Fresh approach for Ensemble

May 2009
Media Release
Fresh approach for Ensemble

Music that tells a story, conveys passion, emotion, and entertains is the perfect formula for a stunning concert series which is set to delve into the darker side of the mind. The Solid Energy Ensemble of Southern Opera kicks off its 2009 season with 7 Deadly Sins – a concert packed full of songs for the soul.

Southern Opera established the Solid Energy Ensemble early last year to provide development and performance opportunities for talented local singers and to make opera more accessible to audiences throughout the South Island. This dynamic group is made up of 16 dedicated singers, all with extensive experience in opera and a strong desire to entertain.

Under the new artistic direction of talented young conductor Holly Mathieson, the group will perform in Nelson on May 23rd for the very first time, as well as returning to Blenheim on May 24th before entertaining its growing home audience in Christchurch on May 29th.

Holly, at present completing her PhD through the University of Otago, has a wealth of conducting experience, with orchestras (including the CSO and Southern Sinfonia), choirs and vocal ensemble. She was the music director for Opera Otago’s productions of Cosi fan tutte and Falstaff as well as assisting Tecwyn Evans on the University of Otago’s production of Carmen in 2006.

Holly has thrown herself into her new role with Southern Opera, selecting the 16 singers earlier this year and crafting a concert programme to appeal to the singers and audience alike.

“I would love to see classical music breaking some boundaries in New Zealand. There are really exciting things happening overseas as composers, performers and listeners explore new concert formats, sounds and media. I would like the Ensemble to be a testing ground for expanding opera's horizons, and simply celebrating the way the human voice can move us in a way unlike any other sound."

Presented by singers not only chosen for their voices but also for their dynamic personalities, this concert features opera choruses, solos, duets and ensembles with repertoire ranging from opera to musical theatre - all based around the seven deadly sins.
“The seven deadly sins have been the inspiration for so many sensational compositions throughout music’s history and provide the perfect framework for dramatic, varied and most importantly entertaining concert repertoire. I am excited to be presenting a programme featuring themes including lust, gluttony, greed, pride – the stuff great music is made of”, said Holly. “The enthusiasm and energy of these talented singers combined with a fun and spirited programme will certainly make for an evening to remember.”

Under the expert guidance of Holly, these 16 exceptional voices will entertain on a journey from Carmen’s lust to Wagner’s wrath, from Phantom’s envy to Mozart’s greed. Music for the mind and songs for the soul combine as these passionate singers expose the musical magic of the 7 Deadly Sins.

Tickets are on sale now, with all proceeds directed to the ongoing development and training of the singers.

Ends

© Scoop Media