February 18th, 2024Rare opera revival
Daylesford is soon to experience a rare operatic experience when Lyster Opera presents the first professional revival of Friedrich von Flotow’s Martha in many years.
From the mid-nineteenth century until the outbreak of WWI, Martha was amongst the most performed musical works in the world.
Its unique blend of comedy and romantic drama, coupled with a rich and beautiful score, endeared it to audiences worldwide, and it was said to be Queen Victoria’s favourite opera. It was a direct influence on many composers, including Sir Arthur Sullivan, who conducted it many times.
For director, and Lyster Opera founder, Jamie Moffat, its neglect in recent years is inexplicable. “The score is amongst the most ravishing I have ever heard,” he says.
“Apart from some instantly recognisable pieces, such as The Last Rose of Summer which is woven throughout, it is in turn funny and at times unbearably moving. Finding a cast to do it justice is a challenge, and we are so lucky to have singers who can bring it to life.”
Martha tells the story of two Irish noblewomen who, bored with life at the Queen’s Court, decide to disguise themselves as servants and visit the local fair at Richmond. There they are hired by two farmers to attend to their housework – when comedy turns to romance and a bad case of mistaken identity.
The cast is made up of experienced singers who have performed regularly at Melbourne Opera and Victorian Opera, as well as newcomers.
Paul Biencourt and Michael Lampard play the brothers Lionel and Plunkett who hire Lady Harriett
(Jesse Linke) and Nancy (Maria Woolford) without knowing their true identities.
Newcomer Nicholas Sheppard plays the Richmond Sheriff, who ensures that the laws of the Shire are adhered to, and Troy Castle brings slapstick comedy to the role of Lord Mickelford.
This is Lyster Opera’s first visit to Daylesford Town Hall and is on a larger scale than previous productions, and features new costumes and sets. Musical direction is by Pamela Christie, who has been an audience favourite at previous Lyster performances.
There is one performance only on February 24 at 2pm. Tickets: lysteropera.com.au (concessions available)
