Victorian Opera marks the ANZAC centenary with the premiere of Remembrance in Hobart today 18 April with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra - a new work based on songs from the World War One era, archival footage and photography.
Victorian Opera's Artistic Director and composer Richard Mills has specially arranged popular songs of the wartime era alongside the poetry and prose of Australian author and two-time winner of Miles Franklin Literary Award Rodney Hall to share a uniquely Victorian experience of war.
Using audio-visual materials sourced primarily from the National Library of Australia and the Australian War Memorial, Remembrance will be a journey through historic moments of the ANZAC legacy - from the Declaration of War, to enlistment and training, the Gallipoli and Somme campaigns and finally, the return home.
Much-loved Australian performer David Hobson leads a cast consisting of students of the Master of Music (Opera Performance), run in partnership by Victorian Opera and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne.
Returning to Melbourne for a performance on Thursday 13 August, the new work will be performed with Orchestra Victoria at Hamer Hall before hitting the road and touring the State's regional centres.
Joining Hobson and the cast will be a large community choir made up of singers from each location the production visits.
"Songs and poetry combine to share a moment in our country's history; a moment that exemplifies our nation's courage, loyalty and identity."
Richard Mills, Artistic Director, Victorian Opera
"The centenary of the Great War is an event of national importance. Victorian Opera can provide unique musical resources to enrich the narrative."
Rodney Hall, Writer and Director
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Richard Mills & Rodney Hall
REMEMBRANCE
Arrangement and Conductor Richard Mills
Writer and Director Rodney Hall
Video Compilation and Lighting Design Peter Darby
Remembrance
18 April 2015, 7:30pm
Federation Concert Hall, Hobart
Bookings: 1800 001 190 or online at
tso.com.au
13 August 2015, 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Bookings:1300 182 183 or online at
artscentremelbourne.com.au
Remembrance is presented with assistance from the National Library of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and Museum Victoria.
The Victorian regional tour and Victorian Opera's regional hub program is made possible through the support of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust.
CAST:
War Correspondent David Hobson
Kate Amos
Nathan Lay
Elizabeth Lewis
Emma Muir-Smith
Michael Petruccelli
Cristina Russo
Matthew Tng
Orchestra Victoria
Videos