Après Così

Hello and welcome back to my website! Writing to you now in 2023.

Most recently I have been singing my little heart out in a production of Così fan tutte around New Zealand, with a wonderful cast, Hanna Hipp (Dorabella), Julien van Mellaerts (Guglielmo), Jonathan Abernethy (Ferrando), Andrew Foster-Williams (Don Alfonso) and Georgia Jamison-Emms (Despina). I will miss our group, we shared an amazing journey together. Every post-pandemic production has shown me deeper emotional connections to the audience and my colleagues. It is quite amazing how different it feels to perform on this side of the pandemic.

I survived (half-kidding) the cyclone in the Hawkes Bay this year, my dear friend, mezzo-soprano Kristin Darragh and I found hot water, fresh food and internet coverage in little spots around Napier, our cars gave us power for our laptops and phones, but the petrol stations were closed for a nerve-wracking 5 days. We didn’t end up performing Festival Opera’s The Magic Flute there to a paying audience, but at least we made it to the final dress rehearsal.

My experience singing Lucia di Lammermoor with Wellington Opera this year was also one with some personal challenges, but very rewarding musically. I love every opportunity to perform opposite tenor Oliver Sewell. He was astounding as Edgardo and I wish him so much success in his new Fest engagement in Bremen.

Looking ahead I have a wonderful engagement with Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, performing Wynton Marsalis’ composition, All Rise! I can’t wait.

Then I’m off to the US for some much needed coaching and then to Europe for much needed catch ups and auditions. I am calling it my RESURRECTION TOUR!

I can’t wait then to return to Sydney to perform with the amazing Erin Helyard in his baroque opera company, Pinchgut Opera, in Rinaldo. (Countertenor Jake Arditti will perform the role of Rinaldo.)

That is all my news for now! Plenty to more to come, I’m grateful to say.

Arohanui, E x