Abstract
The Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, with Tessa Petersen (concertmaster, first violin), Helen du Plessis (principal cello) and Peter Adams (bass clarinet), celebrated the start of 2021 with a very special Town Hall concert. The concert featured two of New Zealand’s acclaimed opera superstars, Simon O’Neill and Anna Leese, in a programme of highlights from: Bizet’s ‘Carmen’, Beethoven’s ‘Fidelio’, Mozart’s ‘Idomeneo’ and Verdi’s ‘Otello’. They were joined by soprano Rhiannon Cooper from the University of Otago, the City Choir Dunedin, and leading New Zealand conductor Kenneth Young. Performed at Dunedin Town Hall, Dunedin, New Zealand.
The programme’s arias, duets, trio and choruses are set in exotic locations (Crete, Cyprus and Spain) and are packed with high drama. Through them, we experience the highs and lows of life: declarations of love, betrayal, jealousy, despair and ecstasy.