Co-Opera performs Handel’s Acis and Galatea at Adelaide Botanic Garden
Co-Opera’s decision to move its production of Handel’s opera Acis and Galatea from its original indoor venue to a garden setting shows there can be an upside to social distancing.
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The gods were shining down on Co-Opera when social distancing rules prompted the company to move its next production outdoors to the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Handel’s pastoral opera Acis and Galatea tells the Greek myth of a semi-divine water nymph who transforms her murdered shepherd lover into an immortal river spirit – or, in this case, a fountain.
“It’s an idyllic location and incredibly appropriate to the opera, which was originally staged in the garden of an English stately home,’’ said Co-Opera operations manager Riana Chakravarti.
Before COVID-19 restrictions, the season was to be staged at Co-Opera’s home base, the Thomas Edmonds Opera Studio at Adelaide Showground.
“It’s very exciting for us to be pushing our boundaries and having it outdoors … it’s also opened up a world of possibilities for staging, lighting, and sound production,” Ms Chakravarti said.
The show is part of Co-Opera’s developing artist program and a collaboration with period instrument musicians Ensemble Galante.
Soprano Victoria Coxhill, who sings the role of Galatea, said she was looking forward to honing her skills.
“After the loss of most of the year’s performing work – including an international choir tour I would have just returned from – the prospect of working musically with people again and performing for an audience is a bit mind-blowing,” she said.
Co-Opera was fulfilling its purpose of bringing opera to unconventional locations, Ms Chakravarti said.
“Beautiful music under a starlit sky in the great outdoors – we can’t think of anything more magical.”
Acis and Galatea is at the Conifer Lawn, Adelaide Botanic Garden, on October 9 and 10. Book at co-opera.com.au