Pinchgut Opera - Sydney
28 March 2024

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Rinaldo
Giustino
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Performance reviews

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Theodora

Opera Australia


No. of reviews: 3

Hume and Helyard deserve great credit for the theatrical viability of this presentation
24 Feb 24 / OperaWire
Faithful to Handel: Pinchgut Opera brings Theodora to the Sydney Opera House
10 Feb 24 / Bachtrack
Baroque is back at the Sydney Opera House in the form of Handel's pungent tale of religious intolerance and sacrifice in a polarised society
9 Feb 24 / Limelight
Rinaldo

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 6

Pinchgut’s premiere of Handel’s Rinaldo sets a new benchmark for contemporary baroque opera
6 Dec 23 / The Conversation
The company has once again attracted a cast whose international experience is overwhelming
2 Dec 23 / Stage Whispers
It’s a knock out!
2 Dec 23 / Sydney Arts Guide
A streamlined, dramatic Rinaldo from Pinchgut
2 Dec 23 / Bachtrack
Pinchgut's superlative specialist cast of singers polish Handel's 1715 hit to a dazzling shine
1 Dec 23 / Limelight
The opening night of Rinaldo showed unmistakeably that baroque opera, even so-called opera seria, can be fun
1 Dec 23 / Australian Stage
A Knight at the Opera
We trace Handel’s journey to London and talk with Erin Helyard of Pinchgut Opera, which is staging its first Handel opera with Rinaldo.
Giustino

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 5

Pinchgut’s production is superb
27 May 23 / Sydney Arts Guide
Baroque opera resurrected by Pinchgut: the eyes have it in Legrenzi's Giustino
27 May 23 / Bachtrack
As always in Pinchgut’s productions, the cast for Giustino is magnificent, both vocally and theatrically
27 May 23 / Australian Stage
Expect serpents, ships, oxen and elephants in this opera superhero story
26 May 23 / Sydney Morning Herald
A dusty Venetian gem brought to life by a impressive singers whose dramatic abilities match their vocal prowess
26 May 23 / Limelight
Médée

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 8

Médée is one of Pinchgut’s more restrained and sombre productions
10 Dec 22 / The Saturday Paper
Pinchgut Opera brings Marc-Antoine Charpentier's Médée to Sydney
6 Dec 22 / Bachtrack
Pinchgut Opera’s Médée demands to be heard
5 Dec 22 / The Conversation
Pinchgut Opera’s Medee a tour-de-force for Catherine Carby
5 Dec 22 / Sydney Morning Herald
This production of Charpentier’s Baroque opera is a marvel
3 Dec 22 / Limelight
A spell-binding performance of this troubling work
3 Dec 22 / Australian Stage
Pinchgut have chosen well for their cast
3 Dec 22 / Sydney Arts Guide
Catherie Carby thoroughly inhabits the role of Médée
3 Dec 22 / Australian Arts Review
Orontea

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Too much fun?
11 Jun 22 / OperaWire
A brisk serving of baroque
7 Jun 22 / Australian Book Review
Physical comedy detracts from Pinchgut Opera's musically ravishing Orontea in Sydney
28 May 22 / Bachtrack
Pinchgut’s sumptuous production of Orontea – with its quartet of feisty females – is sparkling entertainment
27 May 22 / Limelight
Platée

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 7

A masterpiece gets the drunken wedding treatment
15 Dec 21 / OperaWire
A romping Rameau from Pinchgut Opera
8 Dec 21 / Australian Book Review
An effervescent concoction designed to bemuse as much as to delight
4 Dec 21 / Arts Hub
Pinchgut’s production of Platée is a banquet for the senses
4 Dec 21 / Australian Stage
The after party you can't miss
4 Dec 21 / Bachtrack
Kanen Breen dazzles in a riotous production of Rameau’s comedy directed by Neil Armfield
3 Dec 21 / Limelight
This wild party is the best yet from Pinchgut
2 Dec 21 / Sydney Morning Herald
A burlesque in drag: this ain’t your grandma’s opera
Pinchgut Opera is celebrating its birthday with the most lavish, spectacular production in its 20-year history, a rollicking 18th-century opera described by artistic director Erin Helyard as a “super-sophisticated burlesque”.
Gli amori d'Apollo e di Dafne

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Quality abounded in Pinchgut Opera’s first fully staged production since 2019
24 May 21 / Australian Arts Review
Gods shine on timeless tale
24 May 21 / Sydney Morning Herald
Laurels for Pinchgut Opera's Loves of Apollo and Dafne in Sydney
22 May 21 / Bachtrack
Mitchell Butel’s witty direction gives early Cavalli an enticing 21st-century makeover
21 May 21 / Limelight
Farnace

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 7

With a reworked third Act, Farnace soars down under
8 Feb 20 / Classical Voice North America
Pinchgut have given us an entertaining and very performable opera
7 Dec 19 / Australian Book Review
A powerful production of Vivaldi’s Farnace from Sydney’s Pinchgut Opera
7 Dec 19 / Financial Times
Farnace by Vivaldi (more or less) at Pinchgut Opera
7 Dec 19 / Bachtrack
Ravishing music, virtuosic performances and an intelligent, contemporary production make for an unforgettable night
6 Dec 19 / Limelight
Pinchgut Opera is a national treasure
6 Dec 19 / Australian Stage
Beauty among the body bags
5 Dec 19 / Sydney Morning Herald
Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 7

A stylish, enjoyable, historically informed opera premiere
19 Jun 19 / EconoTimes
Erin Helyard leads the musical forces with his customary élan, absolute control, and refined musical intelligence
18 Jun 19 / Australian Book Review
The return of Monteverdi: Pinchgut takes on Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria
18 Jun 19 / Bachtrack
A stylish, enjoyable, historically informed opera premiere
18 Jun 19 / The Conversation
Pinchgut Opera once again delivers a triumph in a minimal production of a rarely performed opera
18 Jun 19 / Arts Hub
A performance which moved the audience profoundly
17 Jun 19 / Australian Stage
A rich realisation of Monteverdi's humane drama
14 Jun 19 / Limelight
Artaserse

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 5

Hasse is given glorious voice in this fascinating performance by Pinchgut Opera
5 Dec 18 / Australian Book Review
Hasse's Artaserse receives its Australian première
4 Dec 18 / Bachtrack
Four-time Grammy Award-nominated special guest star Vivica Genaux shines
3 Dec 18 / Arts Hub
A production no serious student of early music should miss
30 Nov 18 / Australian Stage
Strong music making, including a compelling performance by Vivica Genaux, is hampered by hands-off direction
30 Nov 18 / Limelight
Athalia

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 6

Whenever Emma Pearson swept on to the stage the dramatic temperature rose
28 Jun 18 / Australian Book Review
Pinchgut brings yet more exciting surprises to opera with Handel’s Athalia
26 Jun 18 / The Conversation
Pinchgut Opera's Athalia in Sydney: fabulous performance marred by directiorial problems
26 Jun 18 / Bachtrack
Athalia is musically excellent with a solid staging
26 Jun 18 / Arts Hub
Lindy Hume couldn’t coax drama out of this work
23 Jun 18 / Australian Stage
An interesting production not without its problems, balanced by some strong performances
23 Jun 18 / Limelight
L'incoronazione di Poppea

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 5

The performers engaged with the music and demands of the staging with aplomb
4 Dec 17 / Australian Book Review
A triumph for Pinchgut Opera and a great celebration of Monteverdi’s 450th birthday
4 Dec 17 / Stage Noise
Pinchgut Opera’s retelling of The Coronation of Poppea reflects our times
4 Dec 17 / The Australian (via Google)
A theatrical and musical experience unlike any other
2 Dec 17 / Australian Stage
A bold, mostly considered take on Monteverdi's potent tale of sex, power and violence
1 Dec 17 / Limelight
Pygmalion

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 7

Disconnected dégustation
20 Jun 17 / Bachtrack
Performers overcome clutter in Rameau’s Anacreon and Pigmalion
20 Jun 17 / The Australian (via Google)
Lightweight diversions
20 Jun 17 / The Opera Critic
A triple bill of delicious intermezzi by Pinchgut
19 Jun 17 / Arts Hub
Picture perfect
17 Jun 17 / A Cunning Blog
A complex interweaving of plots and realities – with fantastic music
16 Jun 17 / Limelight
Pinchgut Opera's delightful insight
16 Jun 17 / Sydney Morning Herald
Erighetta e Don Chilone

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 7

Disconnected dégustation
20 Jun 17 / Bachtrack
Performers overcome clutter in Rameau’s Anacreon and Pigmalion
20 Jun 17 / The Australian (via Google)
Lightweight diversions
20 Jun 17 / The Opera Critic
A triple bill of delicious intermezzi by Pinchgut
19 Jun 17 / Arts Hub
Picture perfect
17 Jun 17 / A Cunning Blog
A complex interweaving of plots and realities – with fantastic music
16 Jun 17 / Limelight
Pinchgut Opera's delightful insight
16 Jun 17 / Sydney Morning Herald
Anacreon

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 7

Disconnected dégustation
20 Jun 17 / Bachtrack
Performers overcome clutter in Rameau’s Anacreon and Pigmalion
20 Jun 17 / The Australian (via Google)
Lightweight diversions
20 Jun 17 / The Opera Critic
A triple bill of delicious intermezzi by Pinchgut
19 Jun 17 / Arts Hub
Picture perfect
17 Jun 17 / A Cunning Blog
A complex interweaving of plots and realities – with fantastic music
16 Jun 17 / Limelight
Pinchgut Opera's delightful insight
16 Jun 17 / Sydney Morning Herald
Theodora

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 6

Pinchgut’s Theodora brings the irrational power of love to uncertain times
3 Dec 16 / The Conversation
A musical, if not dramatic, triumph in Sydney
3 Dec 16 / Bachtrack
Valda Wilson’s Theodora was no simpering virgin maid but a strong woman
2 Dec 16 / Australian Book Review
The two principal parts were both performed with consummate, sometimes breathtaking virtuosity
2 Dec 16 / Australian Stage
Seraphic beauty fit for the choirs of angels
1 Dec 16 / Sydney Morning Herald
Inspired musical values and post-Trump passions let down by awkward staging
1 Dec 16 / Limelight
Caitlin Hulcup on Handel's Theodora and celebrating Xmas
The Australian mezzo is finishing off her year with Pinchgut Opera's latest show and SwanSongs Perth.
Armida

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Star turns (and zombies) help Haydn's musical sorceress cast her spell
1 Jul 16 / Limelight
Confusion has such lovely music!
25 Jun 16 / Bachtrack
Music wins in Pinchgut's magic tale of warriors and witches
24 Jun 16 / Sydney Morning Herald
Antony Walker caressed near-perfect balance and delicious warmth out of the whole orchestra
24 Jun 16 / Australian Stage
L’Amant jaloux

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 5

This is one of Pinchgut’s best explorations yet of opera obscura
5 Jan 16 / Opera Britannia
Sublimely ridiculous: Grétry’s L’Amant jaloux another hit for Pinchgut Opera
9 Dec 15 / Bachtrack
It's frivolous, frothy, and fun, and amazingly well performed
5 Dec 15 / Australian Stage
Pinchgut Opera plays lovers' tiffs for laughs
4 Dec 15 / Sydney Morning Herald
A testament to the vivacity of Australian music culture
4 Dec 15 / Limelight
Pocket-sized companies keeping opera interesting
Not all Australian opera is frilly, federally funded fare. Pinchgut Opera airs a forgotten masterpiece of fun – L’amant jaloux – with a young cast in the finest of voice.
Bajazet

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 5

Once again, Pinchgut has dressed up a rather dubious candidate in lovely finery
7 Aug 15 / Opera Britannia
Pinchgut Opera concocts a striking Vivaldi pasticcio
8 Jul 15 / Bachtrack
The latest offering from Pinchgut Opera more than meets the company's previously high standards
8 Jul 15 / Arts Hub
The musical achievement for this entire production is absolutely staggering
6 Jul 15 / Daily Review
Pinchgut Opera's gripping tale a glorious triumph of intensity
5 Jul 15 / Sydney Morning Herald
Iphigenie en Tauride

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 5

Iphigénie en Tauride receives a Rolls Royce treatment
1 Jan 15 / Opera Britannia
Iphigénie en Tauride is superb and makes for a great early Christmas gift
8 Dec 14 / Arts Hub
Compelling and uncomplicated Iphegénie en Tauride storms into Sydney
5 Dec 14 / Bachtrack
A dramatic feast even the gods approve of
4 Dec 14 / Sydney Morning Herald
A work of pure theatrical magic
4 Dec 14 / The Conversation
Pinchgut draws ex-pat stars back for Iphigenie en Tauride
Caitlin Hulcup and Grant Doyle might not be familiar to Sydney opera-goers. They seldom perform in Australia. Pinchgut Opera's Iphigenie en Tauride is their first production together.
The Chimney Sweep

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Eighteenth-century Salieri romp given new life by Pinchgut Opera
8 Jul 14 / Bachtrack
A robust, enthusiastic production
7 Jul 14 / Australian Stage
Pinchgut gets back to basics with Salieri’s cleverly crafted singspiel
7 Jul 14 / The Australian (via Google)
Pinchgut Opera rediscovers a long-forgotten treasure
6 Jul 14 / Sydney Morning Herald
Pinchgut Opera punches above its weight
The small Sydney based company brings Salieri's comic hit The Chimney Sweep back to life.
Giasone

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 5

This impressive revival makes it hard to understand how Cavalli’s racy opera ever became neglected
13 Dec 13 / Financial Times
A fresh and lively winner
8 Dec 13 / Sydney Morning Herald
Giasone, the glory of it all
6 Dec 13 / The Culture Concept Circle
Carry on Cavalli complete with musical mix-ups, mayhem and Jason in the tub
6 Dec 13 / Limelight
What a triumph!
6 Dec 13 / Australian Stage
Lust and the libretto
An earthly desire drives the most rarefied of art forms.
Pinchgut's bid for the Golden Fleece
David Hansen takes the philandering title role in a 400-year-old opera receiving its Aussie premiere next month.
Castor et Pollux

Pinchgut Opera


No. of reviews: 5

An awesome trek through the cosmos
11 Dec 12 / The Berkshire Review
Pinchgut Opera offers a marvellous performance of Rameau's Castor et Pollux in Sydney
10 Dec 12 / Bachtrack
Music the real hero in this tale of brotherly love and sacrifice
10 Dec 12 / Sydney Morning Herald
Starry nights for Pinchgut
Twin talk with Castor And Pollux.
Star-crossed Bromance of the French Baroque
Pinchgut Opera explores Rameau’s bizarre operatic love triangle in Castor & Pollux.
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Performance schedule
Purcell
30 May to 3 Jun 2024
Allegri, Schmelzer, Biber
24 to 25 Aug 2024
Handel
21 to 27 Nov 2024

News & Articles

Pinchgut Opera launches 2024 season
Hail Caesar! Sydney's Baroque opera specialists to present some of the most enduring works in the repertoire in 2024.
10 Oct 2023 / Limelight
Pinchgut Opera announces its 2023 season
With an Australian premiere by Legrenzi and a masterpiece by Handel, the company continues its tradition of breathing new life into unknown or rarely performed works.
6 Oct 2022 / Limelight
A burlesque in drag: this ain’t your grandma’s opera
Pinchgut Opera is celebrating its birthday with the most lavish, spectacular production in its 20-year history, a rollicking 18th-century opera described by artistic director Erin Helyard as a “super-sophisticated burlesque”.
23 Nov 2021 / Sydney Morning Herald
Pinchgut Opera announces two Aussie premieres in its 2022 line-up
Charpentier’s greatest hit and a rarity by Cesti head an eclectic program for Pinchgut Opera in 2022.
24 Sep 2021 / Limelight
Pinchgut Opera launches spring digital season
Pinchgut At Home will feature recordings of four of Pinchgut’s acclaimed recent productions in a digital season running until the end of the year.
10 Sep 2021 / Limelight