‘Così Fan Tutte’ returns to Sydney Opera House
The renowned production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Così fan tutte is set to triumphantly return to the Sydney Opera House this August, showcasing its timeless charm and emotional depth on the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage from August 1-17, 2024.
This marks the first performance of Sir David McVicar’s celebrated production at the venue since its premiere season in 2016.
‘Così fan tutte’, which translates to “All women are the same,” is the final opera in Mozart’s trilogy created with librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. This feisty farce delves into themes of fidelity, love, and the complexities of human relationships.
The production has been lauded for its richly rewarding and thought-provoking interpretation. One of the highlights of this season is the debut of Greek conductor Zoe Zeniodi with Opera Australia. Zeniodi, a semi-finalist in the prestigious La Maestra competition and a Fellow of the Hart Institute of Women Conductors brings a wealth of international experience, having led orchestras across Europe, the USA, South America, Asia, New Zealand, and Queensland Symphony.
The stellar cast features several debuts: international soprano Nardus Williams, New Zealand-Tongan tenor Filipe Manu, and Australian soprano Alexandra Oomens, alongside the esteemed mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman as Dorabella, baritone Nathan Lay as Guglielmo, and Opera Australia veteran Richard Anderson as Don Alfonso.
Set in the late summer of the early 1900s, the production’s lavish sets and costumes, designed by Moritz Junge, evoke the grandeur of turn-of-the-century Italian fashion. The backdrop of a grand country villa, with an impressive lantern-covered tree bathed in Mediterranean sunlight, enhances the visual splendour of the opera.
The performances will be held in Italian with English subtitles, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for all attendees.
Evening performances are scheduled for August 1, 3, 6, 8, 13, and 15 at 7:00 PM, with matinees on August 10 and 17 at noon. The running time is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, including one interval.
Tickets for Così fan tutte start at $79, with bookings available through the Opera Australia Box Office.
For further information and to purchase tickets, visit www.opera.org.au or contact the box office at (02) 9318 8200.
Title Image Credit: Georges Antoni
