Der Gerechte by Legrenzi, Mi. 31 Mai 2023, Ab (2023/2023), Unter der Regie von Dean Bryant,, Dirigat Erin Helyard, City Recital Hall, Sydney, Australien

A triumph by one of the most important opera composers in Venice in the late 1670s and re-imagined by one of Australia’s most talented and insightful directors, we present Giustino by Giovanni Legrenzi, directed by Dean Bryant. 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. It’s a classic rags-to-riches story of the peasant Giustino who, through a series of adventures and magical interventions, ultimately becomes the Emperor of Rome. Gods, ghosts and sea-monsters spring to life in Legrenzi’s spectacular operatic setting. Making his directorial debut for Giustino is Dean Bryant, who is well known for his sensitive and insightful staging of main stage operas and musicals in Australia and internationally. 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). 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.