Victorian Opera has announced that it will premiere two operas commissioned by the company, “Echo and Narcissus”/ “Cassandra” on March 19, 2021.

“Echo and Narcissus” is the result of a collaboration between composer Kevin March and librettist Jane Montgomery Griffiths, while “Cassandra” was created by Simon Bruckard and Constantine Costi.

Conductor Sam Strong leads a cast that includes soprano Kathryn Radcliffe, baritone Nathan Lay, mezzo-soprano Shakira Dugan, tenor Samuel Sakker, and baritone Simon Meadows.

“Commissions reflect Victorian Opera’s continuing belief in the power of the operatic medium to reflect on and illuminate contemporary experience. A commission is a promise to the future, it is a demonstration of faith in the creative act and particular faith in the creatives invited to make the new work. In the dark days of lockdown, the process of making something new engendered purpose and hope in all concerned and a sense of anticipation of things to come. We now see the blossoming of the initial seeding ideas into two new and finely made works in the operatic tradition – the result of dedication, hard work and commitment to what can be achieved with skill and imagination. Victorian Opera is proud to have enabled these talented artists to realise their dream to tell two very old stories in a vital new perspective,” stated Victorian Opera Artistic Director Richard Mills in a press release.

Audiences will be able to watch the opera live at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse between March 17-20, 2021 at 7:30 pm. local time. The opera will also be available for online viewing.