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Opera: English eccentrics

9 October 2015

The next generation of Australian opera singers from the University of Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music will perform Australian composer Malcolm Williamson's operatic interpretation of Edith Sitwell's novel, English Eccentrics.

 

Where English wit and Australian larrikinism collide, the comic opera offers a sideways look at a collection of quirky characters from English society. Bonkers and barking mad, each character more bizarre than the last, the opera introduces us to a weird and wonderful palette of aristocracy, tradesmen, maids and clergy and exploring the eccentricities that lie within.

English Eccentrics is one of Malcolm Williamson’s most important works
Stephen Mould, musical director and Chair of Opera Productions at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music

 

“English Eccentrics is one of Malcolm Williamson’s most important works, and a natural choice to programme in celebration of the Centenary of the Sydney Conservatorium, of which Malcolm Williamson was an alumnus,” said Stephen Mould, musical director and Chair of Opera Productions at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

“The opera is a humorous and poignant setting for a subject which embraces high comedy as well as the tragic, from a text which is a literary classic.”  

Australian composer Malcolm Williamson studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before embarking on a prolific career as a composer. His diverse work spanned opera, jazz, choral and orchestral works and in 1974 he was appointed Master of the Queen's Music.

Details:

What: Opera: English Eccentrics

When: 12 October (6.30pm), 14 October (6.30pm), 16 October (6.30pm), 17 October (2pm)

Where: Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Tickets: $50 adult, $25 senior/concession, $25 student/child available from cityrecitalhall.com or 1300 797 118

Sitou Sally

Higher degree research student
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