Bold new production of Lucia di Lammermoor

MEDIA RELEASE Issued by The NBR New Zealand Opera 29 March 2007

Female force behind bold new production of Lucia di Lammermoor

Three outstanding women play pivotal roles in the new production of The NBR New Zealand Opera’s NZI Winter Season of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor: Russian soprano Elvira Fatykhova, Australian director Lindy Hume and New Zealand designer Kate Hawley.

Elvira Fatykhova, the sensational star who won over critics and audiences in The NBR New Zealand Opera’s 2005 La Traviata returns for one of the most significant roles in the soprano repertoire, that of Lucia. The acclaim Fatykhova received in New Zealand was replicated in Australia last year when she performed the role of Lucia with Opera Queensland, The Australian newspaper writing: “As Lucia, Elvira Fatykhova eases into her role but ultimately blossoms and soars.”

Behind the scenes, but of equal standing, are two highly talented women with award-winning careers behind them: Australian director Lindy Hume and New Zealand set and costume designer Kate Hawley – together they are creating a fresh and original production that, while retaining the integrity of the period, is devoid of clichés and has an aesthetic a contemporary audience will identify with.

The NBR New Zealand Opera’s General Director Aidan Lang is excited by the female force behind the production. “Elvira Fatykhova wowed audiences two years ago when she performed in New Zealand. To now see her perform in the signature role of Lucia, made famous by great sopranos including Dame Joan Sutherland and Maria Callas, will be thrilling. “And I’m absolutely delighted that the direction and design of this new production is in the hands of Lindy Hume and Kate Hawley, two of the most individual and esteemed creatives working internationally in opera today. Together they are creating a vibrant theatrical showpiece, a unique world to be shared by the audience.” Lang says it was a deliberate move to have a female team behind this new production. “This opera is about men dominating women and what women do to survive, so it makes sense to have women heading the creative team.”

The NBR New Zealand Opera’s NZI Winter Season of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor is a bold and fresh telling of one of the most exhilarating Italian operas of the 19th century, full of passionate characters, dramatic scenes and magnificent music.

Alongside Elvira Fatykhova is an equally impressive cast: Bulgarian tenor Yvan Momirov (Edgardo), Welsh baritone Jason Howard (Enrico), and New Zealanders Jud Arthur (Raimondo), Benjamin Fifita Makisi (Arturo), Carmel Carroll (Alisa) and Derek Hill (Normanno). The Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus, Vector Wellington Orchestra (Wellington) and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (Auckland) conducted by Andrea Licata, complete the line-up.

The story of Lucia is one which echoes down through the ages… a tale of love and betrayal, desire and deception. From Sir Walter Scott’s classic novel The Bride of Lammermoor, Donizetti fashioned one of his most mesmerising heroines into an opera which seamlessly blends the passion and intrigue of great drama with music of intensity and elegance.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles, the NZI Winter Season of Lucia di Lammermoor opens in Wellington on Saturday 23 June and in Auckland on Thursday 12 July. NZI Winter Season of Lucia di Lammermoor Wellington – Westpac St James Theatre Sat 23 June, Thu 28 June and Sat 30 June (7:30pm); Tue 26 June (6:00pm)

Auckland – Aotea Centre, THE EDGE® Thu 12 July, Sat 14 July, Thu 19 July and Sat 21 July (7:30pm); Tue 17 July (1:00pm)

Single Tickets: $49.50 to $159.50; Concessions available. Service fees apply.

Bookings: Ticketek outlets nationwide or www.ticketek.co.nz. Bookings also at NBR NZ Opera Box: Tel (09) 379 4068 or (04) 499 8343.

ENDS

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