Deceit, Decadence and Damnation in Devilish Drama

Issued the the Nbr New Zealand Opera
Media Release
25 July 2006

Deceit, Decadence and Damnation in Devilish Drama

Opera’s ultimate battle of good and evil will be played out this September–October when the Genesis Energy Spring Season of Gounod’s Faust, presented by The NBR New Zealand Opera, comes to Auckland and Wellington. A passionate drama of unconscionable choices and heartbreaking consequences, Faust weaves the compelling tale of the man who sold his soul to the devil.

Regarded by many as the pinnacle of 19th century French opera, Gounod’s Faust is filled with profound themes yet moments of intimacy and light-heartedness, and a succession of famous musical highlights.

The story centres on the aged Dr Faust, and his encounter with Méphistophélès, who tempts the elderly man into signing away his soul in exchange for youth and chance to pursue the beautiful Marguerite. Deceit and turmoil follow as Marguerite’s brother, Valentin, and her other admirer, Siébel are pulled into the drama.

The Genesis Energy Spring Season of Gounod’s Faust brings together a superb international and New Zealand creative team and opera cast. This sumptuous and dramatic production will be brought to the stage by English director Mike Ashman; while French conductor Emmanuel Joel-Hornak brings Gounod’s electrifying music to life.

Making his debut in the title role is Australian-based Korean tenor Jaewoo Kim, who makes a welcome return to New Zealand stages after his performance in last year’s Don Giovanni. Russian bass – and Grammy Award nominee - Mikhail Svetlov sings the demonic Méphistophélès, a role which demands vivid acting and sonorous vocal ability. Stunning French soprano Anne Sophie Duprels performs as Marguerite – a role she sings regularly for opera houses around the world.

Several fine New Zealand singers take leading roles in this production. One of this country’s favourite mezzo-sopranos, Helen Medlyn performs the role of Marthe Schwerlein, a widow who takes an earthly interest in Méphistophélès. An Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate, Ms Medlyn is well-known for both her classical and cabaret repertoire. Some of her most memorable opera performances for The NBR New Zealand Opera include Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus (2000), Dame Quickly in Falstaff (2001) and The Innkeeper in Boris Godunov (2003).

The Faust season also gives audiences the opportunity to hear some of New Zealand’s top young singers on the opera stage. Jared Holt – a Mobil Song Quest winner - and James Harrison – a former PricewaterhouseCoopers Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist - both return home from the UK to co-perform the role of Valentin in Wellington and Auckland, respectively. Both are graduates of the prestigious Royal College of Music, London, and are now pursuing burgeoning opera and concert careers overseas. Two other former Emerging Artists also perform; Kristen Darragh as Siébel and Malcolm Ede as Wagner. Kristen is currently completing post-graduate opera studies at RCM. Her highly-praised opera debut as Fyodor in Boris Godunov in 2003, was followed in 2004 by celebrated performances as Giovanna in Rigoletto. New Zealand-based Malcolm Ede, an Emerging Artist in 2005, has recently performed roles in the company’s La Traviata and The Magic Flute seasons.

Joining in performing Gounod’s resplendent, sweeping score full of galvanising choruses and emotionally-charged melodies – including the famous Soldier’s Chorus and the Jewel Song – will be the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus and the orchestral forces of the Vector Wellington Orchestra (Wellington) and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (Auckland).

The Genesis Energy Spring Season of Faust is at the Westpac St James Theatre, Wellington from 16–23 September, and at the Aotea Centre, The Edge, Auckland from 5–14 October. The Opening Night performances in each centre are gala charity performances in support of the Genesis Oncology Trust. Tickets are subject to a voluntary donation with all proceeds going to the Trust.

ENDS

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