Media Resources

Richard Gill has hand-picked works for Opera in the Otways

Danielle Calder and Dimity Shepherd with Victorian Opera's Richard Gill

Issued: Nov 22, 2011

VICTORIAN Opera’s musical director Richard Gill is unabashed about his ‘selfish’ approach to hand-picking more than 20 works for Saturday’s (November 26) Opera in the Otways programme at Cape Otway Lightstation.

The audience, expected to be in excess of 300, will hear works from opera masterpieces exploring love, loss, sensuality and surprise including Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Mozart’s the Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and Cosi fan tutte; Bizet’s Carmen, Puccini’s Tosca; plus Verdi’s Rigoletto.

“I love all of this music, I’ve been very selfish and I’ve programmed all the things I love,” said Richard, who will lead a 12 piece orchestra and four singers.

“It’s a full operatic programme and each of the works is challenging and difficult for the singers, there’s no dumbing down and there’s no compromises being made.”

He chose to showcase arias, duets, overtures and a quartet by the world’s favourite opera composers which will be performed by baritone Roger Lemke, rich mezzo soprano Dimity Shepherd, lyric soprano Emily Burke and Columbian dramatic tenor Carlos Barcenas.

“We’re thrilled to have Jo Beaumont leading the orchestra on first violin who was Concertmaster at La Scala in Milan,” Mr Gill said.

Mr Gill said he was looking forward to returning to the Lightstation based on Victorian Opera’s experience last year.

“We’re really looking forward to returning to the Otways, we enjoyed the experience enormously last year, as did the cast. We’re all counting the minutes.

“I’ve had a small effigy of the Lighthouse stuck to my computer ever since, so Cape Otway is with me every day.”

MC for the fourth Opera in the Otways is comedian Damian Callinan, Melbourne-based gypsy/tango trio The Stiletto Sisters will play from 2pm, with the gala concert beginning at 4pm.

Cape Otway Lightstation manager Paul Thompson said last year’s event was transferred at the last minute to Apollo Bay when extreme weather made hosting the opera al fresco impossible.

“This year we have a very good weather outlook – mostly sunny and 21 degrees – and we’re confident Opera in the Otways will be staged with the Southern Ocean and historic lighthouse as our backdrop,” Mr Thompson said.

“People can still purchase tickets via our website www.otwaysopera.com.au – it’s a great way to enjoy fabulous entertainment and some of the region’s best food, wine and beer.”

Opera in the Otways was the brainchild of Otway Scenic Circle Association tourism operators who held the first two events at Melba Gully in 2007 and 2008.

Mr Thompson said Opera in the Otways was made possible by the ongoing support of the Lightstation, Otways Tourism and Colac Otway Shire and a range of sponsors.

“It’s an exciting event and we’re very proud to be hosting Victorian Opera who deservedly received a standing ovation last year,” he added.

For more information contact Lightstation manager Paul Thompson on 5237 9240 or mobile: 0429 194574.

Picture shows: At last year’s Opera in the Otways performers Danielle Calder and Dimity Shepherd with Victorian Opera’s Richard Gill thrill to the audience’s standing ovation.

Star cast confirmed for Opera in the Otways 2011

Richard Gill Dimity Shepherd Damian Callinan The Stiletto Sisters

Issued: Sep 20, 2011

OPERA in the Otways fans have been promised stratospheric arias and uplifting overtures performed by big baritone Roger Lemke, Columbian tenor Carlos Barcenas, rich mezzo soprano Dimity Shepherd and expressive soprano Emily Burke when Victorian Opera plays at Cape Otway Lightstation.

The state opera company’s musical director Richard Gill has handpicked works from seven exhilarating and timeless operas to be performed by a 12-piece orchestra with a backdrop of the Southern Ocean and the 1848 lighthouse on Saturday, November 26.

The programme will feature more than 20 works from operas including Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and Così fan tutte, Bizet’s Carmen and Verdi’s Rigoletto.

“For the Otways we have chosen a gala concert of well-known operatic arias and ensembles from seven popular operas. Tunes galore with more and more,” said Richard Gill a regular on TV’s Spicks and Specks.

MC for the soiree, from 2pm-6pm, will be broadcaster and comedian Damian Callinan.

Melbourne’s Stiletto Sisters, who play a vibrant blend of Hungarian gypsy, tango and love songs from around the globe, will also perform on the main stage.

The trio are Hungarian-trained violinist Hope Csutoros from My Friend the Chocolate Cake, piano accordion player Judy Gunson, from Cosmo Cosmolino, and Jo To on double bass.

The Stiletto Sisters, perform three-part harmonies in Latin, Yiddish and Hungarian love songs are regulars at the Spiegeltent and recently returned from a successful European tour.

Opera in the Otways will also feature roving performers.
Cape Otway Lightstation manager Paul Thompson said the fourth Opera in the Otways would promote the region’s best handmade gourmet delicacies, wines and beers.

“Opera in the Otways is synonymous with good food and wine, great entertainment and a celebration of classics – classic music and classic operas in a classic setting,” Mr Thompson said.

High school students from across the region, who will undertake a masterclass with Richard Gill, will also perform as part of the Opera in the Otways programme.

“The students will spend a day at Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre undertaking an intensive masterclass with Richard Gill and will have the chance to form a chorus the following day singing with the stars of Victorian Opera at the Lightstation,” Mr Thompson said.

“Last year the students who sang in the chorus were very excited to join Victorian Opera on the stage and their performances were a hit with the audience.”

Earlybird tickets are available until the end of September online at www.otwaysopera.com.au or by calling the Lightstation on 5237 9240.

Costa's call to veggie growers and farmers

Issued: Oct 03, 2010

COSTA Georgiadis, the beard behind the backyard revolution which is sweeping the country, has invited farmers, wannabe veggie growers and permaculture converts to fire questions at him at the Otways Paddock to Plate festival at Cape Otway Lightstation on Saturday, October 16.

Costa is one of the star attractions of the festival which celebrates locally produced fine foods, wine and beer, in tandem with Victorian Opera’s gala at Opera in the Otways.

While most people know Costa from his exuberant style as the presenter of Costa’s Garden Odyssey on SBS, there is less known about his work in regenerative agriculture.

“I’ve just done a series of education workshops looking at a holistic approach to agriculture including keyline ploughing and management with bio-fertilisers and compost tea. It’s a more integrated approach to the business of farming, so it gives the farmer back control over his own land,” Costa said.

The Sydney based gardener who works all over Australia is looking forward to helping backyard growers and farmers with their site-specific challenges.
He’s passionate about the importance of growing healthy, chemical free produce that’s harvested and consumed within hours of it leaving the soil and said Paddock to Plate was a perfect match for his approach to food and gardening.

“I thought it was really sweet when I got the invite to Otways Paddock to Plate, and I’m looking forward to it, because I haven’t been into the heart of the Otways before,” said Costa.

“The great thing is the paddock can be the back verandah, the front yard, the nature strip or a 12 inch pot on your front door step and it can yield an incredible amount,” said Costa, who is lining up another series of Costa’s Garden Odyssey.
Otways Paddock to Plate organiser Sue Ladewig said Costa had a great zeal for educating children and adults about the earthy joys of growing fruit and vegetables.

“He will talk to people about the benefits of living in harmony with Mother Nature’s cycles and seasons and will also lead free workshops for children between midday and 2pm,” Sue said.

“Kids will be able to take home their own potted seeds from Costa’s workshop and he will demonstrate how to plant a bale of hay with vegetables.”
She said the food, beer and wine festival would include a range of freshly harvested, delicious Otways foods and drinks. Each stall holder was required to use a minimum of 80 per cent Otways produce in their Paddock to Plate servings.

Admission to Paddock to Plate between 11am and 2pm is included in the Lightstation entrance fee. People staying on for Opera in the Otways can buy tickets from the Lightstation.

For more information on Paddock to Plate or Opera in the Otways see www.otwayspaddocktoplate.com.au.

Sue Ladewig can be contacted on 03 5235 9273.

Costa from SBS appearing at Otways Paddock to Plate Festival

Issued: Sep 21, 2010

TV gardener Costa Georgiadis will lead a workshop for kids and field questions from backyard vegie growers at the first Otways Paddock to Plate harvest festival at Cape Otway Lightstation on Saturday, October 16.

Beech Forest chef and Paddock to Plate organiser Sue Ladewig said the eco-visionary Costa, who champions growing organic fruit and vegetables in family and community gardens, would be a hit at the festival which was all about celebrating the bounty of produce and fine food, beer and wine made in the Otways.

Otways Paddock to Plate is a partner event to Opera in the Otways – showcasing Victorian Opera’s gala Broadway to Opera at the Lightstation on October 16.

“The Otways is full of traditional farmers and people who have moved here in search of the good life wanting to grow their own fruit and vegetables,” Ms Ladewig said.

“Many of us have a keen interest in growing organic produce, living an environmentally friendly lifestyle, and who better than Costa to inspire us to get stuck into our gardens in spring – I think he’s the Steve Irwin of the edible plants world.

“Families love Costa’s Garden Odyssey on SBS, he’s so willing to share his knowledge, and he’s a perfect fit for Paddock to Plate,” she added.

In order to qualify for Paddock to Plate all stall holders have to guarantee at least 80% of their ingredients are sourced from the Otways.

“We will have gourmet wood-fired pizzas, a Birregurra Farm Foods barbecue, salad bar, local cheeses, wine, beer and sweet treats for everyone at Paddock to Plate and Opera in the Otways,” Ms Ladewig said.

Costa’s free vegie planting workshop for children will be offered between midday and 2pm.

For more information on Paddock to Plate or Opera in the Otways see www.otwayspaddocktoplate.com.au.

Sue Ladewig can be contacted on 03 5235 9273.

Master Class with Richard Gill

Issued: Sep 15, 2010

VICTORIAN Opera, Cape Otway Lightstation and Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre have combined forces to give senior high school students from more than 30 schools across the south-west region the chance to join a vocal master class with inspirational music educator Richard Gill.
The students will also be invited to create a chorus, supporting four of Victoria’s finest singers at Opera in the Otways at Cape Otway Lightstation on Saturday, October 16.

Lightstation manager Paul Thompson said the partnership with Victorian Opera and COPACC would give teenagers an exciting chance to perform at the Opera to Broadway gala with singers Roger Lemke, Danielle Calder, James Egglestone and Dimity Shepherd.

“Richard Gill, who will be known to most students from his appearances on Spicks & Specks and his work with regional schools, will take up to take up to 30 young singers under his wing.

“The master class will be offered at COPACC on Friday, October 15, and then the following day the students will have the thrill of singing with the State’s best opera singers. They will be accompanied by a full orchestra and conducted by Richard Gill on a purpose built stage by the 162 year old lighthouse.

“The Lightstation has a longstanding relationship with COPACC and is extending its arts philanthropy by hosting Opera in the Otways and the students’ master class. Our sponsorship of the event gives people from the region a truly affordable chance to see great opera and a variety of performers from across the region.”

Mr Gill, who’s passion for youth music education, has won him a strong reputation around the world, said he would work with a repetiteur and students at COPACC in a day-long session which he encouraged music teachers to attend.

“Music education should be the birthright of every child in the country and unfortunately this isn’t so,” Mr Gill said.

“Any opportunity we can make to include children in music is vital to their health and mental well-being.

“The scientific evidence is in … music works on the whole brain in so many beneficial ways that not to have music in education is to say that you will not educate children properly.”

COPACC manager Karen Patterson said the performing arts centre had a strong focus on youth audience development and was excited to be working with Victorian Opera, a relatively new company which had made a big and influential impact on opera in the state.

“We have sent letters to high schools in Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite, Ballarat, Geelong and Warrnambool and hope we attract students with a genuine interest in music to be part of this wonderful opportunity to learn, with a performance outcome at an exciting event,” she said.

A fine cast from Victorian Opera

Issued: Sep 12, 2010

Victorian Opera has confirmed a fine cast of exciting singers for Opera in the Otways including sought after soprano Danielle Calder, Helpmann Award winner and tenor James Egglestone, mezzo soprano Dimity Shepherd and baritone Roger Lemke.

Conductor Richard Gill said all four had beautiful voices and were looking forward to performing at Cape Otway Lightstation for the gala performance of Opera to Broadway on Saturday, October 16.

“These four singers are amongst the best of Victoria’s vocal talent and will be singing arias and songs which suit them especially well,” Mr Gill said.

“Danielle Calder is a strong lyric soprano with a glorious sound; Dimity Shepherd is a rich mezzo-soprano who sits very easily in all styles of singing including music theatre, opera and contemporary singing; Roger Lemke is a big strong baritone from Ballarat with a very attractive voice, and James Egglestone is a beautiful lyric tenor.

Melbourne’s Danielle Calder recently performed the role of the Governess in Victorian Opera’s The Turn of the Screw and has performed lead roles with Opera Australia, OzOpera, Melbourne Opera, and Opera North UK, to name a few.

Dimity Shepherd’s operatic roles include Cherubino in The Marriage Of Figaro and Rosina in The Barber Of Seville for Opera Australia; Carmen for Oz Opera, Tisbe in Cenerentola and Stephano in Romeo & Juliet, both for Opera Queensland, Orphée in Orphée et Eurydice, Alice in Through The Looking Glass and Arsamene in Xerxes all for Victorian Opera and most recently, Lucy in The Threepenny Opera for Victorian Opera/The Malthouse.

Melbourne-based Dimity created the title role in the world premiere season of Jonathan Mill’s The Ghost Wife at the Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney festivals. At the BITE02 festival in London, Dimity appeared as Rebecca in Opera Australia’s seasons of Paul Grabowsky’s Love In The Age Of Therapy. She also created the lead role in Chamber Made Opera’s premiere season of Crossing Live.

Young tenor James Egglestone has already built up an impressive list of credits with many national and international performing companies. For the Belcanto Festival in The Netherlands, he performed Elvino in La Sonnambula and Don Carissimo in La Dirindina; for Melbourne Opera, the roles of Tamino in The Magic Flute and Nadir in The Pearl Fishers; Pang in Turandot for the Puccini Festival of Australia and Remendado in Carmen for West Australian Opera. He has sung lead roles for Victorian Opera as Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, and Ferrando in Cosi fan tutte. He has performed as a soloist with the Melbourne, West Australian, Adelaide and Canberra Symphony Orchestras, Auckland Philharmonia, Sydney Philharmonia as well as the Twilite Orchestra in Jakarta, Indonesia.

One of Australia’s best known singers, Roger Lemke has achieved the rare success of combining a successful career as opera and concert singer as well as a performer in music theatre.

He has appeared with all the major opera companies in Australia and New Zealand in leading baritone roles, and is noted for his performances of Marcello in La bohéme in the famous Baz Lurmann production for the Australian opera. On the concert platform he has performed at Carols by Candlelight in Sydney and Melbourne which were televised nationally and is a regular performer with the Australian Pops Orchestra. Roger’s music theatre appearances include Old Deuteronomy in Cats and Javert in the tenth anniversary Cameron Mackintosh production of Les Miserables. He has CDs and videos available through ABC Classics and has appeared in The Wiggles Movie.

Otways alive with the sound of opera

Issued: Aug 13, 2010

OPERA in the Otways is back, with Cape Otway Lightstation presenting the Victorian Opera in a gala concert of the most-loved operatic and Broadway favourites in the spectacular surrounds of the lighthouse.

At Opera in the Otways, on Saturday, October 16, Victorian Opera’s music director Richard Gill will conduct some of the State’s finest voices, accompanied by a full orchestra for a concert of popular arias, duets, and ensemble pieces.

The state opera company’s programme will include songs from household favourites Rigoletto, La bohème, The Magic Flute and Carmen, plus Broadway hits Oklahoma, The King and I, Oliver, A Little Night Music, and The Threepenny Opera.
The gala will feature a choir of the region’s school children who will perform on the day alongside professional artists who have appeared in Victorian Opera’s recent, acclaimed productions of Julius Caesar and The Turn of the Screw.

Richard Gill has promised a rousing performance at Australia’s most significant lighthouse, adding: “Performing in regional Victoria is one of the most vital aspects of Victorian Opera’s work. We want to inspire a whole generation of artists and audiences throughout all of Victoria.”

Lightstation manager Paul Thompson said Opera in the Otways was being relocated from Melba Gully to make space for the event’s growing audience.

“This is a great event which people from Melbourne and regional Victoria have embraced and in the Lightstation grounds we can give them an even better experience in another iconic and equally beautiful Otways location,” Mr Thompson said.

“We’re really excited to be able to bring a headline act the calibre of Victorian Opera to the Otways in a family-friendly setting with stunning views, great food and wine, and at an affordable price.

“The Lightstation has a fascinating past with many highly dramatic stories of its own that make it a fitting backdrop for opera.”

In addition to Victorian Opera there will be a fun programme of roving performers and main-stage entertainment, highlighting some of the region’s talented performers. Free activities will be provided for children.”

Opera in the Otways is synonymous with good food and wine, and this year people will be spoilt for choice.

The region’s best produce, wine, beer and hand-made gourmet delicacies will be served at a Paddock to Plate celebration at the Lightstation on October 16.

Tickets to Opera in the Otways are available online at www.otwaysopera.com.au or from the Lightstation.

For more information on this exciting event see www.otwaysopera.com.au where there is information on accommodation package
offers for Opera in the Otways.

For regular updates follow the event on Twitter: @otwaysopera

For more information please contact Lightstation manager Paul Thompson on 03 5237 9240 or at info[at]otwaysopera[dot]com[dot]au