Music and Opera Lovers Autumn and Winter 2017 – Part One

For our elderly Music and Opera lovers here is Part 1 of what is on offer for Autumn and Winter 2017. In fact, variety is the key word here so there is something for everyone. Anyway, if you are caring for an elderly loved one, you know that keeping them active with variety is important. More so, this applies physically and mentally as well. Plus, it is better if the whole family can get involved.

Here at Vermont Aged Care, we know the importance of quality-of-life for our beloved residents. That’s because we have to care for them physically, mentally and emotionally. In other words, it is a holistic package. Further, we know that the happier they are the better their health will be. That is why we are happy to keep you posted via our blogs on the latest interesting events in and around Melbourne 🙂

For the opera lovers

Opera Australia is offering four well known and well loved operas this season. They are Carmen, Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci and King Roger. Furthermore the State Theatreis staging them all, which is very practical.

• The link is at www.opera.org.au

Carmen

Carmen is an opera in four acts by French composer Georges Bizet. Plus, Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy wrote the Libretto. Furthermore, this in turn was based on a novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée. Eventually, after all this, the first performance of Carmen was held on 3rd March 1875, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris? Actually, it was not well received at first. In fact, the the audience was shocked and scandalised. Worse, after the 33rd performance, the composer Bizet died suddenly. Therefore, he never knew that the work would achieve international acclaim within the following 10 years. However, it has since become one of the most popular and frequently performed operas.

Carmen’s arias are amongst the best known of all operatic arias.

The storyline is set in southern Spain where Don José, a soldier, is seduced by the wiles of a fiery gypsy named Carmen. Sadly, he forgets his childhood sweetheart Micaela so she goes to the city in search of him. Once there, she discovers that he has fallen in love with Carmen. She tries to plead with him but to no avail. Alas, José abandons her and deserts his military duties. Worse, unfortunately for José, Carmen then abandons him for the glamorous toreador Escamillo! Sadly, after this José kills her in a jealous rage.

Interestingly, this production, directed by John Bell, is a brash and modern take on the traditional. Importantly, the action has been transferred from 19th century Spain to 1950’s Cuba. Perhaps best of all thought, Melbourne born and trained soprano Stacey Alleaume is taking on the role of Micaela!

It runs from May 4th to 26th, so don’t miss out!

Cavalleria Rusticana

Cavalleria Rusticana is Italian for “Rustic Chivalry”. Quite simply, it is an opera in one act by Pietro Mascagni. Interestingly;

• the libretto is by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci
• They adapted it from a play and short story by Giovanni Verga
• it premiered on 17 May 1890 at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome
• importantly, it is considered one of the classic verismo operas. 

It is set in a 19th-century Sicilian village during Easter morning. Furthermore, the young villager Turiddu has returned from military service. Sadly he finds that his fiancé, Lola has married the carter, Alfio, while he was away. Worse, in revenge, Turiddu has seduced Santuzza, a young woman in the village.

The scene moves to the main square of the village, where Turiddu is heard singing a siciliana (from offstage). Santuzza, having slept with Turiddu and suspecting that he has betrayed her for Lola is distraught and approaches Lucia for information. Amongst a myriad of lies and cover-ups, all the players are trying to unravel their own personal dramas. Lucia pities Santuzza, who feels dishonoured, having been seduced by Turiddu only to be abandoned by him for his old flame, Lola.

Alfio swears to take revenge. Therefore, when Turiddu offers him wine Alfio refuses it. All understand that trouble is in the air. Alfio challenges Turiddu to a duel. Following Sicilian custom, the two men embrace. Then, Turiddu bites Alfio’s ear, drawing blood which signifies a fight to the death. The villagers start to crowd around. After hearing voices are heard in the distance and a woman cries, “They have murdered Turiddu!”.

The production will run from May 10 to 20. Link: opera.org.au

Recommended Reading

• http://www.geocities.jp/wakaru_opera/englishcarmen.html
• http://www.geocities.jp/wakaru_opera/englishcavalleriarusticana.html
• Link: opera.org.au

Don’t miss our next blog dear reader, Part Two of our Series entitled Music and Opera Lovers Autumn and Winter 2017. Because, in the next blog we will feature two more operas, Pagliacci and King Roger.

In the meantime, we wish you and your elderly loved one and family all the best. We hope you will have a wonderful time should you choose to go to the opera. Bye for now.

This blog is intended to provide helpful advice. Please speak with your family GP for personalised information or, for specialist advice & support in Melbourne Australia, please contact VERMONT AGED CARE:

770 Canterbury Road, Vermont, Victoria, Australia 3133

Phone: +61 03-9873 5300. Email: info@vermontagedcare.com.au