NZ Opera’s 2015 'La Cenerentola'

NZ Opera’s 2015 production of La Cenerentola (Cinderella) by Rossini was an absolute delight. Produced as a joint work between Opera Queensland and NZ Opera, directed by Lindy Hume – that splendid Australian Director, no stranger to NZ Opera – and designed by Dan Potra, with lighting by Matthew Marshall, this opera engaged and delighted audiences in both Auckland and Wellington.

NZ Opera's 2015 production of 'La Cenerentola'

Particularly delightful for our NZ audiences was the engagement of three New Zealand artists in principal roles: Cinderella: Sarah Castle, Tisbe: Rachelle Pike and Clorinda: Amelia Berry. Both Rachelle and Amelia are studying in New York and making great progress, as was evident in the great impact they made as the’uglies’.

As a footnote, Sally Sloman of Opera Factory fame has been searching her archives and sent me the photo below. The Perkel Opera production of Cenerentola was particularly well  directed by former well-known actress, Alma Woods, and toured to many NZ centres, concluding with an Auckland season with orchestra conducted by Peter Walls. Sally sent me this ‘never seen before’ photo of Donald as the Prince’s adviser and Cenerentola supporter Alidoro, a lovely role which I really enjoyed.

Donald Trott in Perkel Opera's 'La Cenerentola'