudden noises, partial nudity as well as light sexual references.
Directed by Beverly Blankenship:
The Medium
Gian Carlo Menotti
Unnerving chills meet captivating drama in Menotti's "The Medium." This chilling one-act opera delves into the dark world of a fraudulent psychic, Madame Flora. During a séance, reality takes a sinister turn, blurring the lines between deception and the supernatural. Expect suspenseful melodies, haunting vocals, and a touch of madness as Flora grapples with her own beliefs and the consequences of her charade. Perfect for those seeking a thrilling operatic experience that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Content Warnings: This opera includes includes usage of imitation firearms and depiction of death.
A Hand of Bridge
Samuel Barber
Cards reveal hidden desires in Barber's "A Hand of Bridge." This bijou opera unravels as two unhappy couples play bridge. As bids and tricks unfold, each character is exposed through introspective arias, revealing unspoken longings and simmering tensions. Witness the elegant melodies and jazz-infused score mirror the characters' desires and discontent. A unique and thought-provoking glimpse into the complexities of relationships.