News

Under 25s: switch off your phones and tap into live performance

14/02/2011

The NBR New Zealand Opera is encouraging under 25 year olds to switch off their phones for one night (actually only for a couple of hours) and head to The Civic in Auckland and the St James in Wellington for a compelling live performance of Handel’s Xerxes. And the ticket price is just $25.

From 10am on the day of the show, under 25 year olds who present their ID in person at THE EDGE box office (Auckland – located at the Aotea Centre during the day, The Civic from 90 minutes prior to the show starting) or the St James Theatre box office (Wellington), are eligible for the $25 ticket price, subject to ticket availability. Under 25s tickets cannot be reserved or put on hold, and only one ticket per ID can be purchased. Any ID that shows proof of age is accepted.

This new production of Xerxes is the first professional, fully staged Handel opera that has ever been presented to New Zealand audiences. It is also a thrill for the senses – from the multi-coloured opulence of Trelise Cooper’s costumes to the music, with its gorgeous melodies sung by a top cast of New Zealand and international singers and accompanied by Berlin’s acclaimed Baroque orchestra, The Lautten Compagney.

Xerxes is funny, poignant and fast moving, and with the timeless themes of love, rivalry and vices being overcome by courage and loyalty, has plenty to identify with in life today. As Tobias Cole, who plays Xerxes, says, “This production is one of the best ads for opera that I know.” Don’t just take his word for it. Try it out. You’re in for a treat.

Xerxes is a co-production between The NBR New Zealand Opera and Victorian Opera in Melbourne, in association with  Auckland Arts Festival.

XERXES

Auckland – Civic Theatre, THE EDGE
Wed 2, Thu 3, Sat 5 March – 7.30pm; Sun 6 March – 5pm

Wellington – St James Theatre
Tue 15, Fri 18, Sat 19 March – 7.30pm; Wed 16 March – 6pm

Tickets: $49.50 to $187.50. Concessions available for benefactors, senior citizens, students and group bookings. Service fees apply.

Bookings: The NBR NZ Opera Box Office, Tel (09) 379 4068 or (04) 499 8343
or:
Wellington: Ticketek, Tel 0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz
Auckland: The Edge, Tel 0800 BUYTICKETS (0800 289 842) or www.the-edge.co.nz

Further information: www.nzopera.com

MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by The NBR New Zealand Opera
14 February 2011

Media enquiries: Caroline Nelson, ParadisePR Ltd, caroline.nelson@paradise.net.nz, 021 244 1299

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Did you know?

Early opera resembled the atmosphere of a race course - chatting, food, laughter and loud comments were the norm.

During all our opera performances an English translation of the libretto is projected on screens above the stage, so you can easily follow the story.

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.

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