Opera masterpiece on tour
New Zealand Opera will be touring Rossini’s comic masterpiece Le comte Ory (The Count Ory) this winter.
Originally set in medieval France, this comedy, directed by Simon Phillips has been given a present-day facelift. Set in Aotearoa New Zealand, there will be plenty of local humour and references in this contemporary staging.
Phillips said he had always believed that if you wanted people to laugh, the closer you brought something to a contemporary era, the more chance youhad.
Le comte Ory follows the adventures of the charismatic and cheeky Count Ory, a perennial chancer and quite possibly the “World’s Worst Womaniser”.
Leading the cast is New Zealand-Tongan lyric tenor Manase Latu as the scheming Count Ory. One of Australisia’s most in-demand sopranos Emma Pearson will play Countess Adèle, complete with coloratura vocal fireworks, joined by mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp from the UK, in the quick-witted role of Isoler the page.
Returning to the operatic stage for the first time in 13 years, baritone Moses Mackay one third of classical trio Sol3 Mio, entertains as Count Ory’s pal-of-questionable-character Raimbaud.
The cast also includes experienced bass-baritone Wade Kernot, recently returned-home soprano Andrea Creighton and Tayla Alexander.
The Auckland Philharmonia, Orchestra Wellington, and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will perform in each city, under the baton of Brad Cohen.
Scenographer Tracy Grant Lord joins Phillips in breathing vivid life into the new production, adding her inventive design and flair to the production’s contemporary set and costumes.
– Le comte Ory, sung in French with English subtitles, will play at the St James Theatre, June 13-15.Tickets: nzopera.com