UN BALLO IN MASCHERA

"Bold staging and superb voices in Wellington Opera’s Un Ballo in Maschera"

- Max Rashbrooke on Stuff

Staged with a fresh perspective inspired by the myth of Artemis and Actaeon, this poetic interpretation binds ancient archetypes with Romantic operatic drama, as King Gustavo is transformed from the hunter to the hunted.

Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball) is based on the true story of the assassination of the Swedish King Gustavo III, a ruler plagued by his conscience. Initially affected by censorship, Wellington Opera presents the original version.  Full of glittering dance music and powerful choruses, this is Verdi at his best.

Wellington Opera presents the best of Aotearoa New Zealand artists in opera, at home.

CAST

Amelia – Madeleine Pierard †

Gustavo – Jared Holt ‡

Oscar – Natasha Te Rupe Wilson ^

Count Anckarström – Julien Van Mellaerts ^

Ulrica – Kristin Darragh ^

Giudice – Lila Crichton §

Count Ribbing – Samuel McKeever

Count Horn – Morgan-Andrew King ^

Cristiano – Daniel O’Connor

Amelia’s Servant – Chris Anderson

Director – Jacqueline Coats

Conductor – Brian Castles-Onion

Set Design – Michael Zaragoza

Costume Design – Lee Williams

Chorus Director – Michael Vinten

Wellington Opera Chorus

Orchestra Wellington

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Sung in Italian with English surtitles

In three acts with two intervals, total run time approximately 3 hours

Opera House, Wellington

This production contains depictions of violence and murder. It also contains loud noises.

^ Artist presented in association with The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation

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† Supported by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation

‡ Supported by the Turnovsky Endowment Trust

§ Supported by the Deane Endowment Trust