Pinchgut Opera Announces Plans for 2014

Hearing Double

A special announcement from Pinchgut

We are absolutely thrilled to let you know that in 2014, for the first time, Pinchgut will present two operas in a single year. Alongside our now well-established December season, we will bring another neglected operatic gem to life, this time in the middle of the year in July. What will it be? Click through to find out...

Introductions: Chris, Adrian & Nick

'It's time travel, and it's magical.'

It's always such a pleasure to introduce our cast to you. This year there are some new faces, and some we've welcomed before. But one thing's for sure: for our adventures with Jason and his Argonauts, our all-Australian cast are all aboard the good ship Pinchgut for a rollicking romp through the 17th century!

Meet Chris, Adrian and Nicholas here

Heart-warming fundraising

Together we raised almost $38,000 for Giasone.

High spirits and higher jinx were the order of the evening when a marvellous bunch of our nearest and dearest audience and performers gathered at the QVB Tea Rooms for our annual fundraiser on Monday 2 September. Her Excellency Prof Marie Bashir, Governor of NSW, opened proceedings, and spoke from the heart about Pinchgut.

The purpose of the evening - as well as having fun and a lovely meal - was to raise funds towards this year's Giasone. Together, all those present and everyone who had donated or bought a raffle ticket for the fundraiser in advance raised almost $38,000 towards this year's production. The Pinchgut team are so very grateful to you, our community, who show their support in this way. We simply couldn't do what we do without you.

To find our more about donating to Pinchgut, please contact Genevieve or Liz.

Thanks Ken

Forever a part of the fabric of Pinchgut

Pinchgut would never have happened without the input of many, many people. Here we pay tribute to one in particular. And as much as we know we're going to get a wrap over the knuckles for drawing attention to Ken Nielsen's contribution [sorry Ken - had to be done! Ed.], it behooves us to acknowledge what an extraordinary amount of time, energy, ideas and support Ken has given Pinchgut over the past 12 years.

Ken has decided to step down from Pinchgut's board. He has many, many other interests, including his recording label Vexations840, supporting new music and living composers, dreaming about his next cycling trip, and keeping ahead of the curve with all things technological. Ken will forever be a part of the fabric of Pinchgut, and his advice and opinions will continue to benefit us all as we grow into the future. Ken, heartfelt thanks from all of us. With love from the Pinchgut team.

Dates for 2014

Planning ahead for both Pinchgut operas

We know that many of our newsletter subscribers often set sail for warmer climes in the winter months. With the news of our second annual production, we hope you'll consider delaying your departure until after you've had a chance to see the Australian premiere of Salieri's The Chimney Sweep.

Here are the dates for your diaries:

The Chimney Sweep by Salieri

Three performances: Sat 5, Sun 6 & Mon 7 July 2014

Conductor Erin Helyard

Director Mark Gaal

Orchestra of the Antipodes

City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney

Iphigénie en Tauride by Gluck

Four performances: Wed 3, Fri 5, Sun 7 & Tue 9 Dec 2014

Conductor Antony Walker

Director Lindy Hume

Iphigénie Caitlin Hulcup

Cantillation & Orchestra of the Antipodes

City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney

Sharp-eyed Pinchgut People will have noticed that our performance pattern is different to previous years. But don't worry! We've retained the much-loved Sunday matinee performances, for both operas. Phewph!