CREATIVE CUTS - Maleny Singers delight with short comic opera

The Maleny Singers are very pleased to be joining forces once again with Kim Kirkman's Inspiration Project Choir in June of this year to perform Leoncavallo's black comedy Pagliacci, a short opera which includes some very famous and well-known arias. 

The opera explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the blurring lines between art and reality, with some wonderful, jolly work for the chorus as they prepare their Italian village for the annual visit of a touring theatre group.  

The content of the opera is a play within a play, and in the second short act, the chorus is the audience as they become very involved with what is happening on stage.

The Maleny Singers are especially pleased to be working again with Vanessa West who was stunning in her performance of Santuzza with them two years ago.  Since then, she presented her own show – The Puccini Effect for Maleny Arts Council last year and was received with great acclaim!    

The Maleny Singers also welcome back a great favourite, Kim Kirkman, who will once again conduct. 

They are also pleased to introduce another guest in the form of Shelden Mathieson, who sings the role of Silvio (the lover). Shelden is almost a local as he teaches at Glasshouse.  He has also been part of Opera Queensland for many years.

Additionally, local talent comes to the fore thanks to Colin Dunn, who will sing the heroic part of Canio – the tragic clown, Ian Rix singing Tonio, the evil one!, and Rod Johnson, who is enchanting as Beppe the 'pretend' lover.  

The production will be directed by Margaret Taylor, and the orchestra of over 20 players will accompany as usual.

Maleny is so lucky to have this opportunity of seeing something of this calibre without having to travel to Brisbane or Sydney. Mark your calendars and be sure to book your seats early – booking is open now. (Pictured: Colin Dunn, Ian Rix, Shelden Mathieson and Vanessa West.)

See you there!