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A Masked Ball Runtime:180mins       Rating: Prepare to be amazed by a breathtaking new production by La Fura dels Baus, the ingenious company that has staged a powerful version of Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust and György Ligeti’s spectacular fantasy Le Grand Macabre. The innovative director Alex Ollé and designers Alfons Flores and Lluc Castells have created a visually stunning, ground-breaking tale of deception, disguise and fate in a world where the wealthy have all the power and control the populace. While the benevolent ruler plans a grand masquerade for the pleasure of his subjects, his conspirators are plotting his end. The traitors, however, will only succeed if they can enlist an ally close to the king. With its unforgettable melodies and fine balance of romance and tragedy – and one of opera’s greatest love duets – the international collaboration is a first for Opera Australia ahead of seasons in Brussels, Oslo and Buenos Aires. The acclaimed soprano Tamar Iveri and rising Mexican tenor Diego Torre make their role debuts as Amelia and Gustav III respectively while the outstanding José Carbó portrays Count Ankarström in his first Verdi opera. Ollé’s visceral production sets a new benchmark in theatrical innovation and promises to be as mindboggling and daring as it is musically lush. It is conducted by the Italian composer and conductor Andrea Molino, the artistic director of the World Venice Forum who conducted Of Mice and Men and Macbeth for Opera Australia. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Thursday 20 Jun 20:30

 

Gloriana (ROH Live) Runtime:180mins       Rating: This important new staging of Gloriana marks three major anniversaries: 60 years since the Queen’s Coronation, 60 years since the opera’s premiere at the Royal Opera House, and the centenary of Benjamin Britten’s birth. Britten’s portrait of the public and private faces of Elizabeth I is a brilliant depiction of the Tudor court and the tension between affairs of state and affairs of the heart. Focusing on Elizabeth’s relationship with the young Earl of Essex, Gloriana captures the dichotomy between the public image of the Virgin Queen and her seething personal feelings – a familiar dichotomy in these days of celebrity-worship and media scrutiny. Award-winning director Richard Jones (Il trittico, Anna Nicole) directs a Gloriana for our time, framing the depiction of the 16th-century Queen in a setting that re-creates the excitement of our own Queen’s Coronation year. A superlative British cast brings to life this under-appreciated gem, a unique tribute both to the nation’s monarch and to its greatest opera composer. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Monday 24 Jun 19:00

  

La Sylphide Opera de Paris Ballet Runtime:122mins       Rating: Created in 1832 at the Paris Opera, Philippe Taglioni’s La Sylphide heralded the advent of the romantic ballet. The delicate and ethereal dancer Marie Taglioni played the unattainable, dream-conjured sylph, alongside Joseph Mazilier. In the point shoes and long diaphanous tutus she wore in La Sylphide, the ballerina became an emblematic figure. The libretto by Adolphe Nourrit was inspired by romantic tales recounting the impossible love between a human and a supernatural creature. The tormented young James finds himself torn between the promise of a comfortable life held out by his impending marriage to Effie and the freedom embodied by the Sylphide, that inaccessible ideal who comes to him in his dreams. The work was a critical triumph from the outset, praised in particular by Théophile Gautier, who would later write the libretto for Giselle. This emblematic ballet was lost to the repertoire for over a century. It is now being presented at the Paris Opera in a faithful recreation by Pierre Lacotte, whose immense choreographic culture has enabled him to unravel and recast the spells of the grand French romantic style. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Wednesday 26 Jun 18:30

 

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre: Twelfth Night Runtime:176mins       Rating: Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, Twelfth Night is a moving comedy of loss and misplaced love and includes some of the most exquisite songs Shakespeare ever wrote. The all-male Original Practices production, exploring clothing, music, dance and settings possible in the Globe around 1601, stars award-winning Mark Rylance and Stephen Fry. Twelfth Night sell-out performances led to a hit run in London's West End. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Monday 01 Jul 20:30           Thursday 04 Jul 16:00

  

Bula Quo Runtime:89mins       Rating:PG Rocking All Over The World, Status Quo stars Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt witness a murder in Fiji and flee a gang trafficking body parts who will harvest them to silence; have they played their last gig? Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Friday 05 Jul 21:00

  

RIGOLETTO (Giuseppe Verdi) LIVE from the Festival Euro Mediterraneo - Taormina Festival Runtime:195mins       Rating: The bitter court jester Rigoletto wants to preserve his daughter Gilda's purity at all costs – and this impossible quest will cost him dearly indeed. Be moved by the tragic tale of Verdi's Rigoletto as you've never seen it before, on the stunning open air stage at the Festival Euro Mediterraneo - Taormina Festival, in Sicily. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Tuesday 09 Jul 20:30

André Rieu from Maastricht 2013 via Satellite Runtime:180mins       Rating:TBC Affectionately known as "The King of Waltz", André performs a series of concerts in his home town of Maastricht, in The Netherlands every year. The concerts are performed in front of thousands of fans and are set amongst the beautiful medieval backdrop of his beautiful home town of Maastricht. As always, André is joined by his famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, his Soprano's, Tenors and some very special guests. The Maastricht concerts are André's most popular concerts of the year with his most dedicated fans flying from all over the world to see this incredible event live. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Saturday 13 Jul 19:00

Springsteen & I Runtime:120mins       Rating: Springsteen & I is a unique feature music documentary celebrating a rock n’ roll icon. 40 years ago, Bruce Springsteen burst onto the rock scene and changed it forever. His music defined a generation, but behind the songs were remarkable stories about the fans who lived them. Now audiences everywhere can discover how the sound of Bruce Springsteen became the soundtrack to our lives. Working with the filmmakers, his fans have helped create a film that reflects on their personal insights and experiences, to explore what this timeless artist means to them. Combined with never-before-seen archive footage of Bruce’s performances throughout his career, and his incredible music, this is a film for the people, by the people – filled with the songs we loved and the stories we lived. Inspired by Scott Free London’s critically acclaimed feature film Life in a Day, who serve as executive producers, fans around the world have participated in submitting clips about their relationship to Bruce and his iconic music. Directed by Baillie Walsh and produced by Ridley Scott Associates/Black Dog Films, this is the ultimate collective filmmaking experience. Springsteen is one of the greatest American recording artists of all time – a rock legend whose lyrics speak to one and all. From the streets of his native New Jersey, to the dizzy heights of the victory and inauguration speeches of America’s first black President, no other artist has embodied the highs and lows of the American Dream more than Bruce Springsteen. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Monday 22 Jul 21:00

Carmen on Sydney Harbour Runtime:150mins       Rating: The annual Handa Opera event on Sydney Harbour will take your breath away. From the moment you see the magical harbour-edge setting of the astonishing floating stage with one of the world’s most beautiful cities as the backdrop, you’ll understand why images of the spectacular first production were beamed across the world and why critics and audiences were in raptures. In 2013, Carmen takes the stage; dangerous, sexy and incandescent in a thrilling new production. Set on a stage suspended above the water on Sydney Harbour, this sizzling outdoor staging of Bizet’s famous love story - Carmen tells the story of the naive soldier Don José who abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts the army when he falls under the alluring gypsy’s spell. When he loses her love to the dashing toreador Escamillo, the scene is set for jealousy and vengeance. Bizet’s seductive melodies and fiery Spanish rhythms conjure a world of desire, defiance and doom, in some of the world’s best loved music, including the arias ‘Habanera,’ ‘Seguidilla,’ ‘Flower Song’ and ‘Toreador Song.’ Israeli born mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham, one of the world’s most acclaimed Carmens, performs the title role. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Thursday 25 Jul 20:30           Sunday 28 Jul 16:00

The Flying Dutchman Live from Beyrether Festspiele Runtime:150mins       Rating:TBC Norway, 1700s. An icy storm drives the sea captain Daland's ship miles beyond his home on the coast. As the sky suddenly darkens and the waters again grow rough, another ship, a ghostly schooner, arrives and drops anchor next to Daland's. Its captain, the Flying Dutchman, steps ashore, despairing of his fate. He once swore he would sail around the Cape of Good Hope if it took him forever, and the devil took him at his word. Once every seven years he may leave his ship in search of a woman who will redeem him from his deathless wandering if she gives him faithful, absolute love; failing this, he is condemned to roam the seas until the Day of Judgment. He tells Daland of his plight and offers a reward of gold and jewels for a night's lodging. Then, discovering that Daland has a young daughter, the Dutchman asks for her hand in marriage. Daland, seeing the extent of the stranger's wealth, immediately agrees. Instructing the Dutchman to follow, Daland sets sail for his home port. At Daland's house, his daughter, Senta, dreamily watches village women as they spin and make sails. They tease the girl about her suitor, the huntsman Erik, but she remains in a trance. Staring at a portrait of the Flying Dutchman, she sings a ballad about the phantom captain. With burning intensity she prays that she may be the one to save him. Erik enters and, after the others have left, asks Senta to plead his cause with Daland. Noticing her preoccupation with the Dutchman's picture, he relates a frightening dream in which he saw her embrace the Dutchman and sail away in his ship. Senta exclaims that this is her own dream as well, and the despairing Erik rushes away. A moment later, the Dutchman himself stands before the girl. He tells her of his sad lot, and she vows to be faithful to him unto death. Daland blesses the union. At the harbor, the villagers celebrate the sailors' return. They invite the Dutchman's crew to join them but are frightened away by the ghostly crew's weird chanting. Senta soon rushes in, pursued by Erik, who insists she has pledged her love to him. Overhearing this, the Dutchman believes himself betrayed and jumps aboard his ship. As horrified villagers crowd the shore, he reveals his name and nature and sets sail. Senta runs to the top of a cliff, triumphantly proclaiming herself faithful unto death, and leaps into the sea. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Thursday 25 Jul 17:00

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre: The Taming Of The Shrew Runtime:180mins       Rating: Shakespeare most outrageous comedy, The Taming of the Shrew introduces one of theatres great screwball double-acts, a couple hell-bent on confusing and outwitting each other right up to the play equivocal and controversial conclusion. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Monday 29 Jul 20:30           Thursday 01 Aug 16:00

DON CARLO (Giuseppe Verdi) Opera Live From Teatro alla Scala Milan, Italy Runtime:270mins       Rating: Don Carlo is possibly the most intense, deep, nuanced, rich, and masterful work of the mature Giuseppe Verdi. It is also the Verdi opera that exists in the most number of versions. The version presented here is the 1884 four-act version that Verdi reduced and changed into Italian from the original 1867 five-act version in French. The story is based on conflicts in the life of Carlos, Prince of Asturias, after his betrothed Elisabeth of Valois married his father, Philip II of Spain, as part of the peace treaty ending the Italian War of 1551-1559 between the Houses of Habsburg and Valois. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Friday 16 Aug 18:30           Sunday 18 Aug 18:30

Turandot (Puccini) Runtime:170mins       Rating:TBC Puccini creates a rich soundworld for this dark and erotic fairytale. The opera contains many memorable arias, from ‘Signore, ascolta’, as Liù appeals to Calaf not to attempt Turandot’s deadly riddles, to Turandot’s defiant ‘In questa reggia’. Turandot also contains one of the most famous of all arias – ‘Nessun dorma’, sung as Calaf anticipates winning the Princess’s hand. Andrei ?erban’s staging – one of the most spectacular in The Royal Opera’s repertory – transports an audience to a beautiful but savage world. Sally Jacobs’s colourful sets and costumes are inspired by ancient Chinese culture, reflecting the traditional Chinese melodies woven into the score. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Tuesday 17 Sep 19:15

Don Quixote Runtime:100mins       Rating:TBC Carlos Acosta, Royal Ballet Principal Guest Artist, presents a new production of this exuberant tale of friendship, love and loyalty. The adventures of the bumbling knight Don Quixote and his ever-faithful squire Sancho Panza have been the inspiration for countless ballets, of which one of the most well-loved is the version by 19th-century Russian choreographer Marius Petipa. Acosta has danced the virtuoso role of Basilio many times, and now brings his unique and vibrant vision to the story, drawing on Petipa and with music by Ludwig Minkus, full of Spanish flair and atmpsphere. Don Quixote, with its famously bravura Act III pas de deux and its infectious joie de vivre makes for a wonderfully entertaining evening. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Wednesday 16 Oct 19:15

Les Vêpres siciliennes Runtime:100mins       Rating:TBC A huge new production of Verdi’s rarely seen five-act French opera Les Vepres siciliennes will be one of several highlights of Royal Opera's 2013-14 season at Covent Garden, announced today. The opera will be coming to the Royal Opera House for the first time, in a co-production with the Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen, as part of the house’s continuing celebrations of Verdi’s bicentenary. Marina Poplavskaya, Bryan Hymel and Erwin Schrott will star in a first production for the house by Norwegian director Stefan Herheim. Royal Opera music director Sir Antonio Pappano will conduct. Eight performances in October and November will include a 90-strong chorus and 32 dancers, including four principals from the Royal Ballet and four from the Royal Danish Ballet. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Monday 04 Nov 18:45

The Nutcracker Runtime:100mins       Rating: A young girl's enchanted present leads her on a wonderful adventure in this classic ballet, accompanied by Tchaikovsky's glittering score Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Thursday 12 Dec 19:15

Parsifal (Wagner) Runtime:315mins       Rating:TBC The creative team behind The Royal Opera’s production of The Minotaur, director Stephen Langridge and designer Alison Chitty, bring a new staging of Parsifal to Covent Garden. Parsifal, Wagner’s final opera, was first given at Bayreuth in 1882. For many years, at the insistence of Wagner and then his widow Cosima, performances outside the Bayreuth Festival were banned. This embargo was lifted in January 1914; by August of the same year Parsifal had been performed at more than fifty opera houses throughout Europe. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Wednesday 18 Dec 16:45

Giselle Runtime:130mins       Rating:TBC Giselle is the quintessential Romantic ballet. It transformed the dance world when it was first performed in Paris in 1841 and remains at the centre of the classical repertory. Although the choreography and designs have undergone many changes over the years, the essence of Giselle remains the same. The Royal Ballet’s production uses Marius Petipa’s classic version (after the original choreography by Jules Perrot and Jean Coralli), first staged in St Petersburg in 1884. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Monday 27 Jan 19:15

Don Giovanni Runtime:100mins       Rating:TBC The opera of all operas’ was how the German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann described Mozart’s Don Giovanni. It was first staged in Prague in 1787 and by the 19th century had become one of the most performed operas in Europe. It had a profound influence on many Romantic writers, including Shelley and Byron, and has led to an enduring fascination with the licentious figure of ‘Don Juan’. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Wednesday 12 Feb 18:45

The Sleeping Beauty (Tchaikovsky) Runtime:180mins       Rating:TBC First staged in St Petersburg in 1890, The Sleeping Beauty is the pinnacle of classical ballet: a perfect marriage of Petipa’s choreography and Tchaikovsky’s music and a glorious challenge for every dancer on stage. It is also The Royal Ballet’s signature work. To mark the Company’s 75th birthday in 2006, Monica Mason and Christopher Newton revitalized its landmark 1946 production, which re-established Petipa’s choreography as recorded by Imperial Ballet régisseur Nicholas Sergeyev, to a scenario and staging developed by Ninette de Valois herself, founder of The Royal Ballet. With Oliver Messel’s gorgeous original designs wonderfully re-imagined by Peter Farmer, and additional choreography by Anthony Dowell, Christopher Wheeldon and Frederick Ashton, today’s Sleeping Beauty not only captures the mood of the original but shows that this is very much a living work for The Royal Ballet, growing and changing with the Company while celebrating its past. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Wednesday 19 Mar 19:15

The Winter's Tale (Wheeldon) Runtime:180mins       Rating:TBC Following his charming Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and a series of short ballets including Aeternum and Polyphonia, Christopher Wheeldon presents a new full-length work at Covent Garden. He draws on another much-loved work of English literature: The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare’s late, great romance. The story follows the destruction of a marriage through consuming jealousy, the abandonment of a child and a seemingly hopeless love. Yet, through remorse and regret – and after a statue comes miraculously to life – the ending is one of forgiveness and reconciliation. Wheeldon continues his highly successful collaboration with designer Bob Crowley and composer Joby Talbot, the team behind Alice, in one of the highlights of The Royal Ballet Season. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Monday 28 Apr 19:15

MANON LESCAUT live from The Royal Opera Runtime:185mins       Rating: Giacomo Puccini | Opera in four acts: This early Puccini masterpiece makes a welcome return to Covent Garden after an absence of over 20 years, in a new production by Jonathan Kent under the baton of Music Director Antonio Pappano. The exciting Latvian soprano Kristine Opolais sings the title role. A consummate Puccini soprano, Opolais caused a sensation as Madama Butterfly in 2011, and with Manon Lescaut, the bold but impressionable heroine, we will see a very different side of her character. She is matched in star power by Jonas Kaufmann as her lover, Des Grieux, and Christopher Maltman as her cynical brother Lescaut. This is a much anticipated new production, and Kent’s vision of a young girl who faces temptation in the big city will surely resonate with today’s audience. Note: Times shown in RED are sold-out. Tuesday 24 Jun 19:15