Pinchgut Opera - Sydney | 19 May 2024 |
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Performance reviews
Key | Photo gallery | Production details | Video link |
TheodoraOpera AustraliaNo. 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 |
RinaldoPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
associated articles [+]
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.
We trace Handel’s journey to London and talk with Erin Helyard of Pinchgut Opera, which is staging its first Handel opera with Rinaldo.
GiustinoPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
MédéePinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
OronteaPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
Pinchgut’s sumptuous production of Orontea – with its quartet of feisty females – is sparkling entertainment |
27 May 22 / Limelight |
PlatéePinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
associated articles [+]
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”.
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 DafnePinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
Mitchell Butel’s witty direction gives early Cavalli an enticing 21st-century makeover |
21 May 21 / Limelight |
FarnacePinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 patriaPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
ArtasersePinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
AthaliaPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 PoppeaPinchgut OperaNo. 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) |
more reviews [+]
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 |
PygmalionPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 ChilonePinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
AnacreonPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
TheodoraPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
associated articles [+]
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.
The Australian mezzo is finishing off her year with Pinchgut Opera's latest show and SwanSongs Perth.
ArmidaPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
Antony Walker caressed near-perfect balance and delicious warmth out of the whole orchestra |
24 Jun 16 / Australian Stage |
L’Amant jalouxPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
associated articles [+]
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.
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.
BajazetPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 TauridePinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
associated articles [+]
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.
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 SweepPinchgut OperaNo. 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) |
more reviews [+]
Pinchgut Opera rediscovers a long-forgotten treasure |
6 Jul 14 / Sydney Morning Herald |
associated articles [+]
Pinchgut Opera punches above its weight
The small Sydney based company brings Salieri's comic hit The Chimney Sweep back to life.
The small Sydney based company brings Salieri's comic hit The Chimney Sweep back to life.
GiasonePinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
associated articles [+]
Lust and the libretto
An earthly desire drives the most rarefied of art forms.
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.
David Hansen takes the philandering title role in a 400-year-old opera receiving its Aussie premiere next month.
Castor et PolluxPinchgut OperaNo. 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 |
associated articles [+]
Starry nights for Pinchgut
Twin talk with Castor And Pollux.
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.
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 |