A SMASH HIT FROM THE 1680s
This is a once in a lifetime chance to experience Pinchgut’s much anticipated interpretation of this smash hit from the 1680’s. Through the power of beautiful music, enthralling storytelling and knock-out performances, Giustino is sure to captivate.
Enjoy these videos for a fascinating insight into the creation of Giustino.
A TALE SET IN A TIMELESS WORLD
A forgotten triumph of Venetian opera, Giustino is a fast-paced, kaleidoscopic and fanciful opera packed with arias and old-fashioned wonder that will leave you stamping your feet for more.
A classic rags-to-riches story of the shepherd Giustino who, through a series of adventures and magical interventions, ultimately becomes the Emperor of Rome. Treacherous journeys on the high seas, siblings embroiled in swashbuckling battles and star-crossed lovers set the scene in Legrenzi’s spectacular operatic setting.
Creature designs by Jeremy Allen
Costume designs by Melanie Liertz
"PUCCINI OF THE 17TH CENTURY
After the successes of The Loves of Apollo and Dafne by Cavalli (2021) and Orontea by Cesti (2022), Pinchgut now shines a light on the brilliant composer and grandfather of the da capo aria, Giovanni Legrenzi, who was considered the Puccini of the late 17thcentury. While Legrenzi’s operatic output was small, he was praised for “exceeding the expectations of many in cultivating charm and delight”, and Giustino is one of his great successes.
With over 70 short arias, Giustino is a truly dynamic and effervescent opera, showcasing Legrenzi’s ability to spin an unending melodic thread, and convey the nuance, mood and shifts in his characters.
A BRILLIANT LINEUP OF ARTISTS
Full of energy and exuberance, the brilliantly talented cast along with director Dean Bryant, are set to deliver another unforgettable Pinchgut Opera experience.
Making his directorial debut for Pinchgut, Dean is well known for his sensitive and insightful staging of main stage operas and musicals in Australia and internationally.
A FEAST FOR COUNTERTENOR LOVERS
A feast for countertenor lovers, Giustino features three: American Nicholas Tamagna makes his Pinchgut debut in the title role, and English star Owen Willetts (The Coronation of Poppea, 2017) makes his anticipated return, alongside Australian favourite Russell Harcourt (Artaserse, 2018). Soprano Lauren Lodge-Campbell and tenor Jacob Lawrence both return to Pinchgut after standout performances in Monteverdi’s The Return of Ulysses (2019). Joining these exceptional artists in the pivotal role of Arianna, is New Zealand born soprano Madeleine Pierard. Madeleine recently stepped in to great acclaim for Simone Young’s performances of Fidelio with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and makes her much anticipated Pinchgut debut in Giustino. A world-class ensemble of expert players from the Orchestra of the Antipodes, led by Erin Helyard, will complete this extraordinary line-up.
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SYNOPSIS
Read the full synopsis for Giustino by clicking the button below.
PRE-SHOW PODCAST
Host Genevieve Lang is joined by Pinchgut's Artistic Director Erin Helyard and director Dean Bryant to discuss the much anticipated Australian premiere of the opera Giustino by Lergrenzi.
Giustino exemplifies the heart and soul of Pinchgut Opera: bringing together the finest Baroque specialists to discover one of the forgotten treasures of the past in a fresh and exciting context.
PROGRAM
Giustino (1683) by Giovanni Legrenzi
CITY RECITAL HALL, SYDNEY
Thu 25 May 7pm | Sat 27 May 2pm | Sun 28 May 5pm | Tue 30 May 7pm | Wed 31 May 7pm
Running time 3 hours, including 20 minute interval
Tickets $62 - $225
Under 35s from $62
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ARTISTS
Anastasio
Eufemia
Vitaliano
Andronico
Polimante, Erasto and Ombra
CREATIVES
Conductor
Costume Designer
Director
Lighting Designer
Set Designer
Movement Director
LEGRENZI'S GIFT
BY GENEVIEVE LANG
Wrapped up in a box of obscurity since the 17th century, Legrenzi’s Giustino will be heard by Australian audiences for the first time in 2023.
Giovanni Legrenzi was the Puccini of the 17th century, and Il Giustino his runaway smash hit. A classic rags-to-riches historic tale with an Italian language libretto by Nicolò Beregan, Giustino is based on the life of Emperor Justin I.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work and perform, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation – the first storytellers and singers of songs.
We pay our respects to their elders past and present.
CONTACT
PO Box 291, Strawberry Hills, NSW, 2012, Australia
Ticketing and Customer Service 02 9037 3444 | ticketing@pinchgutopera.com.au
info@pinchgutopera.com.au
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