Fidelio
This powerful new production of Beethoven’s only opera makes its Australian première at the Conservatorium Theatre in July. South African director and designer Marthinus Basson, who will be making his Australian debut, has given this dramatic piece a contemporary new edge.
In the most secret dungeon of a state prison, Florestan, a young nobleman unjustly imprisoned for his stand against tyranny, is slowly nearing death. His political enemy, the ruthless Don Pizarro wants him dead before the imminent visit of the Minister, Don Fernando. Florstan’s wife Leonore is determined to find and save him. Disguised as a young man, Fidelio, she must manipulate the corrupt jailer Rocco and at the same time manoeuvre her way around the unwelcome affections of his daughter Marzelline in order to gain access to her husband. Her unrelenting courage and heroism drive a harrowing rescue to free the man she loves.
Beethoven’s Fidelio is a tribute to freedom and the human spirit in the face of the power of the state. The heroic themes of this triumphant work deliver some of opera’s greatest arias and choruses of lament and liberation.
Anke Höppner (last seen in Brisbane as Procne in The Love of the Nightingale) sings the role of the loyal wife Leonore with Rafael Soler performing the role of the victimised Florestan.
Creative Team: Conductor - Graham Abbott, Director and Designer - Marthinus Basson, Lighting Designer - Donn Byrnes.
Cast: Leonore - Anke Höppner, Florestan - Rafael Soler, Don Pizarro - Barry Ryan, Rocco - Richard Anderson, Marzelline - Sarah Crane, Jaquino - Bradley Daley, Don Fernando - Peter Axford.
With The Queensland Orchestra and the Opera Queensland Chorus.
Sung in German with English surtitles.
A new production by Opera Queensland.
Dates
Sat 11 July 2009 - Sat 1 August 2009
Times
7.30pm (11, 14, 16, 18, 25, 28 & 30 July); 6.30pm (23 July); 1.30pm (21 July & 1 Aug)
Venue
Conservatorium Theatre16 Russell Street, South Bank
Cost
Single tickets from $43
Further information
Opera QueenslandEmail: info [at] operaqueensland [dot] com [dot] au
Phone: 07 3735 3030
Web: www.operaqueensland.com.au
Bookings
Location
The Conservatorium Theatre is at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University located at 16 Russell Street, South Bank.
It is in South Bank’s cultural precinct, adjacent to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
For more information visit www.griffith.edu.au/queenslandconservatorium.
Seating guide
Take a look at the Conservatorium Theatre seating plan to check if you’ve got good seats.
Public transport
For bus, train, ferry and CityCat timetables, as well as information about planning your journey visit www.translink.com.au or telephone 13 12 30.
Buses: The Cultural Centre and South Bank Busway stations are five minutes walk from the Conservatorium. The Cultural Centre station is north of the Conservatorium, while the South Bank station is situated to the south.
Ferries: Both the Cross River Ferry and the CityCat terminals are located on South Bank's Clem Jones Promenade.
Trains: The South Brisbane railway station is diagonally opposite Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Taxis: A courtesy phone is located in the main foyer near the internal staircase. The closest taxi ranks are located at QPAC.
Parking
Parking available at the following stations:
- South Bank Parklands (entry via Grey Street)
- Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (entry via Merivale Street or Grey Street)
- QPAC (entry via Melbourne St - turn right just before you get onto Victoria Bridge)
- Museum and Art Gallery (entry off Grey Street – just before the dinosaur! or the Stanley Street tunnel).
For more information please see South Bank Precinct Parking.
Accessibility
The Conservatorium Theatre has lift access. The lift to the foyer is located under the main staircase entrance in Russell Street. Seats in the Conservatorium Theatre located in rows K to Q seats 4 -10 are connected to a Hearing Aid Loop. This facility is only available during events that involve sound enhancement. Please advise of your individual needs when booking your tickets.
