Reviews

Arts on Sunday interview + review: Radio NZ National (podcast)

19/09/2010

Macbeth, September/October 2010

CHANNEL: Arts on Sunday programme, Radio NZ National
REVIEWED BY: Kate Ward Smythe and Lynn Freeman
WHERE: Aotea Centre, opening night

Lynn Freeman meets one of the stars of The NBR New Zealand Opera production of Macbeth - soprano Morag Atchison, and the opera itself is reviewed by Kate Ward Smythe.

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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.