Lyric Opera of Melbourne to Present IL SIGNOR BRUSCHINO

Lyric Opera of Melbourne presents Il Signor Bruschino; a contemporary take on a beloved Rossini classic

Lyric Opera of Melbourne presents a 19th century rendering of a 'rom-com', Il Signor Bruschino by beloved Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, this June in Prahran.

Il Signor Bruschino is a charming one-act comedy, with two lovers, Florville and Sofia, attempting to deceive their elders in order to marry. Lyric Opera's production is set to showcase exceptional singing, in English, with their hallmark contemporary twist.

Melbourne soprano Rebecca Rashleigh will play the lead role of Sofia - her first as a principal artist - in a return to Lyric Opera, where she received her first operatic role as an understudy two years ago.

"I was a little hesitant to begin with - I couldn't figure out whether Sofia was smart or stupid, but as I looked deeper I realised she's an intelligent, relatable and feisty woman, very unlike the 'damsel-in-distress' opera roles I have played in the past," said Rebecca.

Much of Rebecca's inspiration comes from her family, particularly her late great aunty, who also aspired to be a professional opera singer in her youth, but was forbidden by her father - Rebecca's great-great grandfather - who believed a career in the theatre was not appropriate for a respectable woman.

"My great aunt was one of my biggest supporters, and I always keep a picture of her close to me when I perform," said Rebecca, who was Opera Scholar Australia's Scholar of the Year for 2015.

Sofia's lover Florville is being played by Shanul Sharma, former thrash metal singer turned tenor, and also a Lyric Opera returnee after starring as the title role in Werther in 2014. Shanul was recently accepted into the Wales International Academy of Voice in Cardiff, and is currently crowd funding his tuition and expenses to undertake the extraordinary opportunity.

Joining Rebecca and Shanul in this tale of intentional mistaken identity, are Bruce Raggatt, Matt Thomas, and up-and-coming director Lara Kerestes, under the mentorship of Suzanne Chaundy as part of the inaugural Opera Director's Workshop. The chamber orchestra will be conducted by Lyric Opera's Artistic Director, Pat Miller.

Lucy Wilkins - whose audacious outfits brought Lyric Opera's Pygmalion to life earlier this year - is locating the opera in the high-fashion world of early 1960's Italy.

Lyric Opera's commitment to making opera accessible for contemporary audiences and nurturing new talent is not unique to Melbourne. Recent reports by Alex Ross in the New Yorker tell of this trend similarly increasing in the United States - what Artistic Director and Conductor Pat Miller refers to as a "grass roots opera boom".

Il Signor Bruschino will be performed June 6, 8, 9 and 11 at 7.30pm each night with a final matinee performance on Sunday 12 at 2.30pm at Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran.

With the show being just over an hour, this farce of dual identity appeals to first-time and long-term opera goers alike.

More information can be found at lyricopera.com.au.

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