Author: operaotago

Obituary: Ian Page

Ian Page

Ian Page was a musical director, and teacher with an MA in history, who always encouraged others to participate. In 1964 he was Assistant Musical Director for Opera Otago’s production of the opera La Traviata with a Dunedin season, and performances in Invercargill, Timaru and Oamaru. In subsequent years he directed many Opera Otago and other productions, always with a clear idea of what could be achieved and support as he worked with chorus and soloists. In 1975 he and Flora Edwards established the Southern Opera Ensemble in Dunedin, touring opera programmes to many South Island centres. Its schools group also performed in schools and community concerts over several years. In 2003 he initiated the “Friends of the Opera”, providing Sunday afternoon programmes for members to enjoy music and their understanding of opera. He chaired the group till recently. Ian is warmly remembered for his teaching, his support of others, and his commitment to making and understanding good music. His wife, Prof Dot Page and the family have lost a wonderful husband and father; our community has lost a valued friend who inspired a love of music in many people. He will not be forgotten.

Tribute from Bruce McMillan

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Obituary: Josie Roberts

Josie 2Josie Roberts first appeared in the Dunedin Opera Company files as the Stage Properties person in 1980, where she was involved in both operas produced that year, ‘The Merry Widow’ and ‘Tosca’. Over 29 years Josie contributed her props expertise to each of the 30 operas produced, with her last opera being John Drummond’s ‘The Stars in Orion’ in 1999. Josie is remembered for the amazing stage properties that she produced over the years, as well as her meticulous care of said properties, often warning those backstage to keeps their hands off! Josie and  her husband Bernie Roberts also stored company props in their garage for many years when there was no storage at the Mayfair Theatre. At the time of Josie’s death the family generously gifted to the company a beautiful ball gown made by Josie, as well as many props including three large vases, fabric, Japanese fans, decorations and boxes of flowers. The company would like to acknowledge Josie’s enormous contribution the company over many years, for which we are extremely grateful.

Tribute from Mary Dixon

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Spotlight on our Stars: Meet the Principals

Sophie Sparrow: Pamina - 2014 Graduate: BMus Honours in Classical Voice at Otago University - Lexus Song Quest Masterclass 2014 with judge Kathryn Harries; finalist Dunedin Aria - Enjoys the outdoors and travelling; plays Hockey for the University of Otago “This has always been a dream role of mine. I enjoy singing Mozart's music - at times, it can be technically challenging, but it is an amazing opportunity! Rehearsals have been great and well-structured, we have got through the blocking. I look forward to developing my character more through understanding the inner-workings of Pamina.Sophie Sparrow: Pamina

Sophie Sparrow: Pamina

  • 2014 Graduate: BMus Honours in Classical Voice at Otago University
  • Lexus Song Quest Masterclass 2014 with judge Kathryn Harries; finalist Dunedin Aria
  • Enjoys the outdoors and travelling; plays Hockey for the University of Otago

“This has always been a dream role of mine. I enjoy singing Mozart’s music – at times, it can be technically challenging, but it is an amazing opportunity! Rehearsals have been great and well-structured, we have got through the blocking. I look forward to developing my character more through understanding the inner-workings of Pamina.”

James Adams: Tamino - Dunedin-born, but has been in Wellington for the last 10 years. Recently returned with his wife to be closer to family – in time for the arrival of their now ten-month-old baby! - Has a degree in performance from NZSM - he completed it as a baritone - Played ‘Samuel Marsden’ in Opera Otago’s production of Anthony Ritchie’s This Other Eden in 2014 “John’s ‘renovation’ brings a new angle to Tamino – he’s not a prince anymore, but more an everyman who falls into a strange and unexpected situation. It’s a new way of shaping the character that I’m really enjoying.”James Adams: Tamino

James Adams: Tamino

  • Dunedin-born, but has been in Wellington for the last 10 years. Recently returned with his wife to be closer to family – in time for the arrival of their now ten-month-old baby!
  • Has a degree in performance from NZSM – he completed it as a baritone
  • Played ‘Samuel Marsden’ in Opera Otago’s production of Anthony Ritchie’s This Other Eden in 2014

    “John’s ‘renovation’ brings a new angle to Tamino – he’s not a prince anymore, but more an everyman who falls into a strange and unexpected situation. It’s a new way of shaping the character that I’m really enjoying.”

Ingrid Fomison-Nurse: Queen of the Night - Originally from Canterbury - Age 25 - Studies privately with Judy Bellingham “I am incredibly excited to be singing the role of the Queen of the Night. The music is of course magical, and the Queen’s arias are fantastic to sing: challenging but incredibly energising and rewarding.Ingrid Fomison-Nurse: Queen of the Night

Ingrid Fomison-Nurse: Queen of the Night

  • Originally from Canterbury
  • Age 25
  • Studies privately with Judy Bellingham“I am incredibly excited to be singing the role of the Queen of the Night. The music is of course magical, and the Queen’s arias are fantastic to sing: challenging but incredibly energising and rewarding. Rehearsals have been lots of fun with a great group of people. It’s really exciting to watch characters forming and the story becoming real.”
Benjamin Madden: Monostatos - Born and bred Dunedinite, Otago Boys educated - Recent Graduate: BMus (Classical Singing) and BA (Philosophy) - Currently enjoying the challenges of teaching and directing choirs, whilst balancing a busy performance schedule around the country “I’m looking forward to seeing the many aspects of this production come together – particularly some of the rumoured hi-tech wizardry!”Benjamin Madden: Monostatos

Benjamin Madden: Monostatos

  • Born and bred Dunedinite, Otago Boys educated
  • Recent Graduate: BMus (Classical Singing) and BA (Philosophy)
  • Currently enjoying the challenges of teaching and directing choirs, whilst balancing a busy performance schedule around the country

    “I’m enjoying the challenges of inhabiting a nasty character, Monostatos. I’m also looking forward to seeing the many aspects of this production come together – particularly some of the rumoured hi-tech wizardry!”

Robert Lindsay: Sarastro - From Invercargill - Age 19, this is his first operatic role - In his 2nd year of voice studies at Otago University, studying under Judith Henley “Playing an old man at 19 is definitely a challenge, but I’m really looking forward to the performances. It’s going to be a great experience!”Robert Lindsay: Sarastro

Robert Lindsay: Sarastro

  • From Invercargill
  • Age 19, this is his first operatic role
  • In his 2nd year of voice studies at Otago University, studying under Judith Henley

    “Playing an old man at 19 is definitely a challenge, but I’m really looking forward to the performances. It’s going to be a great experience!”

Tyler Neumann: Papageno - 3rd year physics and classical singing student at University of Otago - Musical background of musical theatre and choral singing - Singing ‘Papageno’ is his first operatic role “As a cast composed of nearly all Otago music students, there is a huge sense of comradeship that has been a tremendous pleasure to be part of.”Tyler Neumann: Papageno

Tyler Neumann: Papageno

  • 3rd year physics and classical singing student at University of Otago
  • Musical background of musical theatre and choral singing
  • Singing ‘Papageno’ is his first operatic role

    “As a cast composed of nearly all Otago music students, there is a huge sense of comradeship that has been a tremendous pleasure to be part of. Papageno is such a fun character to play. His simple wants and quirky nature, putting him so firmly at odds with his morally-driven counterparts, places him at the heart of this opera’s comedic nature.”

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Mayfair Costume Hire

The Mayfair Costume Hire is pleased to announce it has extended its opening hours on Thursdays, and is now open 12pm – 8pm. Another piece of exciting news is that props are now available for hire, both for individuals and groups. Pop in and check out the huge range! For more information, email mayfaircostumehire@xtra.co.nz For photos, updates and information, like us on Facebook! 

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Raffle Prizes Announced!

Congratulations to our Winners:

Dansey’s Pass: #0825

Larnach’s Castle: #0652

Monarch Wildlife: #0809

No 7. Balmac: #1022

Bannock Brae Wine: #1108

VIP Magic Flute: #0655, #1021, #0767, #0750, and #0700

Mayfair Costume Hire: #1143, #0740, #1305, #0008, #1298 and #0072

Thank you to all our participants.

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Givealittle page active! Donate Now

Dunedin Opera Company Inc, parent to Opera Otago, is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on grants from local and national businesses and trusts to support it. We also rely on individual supporters who make up our audience, our membership base, and who can donate to help us to maintain a quality home of Opera in the South of New Zealand.

If you want to donate, please click here

Givealittle is a zero fees online fundraising platform for all New Zealanders. It is funded by Spark Foundation. Opera Otago is grateful to Spark for a place to fundraise where “every cent of every dollar donated or fundraised gets through to where it’s needed.”

Givealittle

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Seasons Greetings from our Chair

Screen Shot 2015-03-22 at 2.08.10 pmWishing you a relaxing festive season as we reflect on 2014 and look towards the new year.

For those who attended This Other Eden you will, I am sure, agree with me that it was an exceptional production&\
“.  The comments from the audience and cast surveys were overwhelmingly positive. We also gained some valuable suggestions from these surveys about how to improve our performance.  We have taken note of these. In TakeNote you will find the details of the production team’s success in the Dunedin Theatre Awards.

You will also find more detail about our major production for 2015.  The Magic Flute is one of Mozart’s most loved operas and is one that is new to Opera Otago’s repertoire.  We look forward to a sparkling production of this popular work. Make sure you organise your year to include it in your plans!

While an artistic success, our production this year severely stretched the finances of the Company.  To this end we have established a number of fundraising efforts to be carried out during 2015. Your support of these would be most welcome.  The first is a raffle, which will be on sale in the New Year.  Other aspects of the fundraisers will be announced in due course.

In conclusion I would just like to record my thanks to our faithful supporters, to all who were involved in the production of This Other Eden, and to my Executive members for their support and hard work over the year.

Best Wishes for a relaxing and happy Festive Season.

Murray Davidson

Chairman

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