Opera Australia Presents Bizet's Romantic Opera, THE PEARLFISHERS, Jan. 15

Bizet's romantic opera of golden sands, colourful silks and soul-stirring duets is being reimagined in this brand new Opera Australia production, directed by Michael Gow.

In the hands of master storyteller Michael Gow, Bizet's romantic opera is a compelling tale. Two men swear loyalty to each other but as the opera unfolds, temptation duels with duty, true hearts turn black with jealousy and rash choices bring regrets.

The Australian playwright and director is drawn to the history behind the lavish cultural stereotypes. The lustre of a pearl can't tell the story of its gruesome industry, a trade where cruel men count pearls above a fisher's life or livelihood. But Gow can.

The vivid colours and exotic beauty of Robert Kemp's set and costume design honour Ceylon's colonial past, creating a visually alluring spectacle to complement the exquisite music of The Pearlfishers. The creative partnership between Robert Kemp and Michael Gow has been proven to be a great success with collaborations between the two resulting in Opera Australia's highly regarded regional tour of The Magic Flute. They have also worked together for the tour of The Marriage of Figaro in 2016.

Conducted by Guillaume Tourniaire, and featuring the vivacious Ekaterina Siurina and Stacey Alleaume as Léïla, and Pavol Breslik and Nikhil Navkal as Nadir, this new Pearlfishers offers audiences a chance to hear Bizet's passionate music in a new light. The visual and musical beauty of this opera means it promises to be a production you will never forget.

Adult tickets from $79 (fees may apply) Group and concession prices available for most performances. Student Rush available for most performances: $50 (fees may apply) Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House

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