Opera Stars Command Sydney Opera House Stage

As Otello, in Opera Australia’s “appealing revival of Verdi’s masterwork”, New Zealander Simon O’Neill cements his reputation as “one of the world’s top heldentenors, a term usually used to describe the largest and most dramatic voices, such as those commonly demanded in Wagner’s works,” Tom Pillans writes in a Manly Daily review of the Sydney Opera House performance.

“O’Neill’s projection is phenomenal, with an awesome upper register. Even more satisfying is his ability to sustain the intensity despite the demands of being on stage for a large part of the time.

“This work is my tip for the best production of the opera season.”

Otello, one of three Mozart operas all directed by acclaimed Scottish director David McVicar, runs through 2 August.

Christchurch-born baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes, 47, also performs, as Don Giovanni, “sort of playing him as a clinical psychopath who completely objectifies the world and the people around him,” according to McVicar. Don Giovanni opens on 25 July.

Original article by Tom Pillans, Manly Daily, July 7, 2014.