Voyage to the Moon
Melbourne Recital Centre
15,16,18,19 February, 2016
Presented in partnership with Musica Viva, Victorian Opera and the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions.
A 16th century knight Astolfo travels to the heavens, his destination, the Moon. His quest, to find a cure for his friend, the great warrior Orlando who has fallen into a deep madness. The moon is, as Astolfo discovers, home to many lost things including Orlando’s sanity. But before he can save his friend, he must first convince the all-powerful Selena, Guardian of the Moon, that Orlando is indeed worth saving.
Legendary Australian playwright and director Michael Gow together with renowned musicologist and conductor, the late Alan Curtis reimagine the epic 16th century poem Orlando Furioso. Part new work, part baroque pastiche, Voyage to the Moon will feature old and new text with existing 18th century music performed by a period ensemble.
One of the greatest Australian sopranos, Emma Matthews assumes dual roles as both the all-powerful Selena, Guardian of the Moon, and the mad Orlando while leading Australian mezzo Sally-Anne Russell is the loyal knight Astolfo. Former Victorian Opera emerging artist Jeremy Kleeman sings the role of Magus, with Victorian Opera’s own Head of Music Phoebe Briggs conducting from the harpsichord.
A Free Baroque Music Masterclass is associated with this event – details here: http://www.historyofemotions.org.au/events/baroque-music-performance-emotions-insights/?page=1
