lyric opera and theatre works present
Music by Mary Finsterer
Libretto by Tom Wright
Biographica
22 SEPTEMBER - 1 OCTOBER | THEATRE WORKS | AT THEATRE WORKS
Biographica
VENUE
Music by Mary Finsterer
Libretto by Tom Wright
Hot on the heels of Lyric Opera’s multi-award-winning hit production Iphis is the Victorian premiere of Biographica. This 2017 Australian opera is composed by Mary Finsterer with libretto by Tom Wright was the winner of the 2018 APRA|AMCOS Art Music Award for Vocal Work. Scored for eleven musicians, five singers and one actor, Biographica blends spoken and sung text with shimmering orchestral colours in a contemporary reinterpretation of the essence of the Italian Renaissance.
Centred on the real life of Gerolamo Cardano, a sixteenth century scientist, mathematician, linguist and gambler, this opera is a poignant exploration of the psyche of a man whose brilliance and ‘self destructive’ nature coexisted in a captivating and devastating dance.
Cardano’s ground-breaking contributions to the realm of probability, innovations in sign language and the invention of the combination lock, have left an indelible mark on history. Beneath the surface of his profound achievements lay an enigmatic and often tormented soul. This opera interrogates the question of what really made a ‘renaissance man’.
Biographica is a new production created by the multi-award-winning team of Heather Fairbairn (Director), Niklas Pajanti (Lighting Designer), Savanna Wegmann (Set & Costume Design) and Lyric’s Artistic Director, Patrick Burns (Conductor).
Theatre Works
DURATION
85 Minutes
WARNINGS
Recommended for Audiences 12 and above. Some mature themes featured in the works
DATES + TIMES
Fri 22 Sep 7:30pm (Preview)
Sat 23 Sep 7:30pm (Opening)
Tue 26 Sep 7:30pm
Thu 28 Sep 7:30pm
Sat 30 Sep 7:30pm
Sun 1 Oct 2:30pm
This show is a lock-out performance. No latecomers will be admitted. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you don't miss out.
Refunds will not be issued to latecomers.
TICKETS
FULL PRICE
$45.00
CONCESSION*
$35.00
PREVIEW
$28.00
20 at $20**
$20.00
MOB TIX
$20.00
*Seniors, Student, MEAA, Health Care and Low Income card holders
**Limited to 20 tickets per performance
CREDITS
Cast:
Gerolamo Cardano - Dion Mills
Cardano's Mother, Doctor, Examiner, (Soprano 1) - Belinda Dalton
Chiara (Cardano's Daughter), Doctor, Examiner, (Soprano 2) - Rachael Joyce
Catterina (Giambattista's Wife), Doctor, Examiner, (Mezzo Soprano) - Juel Riggall
Aldo (Cardano's Youngest Son), Cassante (Physician), Examiner, (Tenor) - Douglas Kelly
Giambattista (Cardano's Oldest Son), Archbishop, Examiner, (Baritone) - Bailey Montgomerie
Creatives:
Director - Heather Fairbairn
Conductor - Patrick Burns
Set and Costume Design - Savanna Wegman
Lighting - Niklas Pajanti
Stage Manager - Brittany Coombs
Repetiteur - Isaac Mouskovias
Producer - Suzanne Chaundy
Production Manager - Katelyn B
Associate Designer - Maya Anderson
MEET THE ARTIST -
Lyric Opera
Established in 2003, Lyric Opera of Melbourne is a bold, creative opera company committed to developing operatic artists, building new audiences, and enriching the operatic repertoire by creating a forum for the production of lesser-known works. Lyric’s work is focused on producing innovative and exploratory music-based theatre, using contemporary practices that challenge, engage and inspire artists and audiences alike. Lyric has built a loyal audience, ranging from young professionals and Melbourne arts lovers to traditional opera enthusiasts and continues its bold programming exploration under the new artistic direction of acclaimed conductor, Patrick Burns.
