La Traviata

More of a spectacle than an opera performance
It's good within the limitations of an outdoor event.

I didn't like the very prominent microphones or the frequent panning of the camera to what were presumably sponsors names on city buildings

La Traviata - Brilliant performance and audio
Operas should be revitalised by new inspiration to make them relevant to today's new audiences rather than preserved in camphor. Opera Australia's new venture of a once-a-year opera performance on Sydney Harbour is a way of doing this as it challenges even the most basic tenets of putting on an opera. Directed by Francesca Zambello this La Traviata is a triumph of technical ingenuity in every aspect from the floating mirrored stage, to the suspension of the giant chandelier, to the amazing audio.

The stage props are necessarily sparse as there is minimal space for storage and no convenient curtain to effect scene changes behind. Yet, the props used are stunningly oversized and have impact, seamlessly moved into place, or removed, as part of the show. The stage itself conceals the orchestra `pit' below, so that performers and conductor can only see each other via video screens, and it is this, plus the challenges of recording anything out of doors that makes the quality of...

OPERA AUSTRALIA SCORES A GRAND SLAM !!!
This an easy review. Four new releases from OPERA AUSTRALIA and are all SPECTACULAR, CREATIVE, and among the best new stagings I have recently viewed. They are not perfect; but, DO THEY WORK !!!
They are LAKME, RIGOLETTO, DON GIOVANNI, and this new TRAVIATA. I will be reviewing each in the next few days. Do yourself a favor and try all four. They are bold new and creative settings with mostly excellent musical values and fine detailed stage directorial touches.
1) Emma Matthews is the real thing a great coloratura VIOLETTA with a stunning high Eflat. She is also an accomplished actress. Her embellishments are great, runs, staccatti, every thing is easy and natural for her. She has it all and it's really her show all the way!
2) The production is updated to Sydney Harbor on a wonderful all flexible theatrical barge with the Opera House and Sydney Harbor for a back drop... it works.
3) Modern setting and colorful dress costumes that work and are "eye...

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