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Opera Australia’s production of Tannhäuser features exclusive debut appearances from two local singing sensations this May. Melbourne-born talents, baritone Samuel Dundas and soprano Anna-Louise Cole, will both feature in Wagner’s Tannhäuser in two special concert performances at Hamer Hall on 17th and 20th May.
The pair will bring Wagner’s epic tale of seduction and song to life alongside a cast of international opera sensations and spectacular Australian talent. From its thrilling overture to its shattering climax, Wagner’s exploration of love, religion and redemption through German folklore has fascinated and entranced audiences since its premiere in 1845.
Leading the cast will be renowned German tenor and Wagner specialist Stefan Vinke, returning to Melbourne for the first time since his acclaimed performance in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg in 2018.
Also making a welcome return is American soprano Amber Wagner to sing the role of Elisabeth, whose acclaimed performance in Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle at the Arts Centre Melbourne in 2016 was deemed “revelatory” by The Guardian.
Finnish operatic bass Timo Riihonen will make his Australian debut in this production as Landgraf Hermann, a role which he performed most recently in 2016 for the Latvian National Opera.
Samuel Dundas, described by ArtsHub as “a strong, well-controlled but nuanced baritone”, will perform the role of Wolfram von Eschenbach and Green Room Award nominee Anna-Louise Cole will portray the role of the alluring Venus.
Opera Australia principals Richard Anderson, Iain Henderson, Thomas Strong, Alexander Sefton and Jane Ede will round out the leading cast with Angela Hogan, Louise Keast, Leah Thomas and Margaret Trubiano performing as the Four Pages.
Conducted by ARIA nominated Johannes Fritzsch the magnificent orchestration will be played gloriously by Orchestra Victoria and the acclaimed Opera Australia Chorus will bring to voice one of opera’s most iconic choral pieces, The Pilgrim’s Chorus.
Directed by the multi-talented Shane Placentino, this concert performance of Wagner’s mythical legend allows audiences a deeper insight and understanding into the intricate story and a greater appreciation for Tannhäuser’s iconic score.
Before Eurovision, there was the Wartburg Song Contest. Eurovision could only wish for this much drama!
Imagine basking in the adoration of Venus herself. Our minstrel-knight Tannhäuser has found a paradise of passion and pleasure with the goddess of love and beauty. Life is perfect. Until, he gets bored – and homesick.
Venus banishes him. Much to the joy of his friends and former love Elisabeth, Tannhäuser finds himself in Wartburg and enters the upcoming song contest. Only, he is unable to forget the sensuous realm of Venusberg, and praises Venus in song. Horrified, the crowd turns on him, insisting he atone for his sins with a pilgrimage. Elisabeth prays for his soul as Tannhäuser seeks salvation in Rome. Will he be absolved, or are Venus’ charms impossible to resist?
Understatement was never in Wagner’s vocabulary. His works are epic in scale, mythical of storyline, and radical in their orchestration. Tannhäuser is no exception.
From its thrilling overture to its shattering climax, Wagner’s exploration of love, religion and redemption through German folklore has fascinated and entranced audiences since its scandalous premiere.
Presented in concert at Arts Centre Melbourne, Wagner’s magnificent orchestrations are conducted by Johannes Fritzsch and gloriously played by Orchestra Victoria. Featuring our own “Pilgrim’s Chorus”, the Opera Australia Chorus, this is ‘Romantic grand opera’ at its legendary best.
Buy tickets to Tannhäuser – 17th & 20th May 2023 in Melbourne
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Michelle is a musician and composer from the UK. She has performed across the UK and Europe and is passionate about arts education and opportunities for women and girls.
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