General Information
Performances
The NBR New Zealand Opera presents The NZI Winter Season of Don Giovanni by Mozart. Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, after Bertati; first performed at the National Theatre, Prague, 29 October 1787.
Acclaimed Director, Sir Jonathan Miller's original production's presented, in association with the Los Angeles Opera. This production was first performed at the 1990 Florence May Festival and then at Los Angeles Opera, October 1991. It is sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Westpac St James Theatre, Wellington:
25, 29 June, 1 July (7.30pm), 3 July (2.00pm)
Aotea Centre, The Edge®, Auckland:
14, 16, 21, 23 July (7.30pm), 19 July (1.00pm)
| Creative Team |
| Conductor |
Wyn Davies |
| Restage Director |
Stanley M. Garner |
| Designer |
Robert Israel |
| Restage Lighting Designer |
Alan Burrett |
| Assistant Director |
Sara Brodie |
| Cast, in order of appearance: |
| The Commendatore |
*Rodney Macann (Wellington)
*Richard Green (Auckland) |
| Donna Anna, his daughter |
*Patricia Wright |
| Don Ottavio, her betrothed |
Jaewoo Kim |
| Don Giovanni |
*Paul Whelan |
| Leporello, his servant |
*Conal Coad |
| Donna Elvira, a lady of Burgos |
*Marie-Adele McArthur |
| Zerlina, a country girl |
Ali McGregor |
| Masetto, betrothed to Zerlina |
John Brunato |
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| * Aotearoa/ New Zealand leads |
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With the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus, accompanied by The NGC Wellington Sinfonia (Wellington) and the Auckland Philharmonia (Auckland).
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About the Opera
A Brazen Seducer Dices with Divine Retribution
The charming but unscrupulous Don Giovanni has seduced so many women he needs a helper to keep a record of them all! But when he tries to add the lovely Donna Anna to his list of conquests, he finally faces punishment. As his enemies plot to bring him down, another truly terrifying revenge is also being planned - from beyond the grave.
Mozart's powerful masterwork of tragicomedy is brought to the stage by The NBR New Zealand Opera, in a lavish classical-style production direct from Los Angeles Opera. Originally devised by one of the giants of the theatre world, Sir Jonathan Miller, this period production will be restaged here by Director, Stanley M. Garner.
A superb New Zealand cast includes: Paul Whelan in the title role; Conal Coad as the Don's assistant, Leporello; Patricia Wright as Donna Anna and Marie Adele McArthur as Donna Elvira. Joining them are some of Australia's finest singers - Jaewoo Kim (born in Korea), John Brunato and Ali McGregor. Esteemed Welsh Conductor, Wyn Davies, returns to lead the NGC Wellington Sinfonia and Auckland Philharmonia.
A compelling combination of comedy and drama, Don Giovanni is the most musically brilliant "ghost" story of the year! top
Opera Etiquette
If you are new to opera you are likely to be unsure about what to do and when to do it, while attending a performance. It is helpful to understand the conventions that have been introduced over the years and the reasons for them. This makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone attending a live performance. The audience is important to the success of the opera. Without it there would be no performance.
The main rule is to follow the behaviour of more experienced opera-goers (but do have fun!)
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Disclaimer
The views and interpretation of this opera are the views of Proed (Professional Education Services Ltd.) and are put forward as a suggested guide and teaching resource. Proed Services Ltd. is an educational consultancy designed to assist teachers and is operated by experienced teachers. top
This study guide has been written and prepared by
© 2005 Proed Services Ltd
Wellington
proed@paradise.net.nz
Teachers: If you have any helpful advice feedback for the writers after using this resource with your students, they would welcome it. You can email them at Proed Services Ltd. Main site | 
