‘Don Giovanni’ from Sydney Independent Opera
Sydney Independent Opera presents Mozart’s Dramma giocoso in 2 acts Don Giovanni K 527, a darkly funny morality tale which romps through the sexual and emotional irresponsibility of the Don who is eventually brought to book for his deeds. His machismo and untouchability are countered by the consequences of his crimes, moral outrage and revenge as Mozart’s timeless genius takes our flawed hero from smooth operator to hell-bound rebel.
Randall Stewart sings the title role, with Qestra Mulqueeney as Donna Anna, and Salina Bussein, Maia Andrews, Pal Smith, Alastair Colgrave, Ian Fisher and Josh Salter in Paolo Montoya’s innovative and exciting new production. Artistic Director of Sydney Independent Opera, Dr Steven Stanke conducts the 15-piece Sydney Independent Opera Orchestra.
With libretto by Mozart’s best known collaborator, Lorenzo da Ponte, the opera is based on the Don Juan legend as told in Bertati’s play of 1775. Composed on 1787, it premiered in Prague in 1787, conducted by Mozart himself, and in Vienna in 1788 with additional material. It had been seen in London by 1817 and in New York in 1826.
The commission for Don Giovanni from the impresario Guardasoni followed the triumphant production of Le nozze di Figaro in Prague in December 1786. Mozart began work during the summer and left for Prague on 1 October. It is believed that Mozart only completed the overture on the eve of the performance!
From the very first scene where Giovanni murders the father of his latest amorous conquest, the audacious rake and his blindly loyal sidekick Leporello lurch from one fiasco to another. Finally, in one of the greatest and most chilling theatrical scenes of all time, the unrepentant lothario is damned for all time at the grave of his father.
SIO artistic director Dr Steven Stanke says “ (Opera) renews our passions, pushes us out of our comfort zone and reminds us of the rich complexity and depths of our humanity. There is also much laughter to balance the darkness.”
Sung in English.
Tickets Adults $40 | Concession $36 | Group (10 or more) $34
Bookings www.theindependent.org.au or call 9191 0346
