Production Details
Dates:
31 January — 5, 14 February, 2015.
13 March, 2015.
Venues:
Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne.
Alexander Theatre, Monash University
Running Time:
3 hours, with one 20 minute interval.
Composer: Carl Maria Von Weber
Conductor: David Kram, Greg Hocking.
Director: Suzanne Chaundy
Starring: Jason Wasely, Sally Wilson, Andrea Creighton, Steven Gallop, Roger Howell.
Melbourne Opera presents a new production of Weber’s Romantic masterpiece, the powerful Der Freischutz-The Marksman, not seen in Melbourne since 1969! A strong depiction of sinister forces at work in the life of rural Germany containing much memorable music including the famous Overture, the Huntsman’s Chorus, and the soprano and tenor arias.
Melbourne Opera has assembled a superb international cast led by Jason Wasley, Steven Gallop, Sally Wilson and Andrea Creighton, combined with the acclaimed Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra in a setting drawing on German Expressionism of the early 20th Century.
Der Freischutz/The Marksman continues Melbourne Opera’s commitment to perform less frequently seen German masterpieces, building on the company’s successful performances of Fidelio and Rienzi over the last 2 years.
Read Suzanne Chaundy’s directorial notes for further context, history, and the challenges of bringing this glorious production to life.
Production Sponsor: Henkell Brothers Investment Managers.
Press & Reviews
“David Kram conducted an idiomatic performance, sung in English, with a fine orchestra and chorus.“
— The Australian.
“WITH a brave staging of Carl Maria von Weber’s influential Romantic opera of 1821, Melbourne Opera has nudged into new territory and notched up one of its greatest successes with this new production “
— Herald Sun.
I look forward to seeing more novelties from this exciting company. This was a most enjoyable night at the opera.
“★★★★”
— Rob Holdsworth, Australian Book Review.
Gallery
Cast & Crew
Cast:
Max — Jason Wasley
Agathe — Sally Wilson
Annchen — Andrea Creighton
Caspar — Steven Gallop
Cuno — Manfred Pohlenz
Samiel — Roger Howel
Kilian — Michael Lampard
Ottakar — Adrian McEniery
The Hermit — Roger Howell
Bridesmaids — Genevieve Dickson, Bianca Majchrzak, Teresa Ingrilli, Belinda Dalton, Ariel Chou, Alexandra Oke.
Chorus:
James Ash, Ariel Chou, Ian Cook, Robin Czuchnowski, Belinda Dalton, Paul Dernelly, Andrew Dickinson, Genevieve Dickson, Dick Dowling, Daniel Felton, Teresa Ingrilli, Susan Halls, Peter Hanway, Kathy Hatton, Mark Henderson, Angela Hennel, Lavinia Ionescu, Piri Jakab, Geoff King , Maree Macmillan, Bianca Majchrzak, Steve Marsh, Bernie Nolan, Debrah O’Connor, Alexandra Oke, George Opritescu, James Penn, Andrew Pennycuirk, Roland Seidl, Cameron Sibly, Norma Tovey, Robert Van Keulen, Megan Whiteside, Richard Wilson, Cecily Woodberry, David Wooodberry, Effie Zafirakis.
Director: Suzanne Chaundy
Conductors: David Kram, Greg Hocking
Designer – Set: Christina Logan-Bell
Designer – Costume: Daniel Harvey
Designer – Lighting: Scott Allan
Head of Music-Chorus Master: Raymond Lawrence
Video Artist: Zoe Scoglio
Stage Manager: Margaret Fisk
Assistant Stage Manager: Jonas Andserson
Assistant Director: Miki Brotzler
Choreographer: Miki Brotzler
Costume Manager: Lauren Ritchie
Wigs, Hair, Makeup: Amanda Cummings
Set Construction: Greg Carroll
Company Manager: Robbie McPhee
Producer: Greg Hocking AM
