Opera’s most famous and spectacular pairing, ‘Cavalleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci’ has captivated audiences over generations, and Festival Opera’s season will carry on the tradition.
John Wilkie returns to direct a double cast, led by conductor Jose Aparicio, featuring the stunning Toni Marie Palmertree and Anna Pierard as the female heroines in the respective operas.
Rosario la Spina returns after a super-human season in last year’s ‘La Traviata’. He brings his artistry to the classic aria that made Pavarotti famous.
Baritone ZhengZhong Zhou, Kiwi Mezzo Wendy Doyle and Baritone Kieran Rayner also take part, and in her first foray into opera, the exceptional singer song-writer Julia Deans takes on her newest challenge, performing the role of Lola.
Festival Opera is thrilled to support Project Prima Volta members who will also take part for the most exciting production yet!
Turiddu, Canio, Both operas
Nedda, I Pagliacci
Santuzza, Cavalleria Rusticana
Alfio, Tonio, both operas
Lola, Cavalleria Rusticana
Silvio, I Pagliacci
Mama Lucia, Cavalleria Rusticana
Beppe, I Pagliacci (shared)
Beppe, I Pagliacci (shared)
Our young artists train hard before curtain up, and receive critical inspiration and coaching from our professional opera singers. You wouldn't know it when you come along to enjoy the opera, but training and preparation takes place in a disused apple pack house. It's a remarkable feat: the set is built, the rehearsals are directed and the concept comes to life in a space that was never meant to package up opera! Within these walls, our cast and creative team build relationships and share experience and expertise that enables the whole company to deliver excellence. We know, right....from a dis-used apple packing shed, no less!
It's no surprise that varied performance opportunities help young PPV singers to take the stage with confidence. Fundamental to our success is the inclusion of Project Prima Volta singers season after season. To feel confident to take the stage alongside experienced, professional artists, these young singers build their skill through many different performance opportunities - from singing Christmas Carols at the Hawke’s Bay Airport, to performing in a student opera during the Harcourt Hawke's Bay Arts Festival.
