In what is undoubtedly the opera event of the year in Melbourne, Richard Wagner’s epic “Mastersingers of Nuremberg” was given its premiere by Melbourne Opera on February 16th. It was presented at the Royal Exhibition Building, the first time a fully-staged opera has been given there in its almost 150-year history. In every respect, this was an extraordinary achievement for Melbourne Opera. Working with a specially constructed stage, the company managed to present a flawless performance across a six hour time span. When it ended, the audience leapt to its feet and cheered. We had just witnessed a breathtaking artistic achievement.
In the central role of Hans Sachs, the cobbler, Warwick Fyfe dominated the second half of the opera with a compelling, sympathetic performance. James Egglestone, in the role of Walther, sang the famous Prize Song thrillingly to a hushed audience. Lee Abrahmsen also acquitted herself well as Eva in what is, in many ways, a thankless role. “Mastersingers” is a comic opera, and the splendid Christopher Hillier, playing Beckmesser, relished every comic moment that Wagner provides. It was a subtle, believable performance that the audience loved.
Anthony Negus, a Wagner expert, led the large orchestra through Wagner’s marathon score. The beauty and power of the orchestration shone through clearly at every point.
The costumes, by Karine Larche, deserve a special mention. Each character’s place in society was suggested, but so too were their personal aspirations.
Finally, a word about the venue. Much of the performance was given in the natural light that filtered through the upper windows of the Exhibition Building. With Act 3, however, the sun began to set. The emotional effect created, with the muted colors of the setting sun, and Wagner’s music echoing through the mighty space, is one that this writer will never forget.
Clinton Dean
For more details, info@melbourneopera.com www.melbourneopera.com
Melbourne Opera presents Richard Wagner’s epic comedy masterpiece Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg 3pm 16 & 22 February, 5pm 18 & 20 February
Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton 3053
Photo Credit: Museums Victoria
Billed as the opera event of 2025, Melbourne Opera’s multi-million dollar production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg will see opera lovers converge in Melbourne from 16–22 February. Audiences will experience a 4.5-hour production of Wagner’s epic – and only – comedy, with multiple intervals across the afternoon and evening. Themed catering will be available. Staged at the resplendent world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, the production comes from Suzanne Chaundy, the visionary director behind the groundbreaking, internationally acclaimed Ring Cycle Cultural Festival in 2023. International Wagner expert Anthony Negus returns once again to conduct, marking seven years collaborating with Suzanne Chaundy on Wagner operas.
The production features an all Australian cast and will employ over 200 performers, musicians, and creatives. With a nod to Shakespeare’s Globe, Andrew Bailey’s (The Ring Cycle) set design enhances the architectural splendour of the world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, with tiered seating for 1200 people.
“Our Meistersinger will be an event: not at all like a normal night at the opera. It will unfold over its many hours and spacious intervals in Melbourne’s iconic and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building. We are effectively building a theatre space within the Exhibition Building with a raised stage, orchestra pit and tiered seating bank, whilst making the venue a production ‘hero’,” says Suzanne.
“In our current age of dehumanization, this production will be proudly and profoundly human. It will have a huge life force and energy behind it. I want to bring forward the humour and joy alongside the serious aspects of respect for traditional art forms. Art can innovate and remain true to its roots. Innovation breathes new life into tradition. It is Wagner’s life story,” says Suzanne.
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg features an international Australian cast led by bass baritone Warwick Fyfe. Warwick is a leading exponent of the Wagnerian repertoire, who won widespread acclaim as Wotan in The Ring Cycle. He is beyond thrilled to be making his debut in the demanding lead role of Hans Sachs, after performing several other roles in Wagner’s comedy throughout his illustrious career. “Meistersinger is a miracle of complex engineering and Sachs is the largest cog. It is like a Brueghel painting in that the closer you look, the more you see.” Many of Australia’s greatest opera singers join Warwick in this production. Tenor James Egglestone (Siegmund and Loge in The Ring Cycle) takes on the role of Walther von Stolzing, while Christopher Hillier (Gunther in The Ring Cycle) plays Sixtus Beckmesser. The divinely talented Lee Abrahmsen (Sieglinde and Fricka in The Ring Cycle) plays Pogner’s daughter Eva, while the accomplished Robert Macfarlane (Mime in The Ring Cycle) plays Sach’s apprentice, David. Mezzo-soprano Deborah Humble (Erda and Waltraute in The Ring Cycle) plays Eva’s companion, Magdalene, while Steven Gallop (Fafner in The Ring Cycle) plays the Pogner. Melbourne Opera, which receives no government funding, stages multiple full-scale productions each year on Melbourne’s main stages. The company gives many young singers and musicians invaluable professional experience at the outset of their careers in the company of distinguished experienced artists. As well as mainstream repertoire, the company also presents many lesser-known masterpieces.Reviews for Melbourne Opera’s Ring Cycle, directed by Suzanne Chaundy, conducted by Anthony Negus and starring Warwick Fyfe –
“The two pillars of this Ring were Negus and Chaundy. Together they fused what we heard and saw into something compelling and memorable with performances at a consistently high level – a magnificent achievement.”Michael Shmith, Opera Magazine “Fyfe marvellously evokes everything within”Australian Arts Review
“Fyfe has often shown his charming comic talents before, but here he conveys the frustration and sorrow of a mighty figure whose mastery is waning. Fyfe demands the audience’s attention with his voice’s power, rich tone and nuance, and assurance as an actor”Limelight Magazine ★★★★☆
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg credits Conducted by internationally acclaimed Wagner maestro Anthony Negus
Directed by Wagnerian specialist Suzanne ChaundyWarwick Fyfe as Hans SachsJames Egglestone as Walther von StolzingChristopher Hillier as Sixtus BeckmesserLee Abhrahamsen as Eva Deborah Humble as Magdalene
Meisters Steven Gallop as Veit PognerMichael Lampard as Fritz KothnerHenry Choo as Kunz VogelsangDarcy Carroll as Konrad NachtigalBradley Daley as Balthasar ZornChristopher Busietta as Ulrich EisslingerAsher Reichman as Augustin MoserMichael Honeyman as Hermann OrtelAlex Pokryshevsky as Hans SchwartzPeter Tregear as Hans Foltz Henry Shaw as Nightwatchman Apprentices Amanda Windred, Breanna Stuart, Lily Ward, Leah Phillips, Josh Erdelyi-Gotz, James Penn, Timothy Daly, Hartley Trusler, Daniel Felton, Kimberley Colman and Finn Gilheany. Performances of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg are proudly sponsored by Henkel Brothers, the Victorian Wagner Society and the NSW Wagner Society. Sung in German with English subtitles. 16, 18, 20, 22 Feb 2025
Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton 3053
Tickets available via Ticketmaster The performance runs 4.5 hours plus two intervals, each running for approximately 50 minutes and 70 minutes. Catering will be available for purchase during both intervals.
On Friday 21 February, there will be a special celebratory Wagnerian dinner on stage. For more details, info@melbourneopera.com www.melbourneopera.com @MelbourneOpera |
