(Image Courtesy of Carriageworks)
Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Opera, and Carriageworks are collaborating to present the world premiere of Jack Symonds and Louis Garrick’s Gilgamesh.
The opera, based on the well-known myth, will be staged at Carriageworks from 26 September to 5 October 2024. It will be directed by Kip Williams, with Jeremy Kleeman in the title role, alongside Mitchell Riley, Jane Sheldon, Jessica O’Donoghue, and Daniel Todd.
Symonds described Gilgamesh as “more than four years in the making,” calling it a vast work uniting many of his favourite performers and theatre makers for what promises to be an epic, evening-length opera. He noted that he and Garrick conceived the piece to fully utilise the musical and theatrical skills their collaborators have refined since the inception of Sydney Chamber Opera. Symonds stated that, in striving to bring this extraordinary and modern story to life in all its fantastical and passionate detail, he drew upon everything he knows as a composer, performer, and conductor of contemporary opera. He also expressed gratitude for the support of Opera Australia and Sydney Chamber Opera’s home at Carriageworks, calling the opportunity to work with these artists “the privilege of a lifetime.” According to him, Gilgamesh represents Sydney Chamber Opera at its most ambitious and extreme.
This production marks the first collaboration between Opera Australia and Sydney Chamber Opera.
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