By Helena Adeloju
Come July, Hillview Bunyip Aged Care retirement village will play host to a double bill of opera performances.
The opera extravaganza will take place on Sunday 9 July.
Cordelia’s Potted Operas will present a semi-staged version of Rigoletto by Verdie.
The opera tells the dramatic tale of a curse, a betrayal and the getting of revenge.
Founder and Artistic Director of Cordelia’s Potted Opera Stee Cordelia believes that Rigoletto has “the most outstanding scores in operatic history”.
The performance will feature an outstanding cast including renowned Melbourne baritone Michael Lampard in the lead role, with well-known performer Nick Seidenman as The Duke.
Jamie Moffat, who also sings with the Savoy Opera Company, will play the role of Sparafucile, and Victoria Opera and Opera Australia chorus member Kerrie Ann Bolton will take to the stage as Maddalena.
Helen Koehne, who also sings with the Savoy Opera Company, will play the role of Gilda.
Following Rigoletto, The Savoy Opera Company will perform Trial by Jury which is a popular and fun opera about a breach of promise of marriage.
Ms Cordelia, who is also the Director of the Savoy Opera Company, said Gilbert and Sullivan is for all ages and is just as relevant as when it was written.
“Trial by Jury only runs for 45 minutes but is always good fun with its catchy tunes,” she said.
The opera sets to music the story of the jilted Angelina who takes the defendant to court for a breach of promise of marriage.
“The case becomes a bit of a farce with the counsel coaching the jury as on how to vote,” Ms Cordelia said.
“In the end, the judge comes up with a fine solution to end the hilarity!”
Well-seasoned Gilbert and Sullivan performer and director in his own right Richard Burman will play the judge.
Savoy’s Musical Director David Campbell will sing the role of the defendant, with emerging artist Sian Williams in the role of the plaintiff.
A wonderfully versatile performer Luke Belle will sing the role of the counsel after performing to acclaim in Savoy’s The Tales of Hoffmann, which was performed in Bunyip at the end of May.
Minor roles will be sung by Steven Howland, Natasha Rodrigues, Jane Sutton, Naomi Hobbs and Elizabeth Spilias.
The performance will be held at the Hillview Bunyip Aged Care, 22 A’Beckett Road, Bunyip, on Sunday 9 July.
For more information and to book call 0425 853 071. Tickets will also be available at www.trybooking.com and at the door.
