Did you know….. the Estates Theatre in Prague where Don Giovanni received its premiere on October 29th 1787, conducted by Mozart himself, still stands. It puts on regular performances of the opera in much the same way it would have been performed in Mozart’s time. Outside the theatre is an ominous looking hooded statue of Il Commendatore. The …
Pianist Stephen Hough appears to be a man of boundless musical talent, tireless energy, intellect and generosity of spirit. He shares these attributes with his audiences with a sincere enthusiasm devoid of any dark undertones of superiority. His spoken and written words are as much a delight to absorb as his piano playing, and audiences were…
This week, conductor Benjamin Northey makes his debut with Opera Australia, taking the rostrum for the company’s production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni (K527). Northey spoke to SoundsLikeSydney whilst preparing for this major undertaking – preparation which has involved rehearsing with the incoming cast, assisting Mark Wigglesworth (who conducted the opening performances), being his ‘ears’ in…