What does Opera Queensland’s current production of Bizet’s exotic and beautiful The Pearlfishers currently being performed at QPAC have in common with beer and pizza?
Image credit – Opera Queensland
Price is the answer. For $25 you can experience opera for the cost of a beer and pizza. Opera Queensland is committed to encouraging new audiences to experience Bizet’s grand opera. “For those who have never been to an opera, we will be releasing 2,500 tickets to The Pearlfishers for $25*. We want opera to be accessible to everyone and this is an excellent opportunity for newcomers to see a classic production with a world class cast, for a low ticket price”, said Ms Hume, Opera Queensland Artistic Director.
I enjoyed The Pearlfishers on opening night and it was a stunning experience that has not been seen in Queensland for 15 years. This story of love, obsession, greed and friendship was powerfully portrayed by Australia’s prima opera diva, Emma Matthews alongside Aldo Di Toro, Andrew Collis and Opera Queensland debutant Grant Doyle.
Image credit – Opera Queensland
The performance is 80 minutes in duration and I found that time passed quickly. I was swept away to colonial Ceylon to a world of vivid costumes and ornate set design, where the chorus sung strongly and perfectly complemented the stars. My favourite part of the performance was to hear live the infamous duet “Au fond du temple saint’, a beautiful and deeply moving ode to friendship.
If you have never been to the opera now is your chance, for only $25 you will be able to buy a ticket to The Pearlfishers and experience an evening of emotion, beauty and joy – a champagne experience on a beer budget.
Opera Queensland – The Pearlfishers
Where – Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Dates – 25, 27 May & 1 June 7.30pm – 30 May 6.30pm – 3 June 1.30pm
Tickets – Buy your tickets here