Shining a cosmic light on opera at the School of Music

The ANU School of Music is putting a modern twist on a traditional genre, when Opera meets technology during a performance coming to Llewellyn Hall. 

L’Orfeo, based on the Greek legend of Orpheus, is a collaboration between the School of Music, School of Art and the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics. The show brings together opera, cutting edge digital technology and astronomy in two performances set for 21 and 22 August.

Head of the School of Music, Peter Tregear, said the School was excited to work with internationally acclaimed digital artist Andrew Quinn on the specially-commissioned digital set.

“Andrew is a world-leading digital artist with a global reputation and we are extremely fortunate that he has agreed to work on our production,” Professor Tregear said.

The cast and orchestra includes current students and distinguished artists in residence at the School of Music.

Professor Tregear will conduct the orchestra and the show is directed by Cate Clelland, who has been involved in the Canberra Theatre scene for more than two decades.

The title role is taken by distinguished English tenor Nicholas Mulroy.

The School of Art is designing costumes for the performers, and will also help with the projections that will show on the screens in Llewellyn Hall on both nights.

The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics has provided astronomical imagery which will be incorporated into the digital set design to bring the cosmic theme of the story to life.

Tickets to L’Orfeo can be purchased through the ANU School of Music website.

Watch this space for more on L’Orfeo in the coming weeks.