Based on the final chapters of Homer’s timeless poem the Odyssey, Monteverdi’s late masterpiece is an epic yet intimate story of love, constancy and sacrifice.
After fighting in the Trojan War and wandering the seas, Ulysses has finally returned home. But everything has changed and instead of a hero’s welcome, Ulysses finds his palace occupied by rival kings keen to seduce his wife Penelope and kill his son. Will Ulysses regain his wife and home?
Fernando Guimarãres, last seen in Australia in the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s Handel: Heaven and Harmony, stars as Ulysses, a role he has sung to international acclaim. Australian mezzo-soprano Catherine Carby, whose ravishing tone and deeply moving performances have earned her rave reviews around the world, joins him as Penelope.
Fernando Guimarães Ulysses
Catherine Carby Penelope
Lauren Lodge-Campbell Ericlea, Minerva, Fortuna, Sirena I
Roberta Diamond Amore, Melanto, Giunone
Nicholas Tolputt Feace I, Anfinomo, Marittimo I
Mark Wilde Eurimaco, Iro, Marittimo II
Jacob Lawrence Giove, Eumete
Nicholas Jones Telemaco, Feace II
Douglas Kelly Pisandro, Marittimo III
Wade Kernot Tempo, Nettuno, Antinoo
Erin Helyard Conductor
Chas Rader-Shieber Director
Melanie Liertz Designer