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Englishmen give opera a creative new look
22/03/2010
"[Aidan Lang] has that rare skill of being able to put in jokes and stage business without ever getting in the way of the music."
The Guardian, UK - July 2001
Prior to his stewardship of The NBR New Zealand Opera, Aidan Lang was a highly respected and creative director on the international opera stage, with considerable experience accrued at companies such as Glyndebourne, Welsh National Opera, Opera Zuid and Buxton Festival. After four years in New Zealand, Lang is turning his hand to directing again, with the Company's new production of Mozart's much loved opera, The Marriage of Figaro.
To ensure his New Zealand directing debut is an unforgettable experience for audiences, Lang has teamed up with equally creative designer, and fellow Englishman, Robin Rawstorne, to present what they believe to be a first for New Zealand, possibly even the world.
"Of course I can't go into specific details as that would spoil the surprise for opening night," says Lang. "Suffice to say, a new production always offers some degree of artistic licence, so we're aiming to give audiences an entertaining and memorable night out with possibly [in reference to the extraordinary and technically complicated 15 scene changes which will give a slightly cinematic ever-shifting perspective on the action] some foyer chat along the lines of 'how did they do that and make it look so easy?'. The Marriage of Figaro was in fact the first professional opera production I ever saw. It was at Covent Garden with Kiri Te Kanawa as the Countess. I had just turned 13 and it got me hooked for life. While this production will be very different, it would be wonderful to think it could have the profound effect on people that that one had on me."
Lang adds: "Figaro is high farce, but it is also a very hard-edged piece and we'll be trying to reflect that in the production." As The Times reported after Lang staged the complete Ring Cycle in Manaus in the Amazon, "In the end, and despite a hideously small budget, the thing went off in style." Expect a similar result with The Marriage of Figaro.
Bringing the principal roles to life are New Zealand bass Wade Kernot and Australian soprano Emma Pearson, singing Figaro and Susanna, with celebrated Italian soprano Nuccia Focile in the role of the Countess. Renowned opera and orchestral conductor Lionel Friend takes the baton.
MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by The NBR New Zealand Opera - 22 March 2010
Media enquiries: Caroline Nelson, ParadisePR Ltd
E. caroline.nelson@paradise.net.nz
M. 021 244 1299
Did you know?
An English translation of the opera is projected on surtitles above the stage during our performances.
Early opera resembled the atmosphere of a race course - chatting, food, laughter and loud comments were the norm.
If you are 25 years old or under you can purchase $25 tickets at the venue box office before any performance.
The world's longest opera is Wagner's The Ring Cycle, lasting over 14 hours plus intervals. That's 18 hours at the theatre.
The world's longest applause lasted for 1 hour and 20 minutes as a standing ovation. The opera: Otello starring Placido Domingo.
On average, an opera will last between 2 and 3 hours, with one interval in a two act show, and two in a three act show. Operettas and musicals tend to be shorter.
NZO has launched an Opera Social Club - no joining fees, no club membership, everyone is welcome.
